Can one piece of clothing change your whole mood? Mary Mandefield explores the dopamine dressing trend - dressing to boost your happiness.
I’ve never been that interested in fashion. As a kid I would wear baggy jeans and oversized shirts. My priority was getting messy and as long as I was comfortable enough to climb a tree, I was happy.
As I reached adulthood and entered more corporate settings, H&M, Topshop and M&S seemed to be the go-to high street shops to create a more image conscious wardrobe. I reluctantly wore blouses and straight leg trousers. Trainers were swapped with smart shoes and rucksacks were replaced with over the shoulder bags. As my jobbs changed from office led marketing roles to working on more creative projects, I found my taste in clothes did too. Becoming more aware of the effects of fast fashion, I jumped into the world of styling myself with just second hand gems.
I trailed charity shops for the brightest jumpsuits, I’d scroll on eBay for hours to scour out pre-loved designer coats and shoes and I’d find myself checking depop more than instagram. I was hooked.
I saw a quote that said ‘my life is a simulation, I’m just in charge of the outfits’, and do you know what, I get it. I’m now a presenter and speaker, and the industry can be really tough and unpredictable. It’s hard to feel like you have a grasp on what you’ll be working on next, but one of the things I take pleasure in is the fact that 99% of the time, I get to choose what I’m wearing. I am in control of how I can express myself that way – I know that my choices are sustainable and can lift my mood. My love for bright colours and OTT textures means I usually leave the house looking like a kids entertainer, and I’m never mad about it.
Here’s some of the pieces which I know I can throw on an instantly feel the most ‘me’
THE purple jacket. A drunk Glastonbury purchase which was created for an attention seeker like me. It kept me warm for the rest of the festival and it meant £80 went to Oxfam for the great work they do. They know me so well on site because I shop at all their festival stores. Have you ever worn a jacket that has almost transformed you into a more vibrant character? If not, come over to mine and borrow the coat for the day.
Platforms. To walk a little taller and to make sure you can see the stage at a gig. No, but in all seriousness, platforms are the ultimate confidence booster for me.
An initial on your jumper so no one forgets your name. Wearing something with your name or initial on is a great conversation starter. In my industry you’re a small fish in a big pond and you want everyone to remember your name. I also love that this jumper reminds me of the type Molly Weasley would knit for the family in the Harry Potter films. Magical!
Always looking for inspiration for the next items I want to find, I chatted to some of my favourite creative thinkers, makers and doers. I asked ‘what piece of clothing changes your whole mood’.
Meet Jazmin, she loves to look sexy but with an edge. She shares that ‘I feel most myself when I mix contrasting prints, textures and cuts – it mirrors different sides to my personality. Silk slips with chunky leather accessories means I can play around with both feminine and masculine energies.’
For Kasia, it’s all about lifting her mood with bright colours – her ever changing hair colour reflects that too. She says ‘These jeans are 100% me. I hand painted them with all my favourite colours, and I purchased them second hand, so they’re sustainable too!’ Kind to the planet and one of a kind.
Musician Kenan shared a look which represents their vulnerability being their power. Spending a lot of time on stage means making an impression before the audience has even heard you sing. ‘My ‘No Tears Just Pearls’ look is about looking delicate & poised but also striking & captivating. In this outfit it reminds me that I’m here & whoever will witness me will have no option but to accept me for me!’
‘Confidence comes from within but the right outfit can make it come out!’ After knowing Ge to rock everything from band tees and skinny jeans to dressy dresses, seeing her in a suit made me stop my scrolling. We’ve been friends since we were teens and there was something I really love about this gorgeous green suit. She shares ‘I was once told that “you have to wear the suit – the suit can’t wear you”. And when I put this outfit on I feel like a boss woman.’
Mary Mandefield is a presenter, writer and content creator. Connect with her @mary.mandefield
