While out shopping one day in October 2017, I noticed an incredible rainbow puffa jacket in a department store window and it stopped me in my tracks.
‘Wow, this is sensational,’ I thought and went to try it on immediately. As soon as I saw my reflection in the mirror, I knew I had to buy it.
Unlike my other coats – which were all a bit boring, dark, and very plain – this one made me feel alive, bold, happy, and just more me.
I didn’t know it then, but I’d just stumbled across something known as dopamine dressing.
What is dopamine dressing?
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As the name suggests, this way of dressing is all about wearing clothes that boost the happy hormone (aka, dopamine).
Often, that means opting for brighter colours, which have been proven to have an effect on us both on a psychological and emotional level.
For example, greens are thought to help lower your heart rate and blood pressure, while warm tones like orange and red give some energy and sass. Yellows bring joy, meanwhile blues and pastels bring calm and soothe stress.
But joyful dressing can also mean wearing clothes that you love, that express who you are, and that make your personality shine through.
And it’s fair to say that, prior to 2017, my wardrobe definitely didn’t do any of those things.
At that time I worked in the corporate world, which meant that for 18 years I wore nothing but the classics – neutrals, greys, navy, and blacks.
While these shades undoubtedly served their purpose – I never had to think too much in the mornings when getting ready, I could just grab something professional looking and go – looking back, I realised they also shaped the way I showed up in life.
I never thought to ask ‘Does this suit me? Does this feel like me? Am I happy wearing this?’ because it didn’t seem to matter. I was quite happy to slot into the background. After all, I was there to get the work done, not to be noticed.
In reality, these dark clothes were muting my personality and stopping me from expressing who I really was.
Only after leaving the corporate world to start my own professional decluttering and organising business, This Girl Can Organise, did I feel empowered to experiment with colour. That’s when I bought the rainbow puffa jacket and in the process I discovered a whole new Nicola.
From that moment on, that jacket became my iconic look and dopamine dressing became my way of celebrating who I am.
I started shopping in places like Never Fully Dressed, Joanie and Coast – brands known for bold patterns and colourful attire – and even found some wonderful coloured vintage pieces in thrift shops.
Before I knew it, my wardrobe had transformed from dull and drab, to fun and fab. It’s so colourful that, when I open the doors, I feel like a kid in a candy store and it makes me excited for the day ahead.
Now, instead of just grabbing something easy to wear, I choose my outfit based on how I want to feel. If I need energy, I reach for reds and oranges. If I want calm, I’ll lean into greens.
Are you tempted to give ‘dopamine dressing’ a try?
-
Absolutely – sign me up
-
No, I don't I could get away with it
Generally speaking, dressing in colour every day really does boost my mood and that’s become even more important of late.
I recently turned 50, so there are days when menopause takes over and has me overthinking everything. But wearing colour always gives me confidence. It makes me feel radiant, happy, assertive and complete – and who wouldn’t want to feel that way daily?
I also love that my wardrobe has the ability to bring joy to people I meet.
I’ve been stopped in the street by people who comment on my outfits or tell me I look great. Some will even ask where I’ve purchased my dress or suit from so that they can buy it for themselves.
Every now and then I will meet someone who is a little unsure about stepping out in colour. Often they’ll say that it doesn’t suit them, that they don’t have the confidence to wear it or just don’t know where to start. My advice? Start small.
Nicola's tips for dopamine dressing
- Try adding a colourful scarf, a pair of bright earrings, or even a bold nail colour to your daily rotation
- Pair it with your usual neutrals and pay attention to how it makes you feel.
- From there, you can steadily expand your wardrobe to include every colour and fabric that works for you. Fair warning though: it will become your new obsession.
- As for confidence, that will come. You just need to ignore those negative thoughts about what others might say or think and do what feels right for you.
Remember, dopamine dressing isn’t about following trends, it’s about asking yourself what colours and pieces make you feel like you. I’d rather have a wardrobe full of clothes that I feel amazing in than the latest fad any day.
For me, it all began with a rainbow jacket. For you, it might be a patterned blouse or even a colourful lipstick. Whatever the shade, you have to be brave enough to try.
I promise once you do, you’ll never look back – unless it’s in a mirror.
