The Sequin Dress I Wore Once — Here’s What Happened

A few years ago … I bought a sequin dress.

I wore it once.

Since then, it’s been hanging in my wardrobe … just sitting there, quietly catching the light every time I open the door.

At first, I saw it as a mistake — an impulse buy I should have known better than to make.

But over time, I realised it wasn’t failure.

It was an experiment and the dress became data: a way to understand how I actually live, how often I dress up and which pieces truly get worn.

Our wardrobes don’t just reflect who we are — they reflect who we think we’ll be.

That sequin dress belonged to a version of me that exists but only occasionally. Sequins are joyful, expressive, unapologetic — and very specific. Once the moment passes, they don’t always fit back into everyday life.

That dress taught me something crucial: not every expression of style needs to be owned.

Sometimes, we just want to experience it.

In my work with clients, I often hear, “I know I’ll only wear it once, but…” That “but” used to feel like a problem. Now, I see it as information — data to guide intentional decisions.

Sustainable style isn’t about never buying. It’s about honesty: how we live, how often we dress up and whether the piece truly fits our life.

Rental allows you to enjoy the sparkle without the long-term commitment and better for the planet — whilst investment pieces should be chosen intentionally … pieces you return to again and again.

My sequin dress still hangs there, waiting for the right moment — or perhaps a new home — as a reminder of what I’ve learned about festive dressing, sustainable style and more importantly … me.

I would love to hear your stories too — Have you ever bought something for a special occasion and barely worn? Or tried a bold style experiment that surprised you?