DOPAMINE DRESSING MINI-SERIES
Part 1: The Sparkle Edition
Why wait for a special occasion to shine? Today is the special occasion.
In the world of fashion and wellness, there is a concept big on social media right now called Dopamine Dressing. The idea that the clothes we wear can actively boost our mood, trigger joy, and release that feel-good hormone, dopamine.
But for those of us in cancer recovery, dopamine dressing is so much more than a trend. It’s a form of therapy.
During treatment, our worlds can become clinical and functional. We dress for doctors' appointments, for comfort, or to blend into the background when we feel fragile. But as we rebuild our lives, we deserve to reclaim our light.
That is why Part 1 of this series is all about Sparkle.
For me, keeping the sparkle alive during treatment was instinctive. I wore a lot of sequins before my diagnosis and continued to do so through my treatment, making my nurses laugh by rocking up to chemo in oversized sequinned jumpers, and packing diamante-encrusted slippers for my hospital stay post-operation. It never dawned on me to stop wearing sparkles or buy "quieter" clothes. They lifted those days, kept me feeling like myself, and I continue to wear them to this day.
Your sparkly items can be bold, if you're in the mood, or subtle extras for a smaller sparkle. It's about lifting your spirits. It’s a joyful, rebellious act of celebration.
It says: I am here, I am alive, and I’m going to shine right now.
Here are some fun stylish items I've found for you on the high street...
Essentiel Antwerp Blue Striped Cotton Shirt with Embellished Scarf
The Vibe: Classic-chic with a rebellious splash of sparkle.
In my opinion, Essentiel Antwerp are the absolute Queens of dopamine dressing right now and this shirt and scarf combo is the piece that inspired this entire Guide.
It’s a relaxed 100% cotton boyfriend shirt, with a clever, sparkling twist. It comes with a separate, matching triangle scarf featuring gorgeous sequin and bead embellishments along the bottom edge.
It gives you ultimate versatility. You can wear the shirt on its own for a classic, effortless look, or tie the sparkly scarf around your neck to instantly add that playful, joyful shine. It is the ultimate balance of comfort and celebration - lightweight, easy to move in, and so much fun to style.
Available at: Essentiel Antwerp (in-store and online - currently on sale!)
Sézane AZIM Trousers (Gold Chevron Sequins)
The Vibe: A touch of disco-chic for any day of the week.
If you want to make a real statement and fully embrace the joy of sparkle, these gold chevron sequinned trousers from Sézane are it!
With a flattering mid-rise and a straight, wide-leg cut, they have that cool, effortless drape that moves beautifully when you walk.
While they might look like "party trousers," I love styling pieces like this for the everyday. Pair them with a simple, oversized white tee or a cozy sweatshirt hoodie and your favourite trainers for a look that is laid-back, incredibly comfortable, and wonderfully sparkly. Who says you can’t wear gold sequins on a Tuesday morning?
Available at: Sézane (in-store and online)
Nida Shay Hand-Crafted Headbands
The Vibe: Face-lifting sparkle.
These are not your average hair accessories, they are bold, hand-crafted statement crowns. Made with a stunning array of vibrant crystals and colours, they are designed to stand out and be noticed.
They are an ultimate "instant outfit" maker. Even if you are just wearing a simple white tee, slipping one of these on completely transforms your look and instantly lifts your spirits. They are also incredibly beautiful and empowering if you are navigating hair regrowth post-treatment and want to frame your face with some serious, joyful shine.
Available at: Platform (Marylebone, London)
www.platform-store.com (not available on-line)
Rixo Oliwia Sequinned Jacket
The Vibe: Vintage-inspired elegance with an everyday sparkle.
A cropped sequinned jacket is one of those true forever-pieces, an investment you will reach for year after year to dress up or down. Rixo, with their gorgeous vintage-inspired cuts, have got this one so right.
It is the perfect piece to throw over a slip dress for a special occasion, but I love it even more for the everyday. Pop it on over a vest t-shirt, your favorite jeans, and a pair of ballet pumps for running around town at the weekend. It adds an instant, effortless polish to a casual look, proving that luxury and sparkle are meant to be lived in.
Available at: Rixo (in-store and online - currently on sale!)
Eyeshadow - the entry point to sparkle
If wearing sequins on your body feels a little too daring, make up is a great place to start. A swipe of sophisticated, light-catching shimmer on your eyelids is an effortless way to bring that dopamine-boosting sparkle into your everyday look.
Hourglass Scattered Light Glitter Eyeshadow
The Vibe: Effortless, adult shimmer.
If you think sparkly eyeshadow is strictly for teenagers, let Hourglass completely change your mind. These are the absolute gold standard of sophisticated, grown-up sparkle.
Rather than a chunky, scratchy glitter, it’s a refined, weightless cream-to-powder formula that creates a gorgeous, light-catching "wet look" on your lids.
The best part? It is completely low-effort and high-impact. There’s no need for complicated brushes or techniques - you literally just swipe a tiny bit onto your eyelid with your ring finger and you are ready to go.
Available at: Space NK, Cult Beauty, or Hourglass online.
