Kindergarten Kitsch

One of my favorite trends lately is the rise of dopamine dressing and dopamine décor—style choices built around color, joy, and pure serotonin hits.

According to The Aesthetics of Joy, dopamine décor is all about “bright, personal colors [that] trigger dopamine (and sometimes serotonin), the feel-good neurochemical in our brains.” 

American Eagle puts it simply, “dopamine dressing is all about wearing colors, patterns, or fabrics that boost your mood. Picture electric blues, bubblegum pinks, bold prints—anything that feels like a little mood-lift when you get dressed.” 

Now take that energy—add some googly eyes, themed earrings, crayon-box colors, and a hint of Scholastic Book Fair—and you’ve got what I call Kindergarten Kitsch.

It’s dopamine dressing with extra glitter glue. The look says “off-duty Creative Director,” but with zoo animals, oversized sweaters, and a surplus of craft supplies. If a kindergarten teacher would wear it? It’s perfect.

While some might flag this asthetic as juvenile, I think it’s charming! We could all use a little more dopamine, creativity, and exploration in our life. 

To celebrate back-to-school season, I’ve put together a shopping guide featuring Kindergarten Kitsch-inspired fashion, accessories, and classroom finds—plus a few great ways to donate to real classrooms in need.

Prianna Pathak