JANUARY is often considered the ideal time for a much-needed wardrobe clearout, as we seek to refresh and reorganise our clothes.
With the month widely regarded as the most dreary of the year, some turn to the concept of dopamine dressing, using bright, bold, mood-boosting outfits to help combat the January blues and inject some much-needed joy into our lives.
If you’re tired of wearing the same clothes day in and day out, it might be time to inject some brighter colours into your everyday wardrobe and rediscover the joy of dressing!
If you want to dip your toe in first, then adding a bright accessory is a great way to inject some colour without fully committing.
Or, if you’re like Abby, our Deputy Fashion Editor, and already embrace some colours, why not go for a head-to-toe look?
Need a little inspo? Our Fabulous fashion team have pieced together their dopamine-boosting outfits to bring a touch of joy to the first month of the year.
Clemmie Fieldsend, 34, Fashion Editor
Clemmie’s dopamine outfit[/caption]
- Sweatshirt, £69, Albaray – BUY NOW
- Jacket, £79.99, Zara – BUY NOW
- Jeans, £45, River Island – BUY NOW
- Bag, £149, Mango – BUY NOW
- Trainers, £14, Primark – BROWSE HERE
I wouldn’t say I wear bright shades often, but I’m trying to embrace the trend more as dopamine dressing is proven to work.
I love red accessories and fell in love with this jumper from Albaray when I saw it – so fingers crossed each time I put it on, it has the same effect.
I’m also loving these butter-yellow barrel jeans from River Island, as the colour is muted and on-trend.
I know it’s not the boldest colour in the world, but pairing with tones of brown brings the look together and creates a polished outfit.
Plus, the trainers add pattern and a nod to the animal-print trend.
Abby McHale, 30, Deputy Fashion Editor
Abby’s dopamine outfit[/caption]
- T-shirt, £35, COS – BUY NOW
- Jacket, £119.99, Mango – BUY NOW
- Trousers, £25, Next – BUY NOW
- Bag, £19.90, Uniqlo – BUY NOW
- Trainers, £150, Alohas at Schuh – BUY NOW
I love colour – open my wardrobe and a rainbow practically falls out!
But I do like to team my more colourful pieces with neutrals to give me some balance, which is exactly what I’ve done here.
I’m a sucker for pink and green together, so this pink T-shirt from COS goes so well with these gingham trousers from Next.
And while it is giving spring vibes, I’ve added a cream puffer over the top to make it weather-appropriate for this time of year.
I’m obsessed with colourful trainers and the colourway on these Alohas trainers is right up my street.
Finishing off with my trusty Uniqlo bag, this is the perfect relaxed, comfy outfit that makes me smile every time I wear it.
Tracey Lea Sayer, 53, Fashion Director
Tracey’s dopamine outfit[/caption]
- Coat, £54.99, H&M – BUY NOW
- Shirt, £75, COS – BUY NOW
- Jumper, £57, & Other Stories – BUY NOW
- Jeans, £95, Whistles – BUY NOW
- Bag, £97, & Other Stories – BUY NOW
- Shoes, £32.99 (were £59.99), Mango – BUY NOW
Dressing to make yourself feel happy is a no-brainer for me.
The minute I let my hair go grey, I ditched my ‘head-to-toe black’ Fashion Director wardrobe in favour of light, bright hues.
My wardrobe is now infused with pops of glorious colour, the exact opposite of the ‘basic beige’ fashion trend that dominates the high street in January when everyone plays safe.
Butter cream yellows, powder-pink pastels and creamy whites all lift me up during this dreary month.
I still need to be cosy because, let’s face it, it’s freezing outside, and I love adding layers and textures to a look to add interest.
This outfit makes me smile – job done!
Emily Regan, 25, Fashion Assistant
Emily’s dopamine outfit[/caption]
- Jeans, £27.99, Zara – BUY NOW
- Shirt, £25.99, Mango – BUY NOW
- Jumper, £47, & Other Stories – BUY NOW
- Bag, £155, & Other Stories – BUY NOW
- Glasses, £12.99, H&M – BUY NOW
- Shoes, £39.50, M&S Collection at Marks & Spencer – BUY NOW
Since joining the Fashion team, I’ve noticeably increased the amount of colour in my wardrobe.
I used to stick to neutrals, but I’ve happily ventured into other palettes and I must admit, I’m thoroughly enjoying it.
That said, I still lean towards pieces that can be easily paired with what I already own.
Abby has inspired me with this one – her blue jumper always draws so many compliments at work, and it’s encouraged me to try something similar.
I can’t say I’ve ventured into red footwear before, but this pair of Mary Janes immediately caught my eye – the studded detailing gives off serious Khaite vibes, but without the hefty price tag.
I’ve completed the look with a cow-print bag to introduce a playful pattern, a pair of blue-light glasses that make a fantastic alternative to the Miu Miu ones trending on social media, and a reliable pair of Zara jeans.
Is supermarket fashion the new high street?
DEPUTY Fashion Editor Abby McHale weighs in:
The supermarkets have really upped their game when it comes to their fashion lines. These days, as you head in to do your weekly food shop you can also pick up a selection of purse-friendly, stylish pieces for all the family.
Tesco has just announced a 0.7 per cent increase in the quarter thanks to a ‘strong growth in clothing’ and M&S has earnt the title of the number one destination for womenswear on the high street.
Asda’s clothing line George has made £1.5 million for the supermarket in 2023, 80 per cent of Sainsbury’s clothes sold at full price rather than discounted and Nutmeg at Morrisons sales are also up 2 per cent in the past year.
So what is it about supermarket fashion that is becoming so successful?
Apart from the clothing actually being affordable, it’s good quality too – with many being part of schemes such as the Better Cotton Initiative.
A lot of the time they keep to classic pieces that they know will last the customer year after year.
Plus because they buy so much stock they can turn around pieces quickly and buy for cheaper because of the volumes.