Victoria Beckham Beauty Lid Lustre
The Vibe: Rock n’roll sparkly shine.
Infused with real crystals, this pressed pigment delivers a beautiful, wet-look pearlescent shine that is incredibly flattering and soft on the eyes.
It is super buildable, meaning you can do a sheer, delicate wash of sparkle for a Tuesday morning coffee run, then layer it up for a bolder look for a night out. Using your finger really builds up the colour and sparkle. It’s sophisticated and feels special with every wear.
Available at: Space NI, Selfridges, Cult Beauty, or Victoria Beckham Beauty online.
Lulu's Sparkle Rules: How to Wear Sequins
Want to bring some sparkle into your everyday wardrobe but aren't sure how to start? Here are my three golden rules for styling sequins effortlessly:
1. The "Hi-Low" Mix: The easiest way to make sequins work for during the day is to pair them with something incredibly casual. Balance is everything. Try throwing a cosy, oversized knit or a sporty hoodie over your sequinned skirt, or pair a sequinned cami with your favourite, relaxed denim jeans. It instantly tones down the "party" vibe and makes it feel effortlessly cool.
2. Ground with Trainers or Boots: Shoes completely dictate the mood of an outfit. If you wear sequins with heels, it’s a night out. But if you swap the heels for your favourite trainers, flat leather boots, or ballet pumps, you instantly have a look that is perfectly casual, comfortable, and ready for running errands or meeting friends for lunch.
3. Start with "The Accent": If a full sequinned top or trouser feels too intimidating, start small. Let an accessory do the heavy lifting! A crystal-embellished headband, a beaded clutch, or even a pair of sparkly socks peeking out of your trainers is a subtle, low-pressure way to add that little hit of dopamine to your day.
Jigsaw Mini Shell Beaded Bag
The Vibe: Mermaid meets summer elegance.
Sparkle doesn't always have to come from sequins or glitter - sometimes, the most beautiful shine comes directly from nature. This cute bag is embellished with iridescent ivory shells, adding a lustrous shimmer to any look.
A perfect companion for the summer; special occasions, holiday nights, or a casual sunny day with friends.
Available at: Jigsaw (in-store and online - currently on sale!)
Butler & Wilson Costume Jewellery
The Vibe: Grown-up, rock chick glamour.
When it comes to bold, legendary, and completely unapologetic sparkle, no one does it quite like Butler & Wilson.
Their pieces are the ultimate blend of classic craftsmanship and playful energy. It is bold costume jewelry that doesn’t take itself too seriously, but instantly commands attention.
Slipping on one of their sparkly brooches, statement earrings, or crystal necklaces is like an instant shot of confidence. It’s the perfect way to add some serious, high-vibe shine to a simple blazer, a plain knit, or even your favorite denim jacket.
Available at: Butler & Wilson (in-store and online)
FitFlop iQushion Ergonomic Embellished Flip-Flops
The Vibe: Sparkly support with comfort.
If you are recovering from treatment, standard flat flip-flops can be a nightmare for sensitive feet, joint pain, or neuropathy. FitFlop are ergonomically engineered with a light iQushion™ midsole that diffuses pressure, supports your arches, and has impact pillows to absorb shock. Unlike other flip-flops, these are moulded to the natural shape of the foot, so your toes don’t have to grip on for dear life - which drastically reduces foot fatigue.
This particular pair are studded with sparkling crystals for that dopamine hit. They come in 7 different colours, and I currently have my eye on the Merlot pair to keep the sparkle going over the summer.
Available at: FitFlop (online and in-store)
All Saints Charli Wide-Leg Sequin Trousers
The Vibe: Relaxed glamour all year round.
These are a holy grail of dopamine dressing: the show-stopping glamour of full sequins, but with the comfort of loungewear.
They feature an elasticated waist and a relaxed, wide-leg cut.
They are incredibly versatile across all seasons. I’d wear them with a simple vest top and open-toe flats for breezy summer nights; a cozy hoodie and trainers in the autumn; or a crisp shirt / chunky jumper, and a block heel in the winter. It’s an investment in comfort and joy that you will wear all year round.
Available at: All Saints (in-store and online - currently on sale!)
All Saints Chantelle Sequin Midi Slip Dress
The Vibe: Effortless slip and shine.
While a full sequinned dress might feel intimidating, the relaxed silhouette of a slip dress makes it incredibly easy and comfortable to wear.
You can dress this up and down. Throw an oversized, chunky knit over the top and pair it with your favourite boots, it turns the dress into a sequinned midi skirt, giving you that perfect balance of cozy comfort and rebellious sparkle. Or, pair it with kitten heels and a blazer for a night out.
A slip dress is always a classic investment piece that you will take out of your wardrobe season after season.
Available at: All Saints (in-store and online - currently on sale!)
Reclaiming your light in recovery starts on the ordinary days.
You don’t need a holiday or party invitation to wear the things that bring you joy.
So dust off the sequins, throw on those crystals, and make today your special occasion.
Up next in the Dopamine Dressing Series: Part 2 is all about the power of Bold Colour and how to use vibrant, beautiful shades to lift your spirits and brighten your days.
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