If you’ve ever seen me in a crowd, you’ve probably asked yourself “Why is that girl’s dress so atrociously bright?” I promise, there is a reasonable answer. I don’t parade around looking like I just walked out of Palm Beach for the hell of it. Lilly Pulitzer is a clothing company that has been around for decades, and dressed the likes of Jackie O in the 20th century. Lilly Pulitzer dresses used to be the preeminent way to show your class and how much time you spend in Florida, but now, they are the perfect way for me to make myself a bit more bright.

No one has ever described me as a bright person. I’ve been dying my hair dark for years, and I have pretty pale skin (though not translucent, thankfully.) I am not one of those girls who constantly wears a smile, and I have been accused more than once of having resting bitch face. I don’t skip around merrily, and people don’t look at me and think “Wow! She looks nice. I should go talk to her.”

Lilly Pulitzer is what brightens me up. I look much less threatening when I am wearing bright, elaborate patterns. It is hard to think a petite young woman looks threatening when she is wearing a dress covered completely in elephants. If I didn’t have Lilly Pulitzer, I would probably wear all neutral colors and have very few friends. But because I choose to wear bright, vibrant colors, I am more accessible. If you put me face on two bodies: one wearing black and one wearing a bright Lilly Pulitzer dress, you can bet that people would rather approach the one in the Lilly. With dark hair and dark features, along with dark-rimmed glasses, I really need SOMETHING to brighten me up. I can promise you it isn’t going to be my smile, so why not my dress?

It also probably helps that when I am wearing Lilly Pulitzer, I usually smile a lot more than when I’m not. How could I not, when I’m wearing such a beautiful dress? Lilly dresses are absolutely gorgeous and I have found the perfect size to flatter me, making me look and feel my best. Lilly Pulitzer dresses are not exactly cheap, but I pay for them out of my own pocket with money I earn with my own hard work. I love wearing a dress that I bought for myself. It not only makes me feel good, but also independent.

Lilly Pulitzer is truly a lifestyle, and it’s a lifestyle I’m completely on board with now. Bring on the bright prints and bring on the friends.