Dressed In Emotion

Color. It's everywhere. From the clothes we wear to the walls of our homes, color influences our mood, emotions, and even our sense of identity. For many, a vibrant wardrobe bursting with various hues brings joy, confidence, and a sense of freedom. People can wear any color and feel happy, right? But for me, colors aren't just a simple choice, they are a source of deep, sometimes overwhelming emotions.

While others effortlessly slip into bright pinks, sunny yellows, and electric blues, I struggle to embrace them. It's not a matter of trying harder or needing to "get used to it." It's a genuine discomfort I’ve felt for as long as I can remember, something I’ve learned to accept and understand.

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The Power of Green

One of the few colors I can wear comfortably is dark green. It makes me feel grounded, safe, and proud. I can step into a dark green shirt or accessories and immediately feel in control like I am my most authentic self. It’s a color that supports my sense of stability. But if you were to put me in any other shade of green, my experience would shift dramatically. I feel foolish. Foolish as if I’m wearing a clown’s costume, drawing laughter instead of admiration. It's almost as though I’m being sentenced, and the punishment is to be dressed in green, a color I simply cannot bear.

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The Trouble with Yellow

Yellow, too, has a strange effect on me. While I admire yellow curtains and find them beautiful in their own right, wearing yellow feels like I’m broadcasting my mental instability. It's as though the color screams "unhinged" or "flawed" to me. No one laughed at me when I wore it, but I can’t shake the feeling that they should pity me instead. Pity me for being so off-balance, so unfit for the bright energy that yellow radiates. The disconnect between my love for the color in my environment and my aversion to wearing it is something I still don’t fully understand.

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The Calm of Dark Blue

Then there’s dark blue. It’s my sanctuary. I can wear it, and it instantly refreshes me. It’s a grounding color that gives me a sense of clarity. I’m not sure why this happens, how, or when it started, but it’s a pattern I’ve observed over the years. The dark blue hue doesn’t overwhelm me the way other colors do. I find it soothing, like a cool breeze on a warm day.

On the other hand, any lighter or brighter shades of blue just don’t sit right with me. It’s not that I dislike them, but I can’t quite put my finger on why they feel so off. There’s a subtle discomfort that lingers whenever I try them on. It’s as if blue has to be a particular shade for me to embrace it fully.

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The Mystery of Pink

Pink is a fascinating one. Light pink linen, whether in curtains or fabric, speaks to me. I admire it and feel no negativity towards it. But the moment it becomes something I have to wear, I feel out of place. It’s as though pink is a world I am not meant to inhabit, and yet, there’s a soft allure to it. I can admire pink from a distance, but to don it myself is a step too far. It doesn’t make me feel bad per se, but it doesn’t bring me the power or comfort that other colors do.

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The Strength in Red, Purple, and Burgundy

Red, purple, and burgundy, however, are my power colors. Not the bright, harsh reds that might be too much for my sensitive eyes, but the deeper, richer shades. These colors evoke strength, confidence, and assertiveness. When I wear them, I feel like I’m stepping into my power. Like I can take on the world. There’s something undeniably empowering about these shades, something that reminds me of my resilience and determination.

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The Comfort of Neutrals

But perhaps the greatest love affair I have is with neutral tones; white, beige, brown, black, and grey. These colors feel like home. They feel like me. When I wear them, I walk taller, with my head held high. I feel confident and at peace, as though I’ve found the perfect fit for who I am. These colors are my armor, my silent declaration that I know who I am and that I don’t need to shout it from the rooftops. I simply am.

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A Personal Struggle Shared by Few?

For many, the use of color in fashion seems like an easy choice, something that doesn’t require too much thought. But for me, color choices shape my entire mood and the way I experience the world. It’s an intimate relationship I’ve had with colors for as long as I can remember. It’s something that may seem trivial to others but can drastically affect how I feel each day.

I often wonder if I am alone in this strange connection to color. Do others feel the same discomfort in certain shades, or is it just me? It’s not an issue of trying harder or being more adventurous, it’s a deeply ingrained part of who I am. And I’ve come to realize that, for me, it’s not something to be “fixed” but something to be understood and embraced.

So, to all the people who effortlessly wear every color under the sun and feel happiness in every hue, I salute you. But for those of us who have a more complex relationship with color, I see you, and I understand you. Colors are more than just pigments, they are emotional catalysts that shape our days and experiences in ways we may not even fully realize.

At the end of the day, color is not just about what we wear but it's a reflection of who we are, how we feel, and how we navigate the world around us. For some, it’s an effortless expression of personality; for others, it’s a complex, deeply personal experience. What I’ve learned is that embracing the colors that resonate with me and avoiding those that don’t has become a vital part of my self-expression and emotional well-being. So, the next time you choose an outfit, pay attention to how that color makes you feel. It might just be the subtle key to unlocking a deeper understanding of yourself. Colors are far more than just shades; they are a language we speak without words, and it’s time we listen closely.

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