People are starting to get vaccinated and there’s a slight feeling of normalcy again. Cities are opening up, people are venturing to restaurants (at least outdoors), and we are hugging our dearest family and friends again.  How to keep up the good mood? According to designer Donna Leah, founder of Donna Leah Designs, it is all about two key elements. First is wearing mood enhancing colors and the second is to discover dressing up again.  She notes that the order isn’t important of those goals, but that women need to wear what makes them feel powerful and confident.

What are the go to colors for a great mood?

Green is the color of optimism and hope, whether it be neon or in the khaki family.  For Donna Leah, who looks to nature for much of her inspiration, green is as versatile as black or white and also provides a level of seriousness to any outfit.  Without a doubt, there is a color green for everyone. It’s all about finding the right tone that suits your personality and style.

Pink is the color of passion and fun, especially in Miami.  It offers a cheerful energy to everyone that is around you and can go from luxury loungewear to dramatic evening wear. This is the color for people who want to make a bold and bright statement that is as wonderful as their mood.

Orange is the color of Miami sunsets, a glass of fresh squeezed orange juice, and Insta-worthy tropical flowers. This is the hue that was popular decades ago, yet is still fresh and new with each season that goes by.  Want to escape cold emotions? Orange is your best friend.

Sapphire Blue might have been a Pantone Color of the year, but it will never be out of style for the designer. It’s the color of comfort and simplicity, something that we could all use a bit of right now.  Inspired by the local marina, this is the color blue that feels most refreshing and bold.

How to bring it all together? By discovering dressing up again.  Donna Leah loves to talk about fashion with no age and designs that reflect and emotional state of happiness. We need to wear what we love based on how we feel and not a specific occasion, says the designer.

We know that dressing up with improve our mood.  Articles abound with scientific research stating what many have known for a long time — that we can use this time to express who we are and what we are feeling through our style choices.

Truly, buying a gown doesn’t have to only be for a special occasion. People are surprised at how dramatically a look can change based on accessories and footwear.  Instead of purchasing something specific for certain events, women can have a few dressier pieces in their wardrobe that they love and are more versatile, and make them feel great when wearing them.

Now is the time to discover dressing up again and feel an improved mood with colors that make us happy ! Perhaps starting with ourselves, and communicating that message to shoppers, both old and new.  It is the opportunity to help with positive feelings of empowerment, confidence, and the idea that we can take challenges and create opportunities.