Forget your gray wool sweater that’s probably starting to pill from overuse—as we head into March, we’re leaning into ’dopamine dressing.’ Characterized by bold colors, avant-basic patterns, and bright, craft jewelry, the dopamine dressing trend implies a link between what you’re wearing and your mood—a connection we instinctively know to exist, but has been legitimized by fashion psychologist Dr. Dawnn Karen. If there’s ever a time to indulge in this trend it’s now, especially as we face another 30-degree day and our spring wardrobe taunts us from the very deep, dark depths of our closet. Here, the Coveteur staff share the items that are providing an extra dopamine dose in the final stretch of winter.
Leya Kaufman, Head of Brand & Publisher
Milly Faux Fur Coat in Verdant Green
I’ve recently fallen in love with emerald green outerwear. I swear that a faux fur coat like this can still be styled like a neutral, or at least I’ll set out to prove that it can. On top of that, green will always feel infinitely brighter than the black jacket I would typically default to in the cooler months.
Pink Mini Star Uplift Leggings
Like most women who try to do it all, I find myself styling leggings more than any other piece of clothing. They’re just so easy! And, while I will always rock my classic black Terez leggings from my desk to date night, it’s the pair with the bright pink stars that will always cheer me up. These leggings will also carry my unwilling legs to the gym for those mood-boosting endorphins too. Total win!
Lara Triangle Bra
I just overhauled my entire collection of intimates because oftentimes, the pieces of my wardrobe that are just for me can have the biggest impact on my mood. I love this bralette style, subtly sexy triangle bra because it’s arguably the star of the show when I get dressed in the morning now too. While I might don a number of layers on top of my new, flattering pieces in the winter months, at least now I’m starting and ending the day on a high note.
Katie Mok, Editorial Production Fellow
Scrunchies in Emerald
I recently got wispy front bangs and wanted to experiment with a few different looks. My current favorite is a half up/ half down using a scrunchy. Using a silk scrunchy is the icing on top, and because of the emerald color, I just feel ten times fancier.
’90s Sport Puffer Jacket
This puffer is everything I look for in the cold winter. It has color, shape, and most importantly warmth. This jacket has the perfect length and a stand up collar. If the wind blows a little too hard, I could turtle up and shrink back into my shell. The added bonus is, I’m easy to find should I ever drift away from my group.
Fiji Bud Necklace
Accessories are a surefire way to spruce up a look. I got this as a gift from a friend, and now it’s the necklace I reach for the most. I usually layer a few more necklaces on top and lately I’ve been into mixing metals. So I have some gold and silvers dangling down my neck, which is perfect for when I feel my outfit is just a tad bit boring.
Camille Freestone, Style Editor
Orange Funk Turtleneck
Grace Wales Bonner is, in my eyes, one of the best designers on the market. Everything she does is incredibly cool, but with the perfect dusting of ‘wrongness’ to keep the items feeling down to earth. Next on my list is this groovy turtleneck to satisfy all of my winter layering needs.
Timothee Pearl, Lapis & 14kt Gold-plated Necklace
Though I often gravitate towards sharper silhouettes (i.e. tailoring, shirting, etc), jewelry that’s not so buttoned-up helps add a layer of playfulness to an ensemble. I love everything Cristy Mantilla is doing at Éliou and this particular necklace is wooing me with its oceanic palette.
High-rise Bootcut Jeans
Not only have I been particularly into corduroys lately, but bootcut silhouettes have also dominated my pant rotation, so these JW Anderson trousers marry two of my current favorite elements. They release enough dopamine for me, so I’ll likely be pairing them with a crispy white shirt and neutral outerwear for now.
Maraya Fisher, Fashion Fellow
Pom-Pom Mohair Beanie
The quickest way to add a little excitement to a late-winter outfit is with a colorful beanie. Fuzzy bucket hats are the statement accessory of the season, but if that’s not your thing (my ears still get cold) this Cos beanie is a great option. The mohair is so soft and warm, and the color looks great with neutral outerwear.
Horizontal Stripe Cashmere Jumper
One of my favorite outfit equations this winter has been loose light wash jeans (to accommodate Heattech underneath), a giant, vintage leather jacket, and a colorful, striped sweater. It’s easy, casual, and a fun way to break up all my all-black, winter outfits.
Enoki Earrings
These are so stinking cute! I usually just stick to tiny gold hoops, but these make me so happy, I might be persuaded to switch it up. If you want to participate in the fungi-fication of fashion, but don’t know how, this is a good place to start!
Porter Simmons, Social Media Editor
Slashed Striped Wool-blend Sweater
I’m usually not big on grunge, but I’ll rarely say no to a striped sweater. I love that the distressed shoulders on this one give it a little bit of edge, but it’s still extremely wearable. I’d layer this one over a black turtleneck and pair it with my favorite straight leg jeans and a funky loafer.
Oversized Cotton Poplin Shirt
My wardrobe is mostly black, which is a personal problem I’m currently working through. I love that this shirt is bright but not too overwhelming, and the cut is something I haven’t seen before. It’s a great piece to add a little sunshine into my winter wardrobe, which is just what I need right about now.
Colour-blocked Trench Coat
When it comes to dopamine dressing, you can always count on Roksanda to deliver — pieces are never dull yet somehow always wearable. I love this play on a classic trench, and it’s a piece that will stand out but won’t get tired after a few wears.
Photo: Daniel Zuchnik/Getty
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