YOUR SUMMER DOPAMINE MENU

As far as the colour wheel's concerned, hot pink might be the most joyous shade of all. Girly, romantic, but still edgy and bold, this vibrant tone was made for summer dressing. It’s intense, we’ll give you that. But incorporating pops of fuchsia into your everyday pieces is an easy way to spice up your seasonal roster. Pink statement earrings instantly revive a simple black dress. Fuchsia shoes are an unexpected twist on your usual jeans-and-tee combo. And you can never go wrong with a hot pink holiday dress. Just opt for a basic silhouette to balance the palette.

GET THE LOOK: 

01: RAID Aziel jelly flip flops in pink, £15
02: Gina Tricot racer back tank vest top in white, £20
03: ASOS DESIGN drop earrings with 3D floral design in bright pink, £14
04: Topshop poplin strappy back volume maxi dress in black, £50
05: Stradivarius Backless halter midi dress in fuchsia, £29.99

The great thing about polka dots is that they exist on a spectrum. You can go as simple or standout as you like. Commonly found in monochromatic shades, this trending print shows no signs of waning this summer. And given its capacity to function as a neutral, you can dress it up with pops of colour elsewhere. Take bright red, for example. Another popular mood-boosting hit for 2026, tomato hues are the perfect match for delicate and feminine dots. We’re loving a black and white polka-dot top paired with capris and red flats for an ode to classic French style.

GET THE LOOK: 

01: Pull&Bear Adjustable thin strap top in polka dot, £8.99
02: Topshop Atlas mule flat shoe in red, £34
03: OYSHO Comfortlux super high-rise 50cm capri leggings in black, £35.99

Crochet and fringe pieces are often reserved for destination holidays. But why limit yourself? Summer knits are a one-way ticket to dopamine dressing heaven. Plus, they’re breezy in a heatwave. Thanks to their intricate designs, you can style these up with heels and a clutch for any seasonal special occasion, or pare back with flip flops for everyday wear. They even look great by a pool or beach, thrown over a bikini. We’re eyeing this cobalt-blue dress from SNDYS for midweek date night. Just grab a pair of wedge flip flops (the shoe of the moment) and a style of cat-eye sunglasses, and you’ve got a head-turning look that still feels effortless.

GET THE LOOK: 
01: SNDYS cotton rich flower open crochet maxi dress in blue, £75
02: ASOS DESIGN hoop earrings with small teardrop in silver tone, £10
03: Le Specs Veledrome cateye sunglasses in brown, £60
04: ASOS DESIGN Harlow toe thong wedge sandals in orange, £30

Inevitably, there comes a time every summer when we need ‘the dress’. Whether it’s your best friend’s wedding or a 30th birthday, occasions are aplenty. Nailing down a look should be part of the fun, but thanks to choice paralysis, pressure to make an impression and fear of turning up in the same thing as your mates, event dressing can become a chore. So, consider this your reminder to have fun with it – after all, you’re celebrating in the sun, and you have a valid excuse to dress up. Style with heeled sandals and an embellished bag for the dreamiest dopamine hit you’ll wear all year.

GET THE LOOK: 
01: ASOS DESIGN embellished clutch bucket bag in faux natural pearl fringe, £36
02: ARKET small chunky huggie hoop earrings in silver plated brass, £17
03: Mango heeled flip flop sandal in chocolate, £45.99
04: Topshop embroidered maxi occasion dress in orange, £85