Bright colors and intricate patterns are key indicators of childhood. As the years pass by, personal styles evolve and are influenced by the media. This evolution, however, oftentimes results in the loss of unique, vibrant clothing. Social media promotes neutral colors and plain clothes, fostering an atmosphere where wearing color can be seen as childish or out of place. However, wearing color is a form of expression — one that people should consider when assembling their wardrobe. Clothing is the most powerful form of nonverbal communication, and societal pressures can repress one’s true self. Color offers an outlet for people to express themselves, and outfits depict personal characteristics and stylistic choices. According to internal project data from the research-compiling agency Digital Silk, branding requests citing “quiet luxury” principles have increased by more than 60% from year to year. But if everyone dressed in monotone shades, it would be harder to be unique. Not to mention, dressing in maximalist explosions of colors, patterns and textures stimulates the brain. A 2025 study by Ahead Magazine found that wearing clothes that align with personal image causes the brain’s reward center to light up. Moreover, a 2025 Hyperflux article adds that human beings naturally crave variety and vibrancy, with maximalist design offering a constant source of visual interest. Dressing colorfully in a way that resonates with one’s personality keeps the brain’s senses engaged. Although some find neutral colors to be their preferred form of self-expression, wearing color has the potential to make anyone feel happier, regardless of one’s usual style. Similar to how rainy, gloomy weather can trigger seasonal depression, wearing dull colors can have the same effect. In fact, fashion and mental health are far more connected than they may seem. According to a study conducted in 2024 by the Journal of Environmental Psychology, self-esteem and emotions shift depending on what an individual wears. Color of clothing influences mood, with bright, vibrant clothes being linked to higher reported levels of happiness and confidence, and darker or muted shades lining up with lower emotional energy. This can be explained by enclothed cognition, which is the psychological term for outfit color choice playing a role in cognitive processes, mental well-being and behavior. When individuals wear vibrant colors, it releases neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, the brain’s “feel good” chemicals, throughout the body. This act of “dopamine dressing” — wearing bright colors to achieve a sense of calm and happiness from a release of dopamine — raises moods by stimulating a positive feedback loop that boosts confidence. Even incorporating small splashes of color in outfits can be beneficial. This is not to say that neutral colors cannot be representative and empowering. Rather, a maximalist approach to the wardrobe increases confidence and self-expression. Although today’s fashion industry embraces a safer, more neutral approach, individuals should embrace risk-taking in their clothing choices and in their personal style, as it encourages a culture where individuality