What Is Dopamine Dressing? Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year Inspires Parents To Take On The Trend
Dopamine dressing is the latest trend, with colors inspired by Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year.
When it comes to clothing, we all have our different styles. Some prefer colorful and playful tones and patterns, while others opt for neutral and earthy tones. Pantone has just released their 2025 Color of the Year, and in a shock to many, it pulls closer to earthy, cool tones with the chosen shade being mocha mousse.
Being a parent, we tend to lean towards brighter colors as they’re stimulating for infants and toddlers, and even adults. Bright and colorful patterns trigger feelings of happiness, otherwise known as dopamine, and help us feel better. However, the new color choice also has its perks: it welcomes a sense of calm and quiet luxury and is an ideal color for nurseries and wear-to-work wardrobes.
Psst… Check out This Is How to Choose Nursery Colors to Create a Soothing Environment
“Mentally, it takes us back to the forces of nature,” says Gary Tucker, Chief Clinical Officer and Licensed Psychotherapist at D’Amore Mental Health. “It is like soil or chocolate and feels natural and stable. Its selection as the color of the year echoes our current craving for some sort of balance in what is usually a turbulent world.”
The color pick is a change from this year’s color was warm peach fuzz, and 2023’s was Viva Magenta. Pantone often has bright picks but opted for the cool color to evoke a sense of calm.
“Mocha Mousse expresses a level of thoughtful indulgence,” says Latrice Eiseman, Executive Director Pantone Color Institute. “Sophisticated and lush, yet at the same time an unpretentious classic, Mocha Mousse extends our perceptions of the browns from being humble and grounded to embrace aspirational and luxe.”
What Is Dopamine Dressing?
Dopamine dressing is the practice of intentionally choosing clothing that makes you feel happy and boosts your mood by incorporating bright colors, bold patterns, or textures. Dopamine dressing became popular in 2022, when it was named one of Pinterest’s style trends for the year.
While Pantone’s color is not bright, experts say it can still have positive psychological effects.
“Wearing clothes in this color can help you feel more grounded, which can help ease anxiety or stress,” says Mary Poffenroth, neuro-hacking biopsychologist & author of Brave New You. “From a neurobiological standpoint, color has a profound impact on our emotional state and cognitive functioning. Mocha Mousse’s warm, earthy tones can help you feel more grounded and calm, which is something that a lot of people struggle with in today’s fast-paced world.”
Why Dopamine Dressing Is Good For You
According to the National Institute for Health and Care Research, 1 in 3 (35%) mothers and 1 in 5 (18%) father figures struggle with depression. Dopamine dressing has been clinically proven to improve mood and release dopamine, the chemical responsible for the ‘happy’ feeling in the brain.
“Some would say that the concept originates from the belief that wearing bold or even bright colors can actually change the mood to a better one, which in turn would lead to a dopamine release in the brain,” says Tucker. “This style of dressing also allows a person to express themselves while keeping their dopamine metabolites under control, as it enables such individuals to wear clothes that simply make them feel good.”
Dopamine dressing can also be applied to children. While children may not notice the clothing that they’re wearing, studies have shown that infants respond better to muted tones such as black, white and mocha mousse.
“Color is a critical aspect of developmental growth as well as the social and emotional development of a child,” says Tucker. “In pastel variations, calmness, and relaxation are fostered, whereas bright colors invoke energy and active imagination. Using different colors also assists in the development of the senses and allows kids to start developing a liking for certain colors.”
How Can You Implement Dopamine Dressing?
While dopamine dressing can be achieved by anyone, the trend is especially great for parents. It allows them to explore various colors for themselves and their little ones and gives them the freedom to express themselves whether it’s in their work wardrobe or loungewear.
You can also incorporate dopamine coloring into your home, by setting focal walls or choosing to decorate within a certain color palette.
“Incorporating this color into toys or educational materials can enhance engagement while promoting a sense of calm during playtime,” says Poffenroth. “Mocha Mousse can also be used to decorate your home by adding it to wall colors or furniture, which can make it feel warmer and cozier.”
Psst…Check out The Best Nanny Appreciation Gifts