Packing Light for Fancy Vacations? This Sequin Dress Does It All

I spent forever stressing over what dress to bring to Cartagena. Like, literally weeks. My suitcase was tiny and I didn’t want to lug around three heavy gowns for one dinner, you know?

Eventually I just grabbed this burgundy sequined mermaid thing and hoped for the best.

Turns out it worked out great. The dinner was on this rooftop at Sofitel Santa Clara — all palm trees and terracotta roofs and twinkly lights, super postcard-y. The sunset light was this soft gold that made the wine-red fabric look insane, and every time a candle flickered or those outdoor lamps hit the sequins, the whole dress just lit up. Even under those Don Julio umbrellas (random, but they were there), it caught the glow.

The fit is actually comfortable for a mermaid cut — hugs in the right places, cap sleeves, V-neck, not too tight. I was scared it'd be stiff and I'd be tugging at it all night, but I could walk on that stone terrace fine, lean against the railing for photos, sit through dinner without feeling like I was in a corset, and even dance a little later.

Got tons of compliments too. Against the hotel's cream walls and all those green plants, the red really popped. I didn't even bother with necklaces or earrings — the sequins are busy enough.

You don't need a whole suitcase of fancy dresses for a vacation.

One good one that fits well and makes you feel great is plenty. This burgundy number saved my packing stress and made that rooftop dinner memorable.

I'll definately bring it again next time — even if my boyfriend rolls his eyes at me wearing the same thing twice.