I have spent the better part of five years curating my wardrobe down to the basics. Eager to maximize my time, I wanted to keep things simple, so everything in my closet worked together interchangeably. Quiet luxury was an easy fix, and it worked—until one very specific dress made me realize what I’d lost in all that streamlining.

Seventeen years ago, I first watched 13 Going on 30 . A few months ago, I saw it again, and found myself re-enamored with Jennifer Garner’s—ahem, Jenna Rink’s—vintage rainbow-striped Versace dress (you know the one). It was an outward expression of her confidence and vibrant personality, as she commanded the party scene with the Thriller dance. She was the main character of her own life—my ivory cashmere sweater never made me feel that way.…