Originally published September 20th, 2025
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Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more.
Mother’s Day is fast approaching, and if you’ve thus far forgotten to pick up that present for the most important lady in your life, we’ve got you covered.
Whilst flowers are always a great safety net, nowadays they are more of an afterthought than something a bit more thoughtful.
And if Mother’s Day gifts such as perfume, chocolates and a framed family photo aren’t her style then we have some great alternatives.
In our opinion, a gift set or a classy hamper is a great, last-minute gift that looks like you’ve put in far more thought than you may have done, and will surely be one of the best things she receives on the day.
We’ve shopped far and wide to round up the best options on the market under £100 – from skincare treats to edible eats – so all you have to do is sit back with a cuppa, scroll and add your favourite to your basket.
The best Mother’s Day sets under £100:
YOU Beauty At-Home Spa Box – Luxury Skincare & Body Essentials
Treat her to a beautifully curated edit of luxury skincare, body and lifestyle essentials with the YOU Beauty At-Home Spa Box.
Designed to elevate everyday rituals, this collection brings together seven cult favourites from the likes of Neal’s Yard Remedies, Votary, Aromatherapy Associates, Dr.Jart+ and more.
Fortnum & Mason The Mother's Joy Hamper
Nothing says 'I love you' more than receiving a curated gift hamper from the one and only luxury brand Fortnum & Mason.
Their Mother’s Joy Hamper not only looks special, but is packed with signature tea blends, buttery biscuits and indulgent chocolates that will have her tucking in before she’s even said thank you.
LookFantastic The Mother's Day Edit
Worth over £180 but yours for just £50, the LookFantastic The Mother's Day Edit is jam-packed with premium beauty favourites, including skincare, haircare, makeup and more she’ll love adding to her rotation.
It's been packed full with some of the industry’s cult skincare products, including the likes of Philip Kingsley Bond Builder Split End Remedy,Elemis Pro-Collagen Skin Protection Fluid SPF50, and Fenty Beauty’s Trace'D Out Pencil Lip Liner.
Hotel Chocolat Especially For You Mother’s Day Collection
Chocolate is a classic for a reason, and this selection feels far more thoughtful than a standard box.
Opt for this fancy option from Hotel Chocolat that comes with a bottle of bubbles and tasty truffles filled with silky caramel, passion fruit purée and nutty pistachio.
The Ritual of Sakura Gift Set
Inspired by the Japanese cherry blossom, this relaxing bodycare set is all about turning her everyday routine into an at-home spa-like ritual.
Consisting of a foaming shower gel, body cream, body scrub and a stunning scented candle, the delicate cherry blossom scent and luxurious textures make it perfect for mums who deserve a bit more 'me time'.
Appleyard London Glaze, NEOM Candle & 6 Mixed Truffles
This hamper from Appleyard London combines all of the best gifts into one big present. With flowers, chocolate and a luxury candle, it’s basically the Mother’s Day dream trio.
The hamper features a bouquet of fresh oriental lilies with vibrant yellow roses from Appleyard London, a calming scented candle from NEOM Organics and six gourmet chocolate truffles.
Boots Mother's Day Beauty Box
Not only will you be making huge savings on the plethora of products inside this epic beauty box from Boots, but it’s packed full of the most-loved items from the likes of Liz Earle, No7 and Sol de Janeiro.
Think of it as a beauty advent calendar for grown-ups, with plenty of favourites for mum to discover.
Biscuiteers X Cornishware Time for Tea Hamper
Most mums love a good cup of tea, so it only makes sense to gift her a pressie that upgrades the experience.
Pairing hand-iced biscuits from Biscuiteers with a classic striped mug from Cornishware, this duo is both delicious and keepsake-worthy, the kind of thoughtful present she’ll think of every time she makes a cuppa.
Kayali Sweet Obsessions Miniature Set
You can never go wrong with perfume, and this stunning set from Kayali is a real winner. Kayali has become a firm favourite for fragrance lovers, so why not gift her a collection of travel-size perfumes from the brand – including favourites like Vanilla, pistachio-inspired scents and fruity blends?
The set is great if she loves experimenting with different fragrances – and the mini bottles are ideal for handbags or holidays.
