Summer can have a curious effect on people. We’ve waited out the rain, the wind and the cold, when a warm sun finally appears. Temperatures begin to creep up too, and otherwise sensible adults begin reaching for barbecues, paddleboards and shorter shorts than they’d ever thought possible. The summer season is finally here.
We also start to become a bit more adventurous with colour. Those unapologetic summer shades aren’t just there as a gesture; they’re extremely popular once the sun starts shining. The old faithful navy jumper you've relied upon since October begins to feel a little sad, the charcoal jacket retreats to the wardrobe. Even the most serious and committed monochrome wearers begin eyeing brighter shades with quiet curiosity. There may be a reason for that.
What is dopamine dressing?
"Dopamine dressing" may sound like marketing speak or self-help jargon, but the idea itself is actually very straightforward. The principle is that wearing colours, patterns and clothing that you genuinely enjoy can positively affect your mood. While a bright shirt won't magically solve your inbox or make the train run on time, it can make you feel more confident, optimistic and comfortable in your own skin.
Think of it as dressing for yourself first. We all have certain outfits that are our strong suit, that simply work on us and make us stand a little taller. You catch your reflection in a shop window and think, "Yes”. This is the feeling that we’re chasing with so-called dopamine dressing.
Let summer give you permission
If there is ever a season to embrace colour, it is surely summer. Thankfully nature seems to agree. Gardens explode, supermarkets and market stalls are full of fruit, the quality of the light even seems to change. Against this backdrop, introducing colour to your wardrobe feels more and more natural.
The beauty is that your natural restraint will still be rewarded in even the most colourful season - the secret is in thoughtful accents. A vividly-coloured silk cravat tucked beneath an open collar, perhaps, or a pocket square introducing a flash of coral or emerald. Even a simple bit of detailing can bring life to an otherwise understated outfit. In this context it's often the smallest pieces that do the heaviest lifting.
The British fear of colour
Let’s address that elephant. Call it Tall Poppy Syndrome, natural reserve, or sarcasm-enforced conformity, but British menswear hasn’t tended to make a big deal of colour.
We are a nation that can produce spectacular gardens, flamboyant military uniforms and through-the-looking-glass psychedelia, but still somehow convince ourselves that bright colours are just not normal. Now, we’re not saying that there is anything wrong with navy, grey or brown - quite the opposite. Darker shades form the beating heart of an elegant wardrobe. As well as strong staples, they're also the base from which to build something else.
A neutral jacket practically begs for a colourful accessory. Rich jewel tones, warm oranges, deep greens, vibrant pinks or sky blues all become easier to wear when balanced against classic tailoring. Colour here is punctuation, personalisation and character. No one wants an entire novel written with exclamation marks in every sentence; equally, a drama without conflict is no drama at all. Kitchen-sink realism mixed with flights of fancy - what could be more British?
Patterns deserve a mention
Colour and pattern often arrive hand in hand. Paisleys, florals, geometric prints and artistic motifs all introduce visual interest in a way that solid colours simply can't. Our patterns and more modern designs are something of a signature here at Cravat Club, and it’s with good reason; you only ever show part of the design, so we give you plenty of flair when needed, and never too much. It's perhaps unlikely that someone will comment on your navy blazer, no matter how well-cut it is. They might, however, ask about an unusual silk cravat or distinctive pocket square.
Confidence is contagious
One of the more overlooked aspects of dressing well is the effect it has on everyone else. Say what you will, but people naturally respond to confidence, and confidence so often begins with being comfortable in what you're wearing.
The most stylish people rarely look as though they're trying especially hard. They've simply found colours, patterns and combinations that feel authentic to them. This is the polar opposite of chasing trends or dressing louder than your personality. Really the intention is to accentuate what is very much already there, and authenticity is the key ingredient.
Start small and go from there
If you’re currently the proud owner of an NPC wardrobe, don’t despair. Introducing colour doesn't require a complete reinvention.
You could start by introducing a pocket square that picks out a subtle accent in your jacket. Try a patterned tie instead of your usual plain one, or swap your everyday neckwear for a cravat of an evening. Maybe add a lightweight silk scarf as things get cooler, when the British weather inevitably remembers where it lives. Just one colourful accessory can completely alter the mood of an outfit without overwhelming it; indeed, this is the whole point.
Dress for the season, dress for yourself.
Summer offers possibilities that other seasons just don’t. The evenings are that much longer and the weather gives as good a chance of staying gentle as it ever does. People have time off work and go on holiday. People plan, and perform, their weddings. There are drinks and meals that only really feel right when consumed outdoors. It seems only right that our wardrobes become a little more optimistic too.
So don't be afraid to embrace colour. Experiment with patterns, stretch the boundaries of your normal, and wear something that makes you smile when you put it on. This, we think, is what they’re calling dopamine dressing, and you can consider Cravat Club entirely on board with it. Life has long been too short for boring accessories, and we’re glad that the mainstream is finally catching up with us…
If you’d like to extend the limits of your summer wardrobe, let our range guide you towards a more confident wardrobe.
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