Orange is my colour
Written by: Lindiwe Lewis
Every piece of clothing reminds me of how I felt when I purchased it. I have outfits I purchased because I felt really good in my body and others when I didn’t.
My orange dress was purchased because of an insecurity- not a body one but a life one.
I bought it on ASOS for my 26th birthday party- a birthday party that was a big deal. I invited friends from all walks of life and booked a venue. I wanted to make this the most special of birthdays.
On my 25th birthday, I lost my best friend (nothing too dramatic but it was the end of our relationship), and I was heartbroken. I needed my 26th to be the best birthday of my life.
Orange symbolises joy, warmth, sunshine, enthusiasm.
On this day I needed to make a statement - “I still had friends”. I kept people at arm’s length for years because of how close I was to my BFF. I invited a lot of people so I could feel a connection again.
I zipped up my orange dress and felt numb. I dieted to get into it and still didn’t feel good. I put a lot of pressure on this night and on this dress but, that night I had 50% of the people cancel within a few hours before the start time. I cried, I regretted all the choices I made, and I even wanted to cancel it altogether. But, I didn't. The show had to go on and once people arrived - everything changed.
I looked around at all the people who loved me, who ignored all the times I didn’t show up for them, who loved me in spite of my faults, who said they might not be able to make it and surprised me anyway; I realised that no matter what I did, no matter what I wore, those people were going to love me, and that was the best present I could have ever gotten.
I took every compliment and hugged everyone. I danced with the live band and got my drunk friends into Uber's by the end of the night.
“Every piece in my wardrobe reminds me of how I felt when I got it, but my orange dress reminds me of all of the people who love me unconditionally.”
My orange dress has been to a lot of events since then, and every time I put it on, I feel supported, loved, and I know I look good. I mean orange is my colour.
Lindiwe x