Cutter & Squidge Thank You, Mum Hamper
Small but seriously sweet, this hamper is filled with handcrafted bakes like fresh brownies, cakes and sweet treats from London bakery Cutter & Squidge.
It’s a thoughtful edible treat that feels homemade (without you needing to bake).
M&S Classics French Wine Trio Gift
A sophisticated trio for mums who enjoy a good glass of wine, Marks & Spencer has curated a wonderful selection of three classic French wines, typically a mix of red, white and rosé for her (and you, of course), to pop open and enjoy.
It’s a lovely way to toast the occasion, whether she’s celebrating with Sunday lunch or saving a bottle for later.
NEOM The Sleepy Bestsellers Box
Encourage her to take a moment for herself to switch off and unwind with this incredible box of zen-faves from NEOM, including a pillow mist, scented candle and calming bath and body products.
Because every mum deserves better sleep, and this spa-like set turns bedtime into a truly tranquil wind-down ritual.
Low effort, high impact – the perfect combo.
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Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more.
Amazon’s Spring Deals Days has officially begun and over the next six days, this is your opportunity to upgrade your tech gadgets, refresh your home or treat yourself to something you’ve had in your basket for months.
Running until midnight on 16 March, the annual sale is packing serious discounts across thousands of products, with up to 40% off some of the biggest names in the game.
We’re talking Dyson, Bose, Ninja, Sony, LEGO, ghd, Shark and Oral-B, to name just a few.
You don’t need an Amazon Prime membership to shop.
Every deal is open to all, although Prime members do get the added bonus of same-day and next-day delivery.
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To keep things interesting, Amazon is dropping fresh deals twice a day, at 9am and 5pm, under its Today’s Big Deals banner.
These limited-time offers disappear when stock runs out, so you’ll want to move fast if you spot something you want.
With so much on offer, we’ve done the hard work for you and rounded up the best bargains available right now.
Whether you’re after new gadgets, kitchen upgrades or a beauty splurge, here’s where your money is best spent today.
Amazon’s Spring Deals Days 2026: Today’s Big Deals
Philips Sonicare 7100 Electric Toothbrush
Keep your teeth sparkling clean for less with this Philips deal, now reduced from £399.99 to £99.99 – that’s a £300 saving.
It has four brush modes, 12 settings and three intensity levels, whether you want to be gently on your gums, get rid of stubborn stains or keep plaque at bay.
Medicube Age-R Booster Pro Device
The Medicube Age-R Booster Pro is a 6-in-1 at-home beauty device from the Korean skincare giant.
It does it all, from minimising pores to LED therapy.
Simply apply your usual serum and glide the device all over the skin to help them absorb better, improve radiance and firm areas of skin laxity.
It’s never usually this discounts, so now’s the best time to invest.
Vichy Normaderm Phytosolution Intensive Purifying Cleanser
This Vichy gel cleanser is ideal for anyone dealing with oily, blemish-prone skin.
It's formulated with salicylic acid and zinc to unclog pores and keep breakouts in check, without stripping the skin of moisture.
Philips Electric Shaver Series 3000
Ditch the razor blades and make the switch to an electrical shave with this bargain find.
It’s gentle enough even for sensitive skin, and it works one both wet and dry skin, so you can shave in the shower if that's your thing.
A pop-up trimmer handles any sideburns and moustache detailing, and the blades are built to last two years.
It comes with a travel pouch, too.
L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Filler Hyaluronic Acid Anti-Ageing Serum
This is of the bestselling anti-ageing serums on Amazon, and is loaded with hyaluronic acid to plump, smooth and hydrate skin, while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Use it daily on cleansed skin before your moisturiser and SPF.
ghd Air Professional Hair Dryer
If there's one investment your hair routine is worth making, it’s on a decent hairdryer, and who knows hair better than ghd?
The ghd Air has powerful motor that can speedily cut down your hair drying time hair, while reducing frizz and flyaways for a smoother, shinier finish.
It also has a cool-shot button to lock your finished style in place.
For this price, it’s too good to miss.
We’ll be adding to this throughout the day, so keep it handy – and ready to snap up an absolute bargain!
*Prices were correct at the time of publishing, subject to change.
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