Don't Be a Sad, Sad Beige Mom
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Have you seen the “sad beige” or “sad beige baby” trend on social media? This is the trend where parents decorate their baby nurseries with white walls and dress their kids in muted tones. They set up colorless wooden toys on a cream-colored play mat.
We can definitely appreciate committing to an aesthetic, and we also understand that bright colors and bold patterns may not be everyone’s cup of tea when it comes to home decor.
But beige colors aren't very inspiring if you ask us. Instead of boring beige, we like using color and dressing in fun, bold colors to influence our mood. Not only because it is fun, but because dressing in colors you like may actually lift your mood. Science shows that color can influence our behavior and emotions and that this can be applied to how we dress.
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Color Theory and Emotions
Certain colors impact or evoke specific emotions in people. For example, warm tones like yellow and orange typically create feelings of warmth and comfort. The color pink is often associated with love. Red may evoke anger in some people and energize others.
Cooler colors, like green and blue, are typically associated with feelings of calm and peace. On the other hand, some people can also associate blue with sadness. In general, darker colors are calming, soothing, and sometimes gloomy, while brighter colors bring happiness and energy.
Mental Health America recognizes the impact of color psychology on our emotional well-being. They suggest that decorating your home in a certain color palette can support your mood, reduce stress, or improve sleep. The color of wall paint, furniture, and bedding are all ways to bring color into your home that influences our mental health.
With the knowledge that color can influence our mood, how can we translate this to clothing and parenting? Enter "dopamine dressing."
What is Dopamine Dressing?
So, what is dopamine dressing? To answer this question, we first have to understand dopamine. Sometimes referred to as the happy hormone, dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in how we feel happiness. It works alongside other hormones that promote positive feelings, such as serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins.
The hormone dopamine supports our physical health, like heart rate and sleep, as well as influencing our mental health and behavior. According to the Cleveland Clinic, dopamine supports motivation, attention, mood, and even learning.
So, essentially, dopamine dressing is the act of dressing in styles, colors, and textures that boost your mood and mental health. The term "dopamine dressing" was coined by fashion psychologist Dr Dawnn Karen in 2020. Dr Karen's dopamine dressing theory explores the idea that when you wear outfits you love, it has a positive impact on your mood.
Dressing in bright colors can lift your mood, similar to how dressing in a chic business suit can make you feel powerful, and a cute workout outfit makes you want to hit the gym. Throwing on something with florals may bring out a softer, feminine side. Leopard print can make you feel like the life of the party!
Embracing Color to Brighten Your Day
We know parenthood can be challenging. Often, it's dishes stacked by the sink, spaghetti stains, and clothes and toys scattered everywhere. It can feel frustrating when you finish cleaning up one mess, and when you turn around, your toddler is right in the middle of making another.
While we can't help you with the mess, we can ensure your kids' clothes look adorable, they are comfortable, and your laundry is super colorful. So whether you’re a new mom to a newborn or in the midst of managing chaos with little ones running around, dressing you and your kids in bold, fun colors could be the bright spot in your day that lifts your spirits.
Choosing colors and patterns that bring joy, instead of "sad beige baby" clothes that may be uninspiring, can stimulate happiness and energy. Similar to how fresh flowers can brighten a kitchen, a pair of floral pajamas can do the same. Looking at your kid in silky-soft, colorful, and beautiful kids' pajamas can bring a smile to your face, especially since you know they are super-soft and comfy.
Likewise, wearing colorful joggers or a cardigan in your favorite color - even if you are stuck at home for the day - can make you feel more like yourself again. Plus, we are pretty sure kids love colors and colorful clothing, too.
Posh Peanut Offers Bold and Sophisticated Designs for the Family
Posh Peanut is known for their ridiculously soft and stretchy viscose from bamboo clothing that features bold, sophisticated designs for the whole family. From sleep to play, our curated collections of baby clothes and adorable children's clothing promise unparalleled comfort without compromising style.
And if you are a sad beige mom or parent who is ready to step away from a neutral tones aesthetic in exchange for something brighter that might just turn your day around, we have adult clothes and blankets for you, too. Shop our limited edition collections launching every Thursday at 8 AM PT.
Sources:
1. https://www.byrdie.com/dopamine-dressing-5221397
2. https://www.healthline.com/health/happy-hormone
3. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22581-dopamine
4. https://www.self.com/story/dopamine-dressing-tips
5. https://www.verywellmind.com/color-psychology-2795824
6. https://mhanational.org/surroundings/color-psychology-explained#:~:text=Bright%2C%20warm%20colors%20(reds%2C,like%20bedrooms%20or%20even%20bathrooms
