Single Millennial Buys Dream $4,500 Wedding Dress on Sale

Shayla Quinn, 36, found the perfect dress at a sample sale despite not being engaged.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Shayla Quinn, a 36-year-old single woman from New York City, stumbled upon her dream wedding dress at a sample sale, despite not being engaged. The sleek halter-neck Kyha Studios gown, which normally retails for around $4,500, was marked down to just $100. Initially hesitant, Quinn eventually tried on the dress and fell in love, deciding to purchase it as a reminder to stay hopeful about finding love and getting married one day.

Why it matters

Quinn's story highlights a shift in societal norms, where single women are increasingly embracing the idea of purchasing wedding attire without the pressure of an impending marriage. This purchase represents Quinn's decision to do what feels right for her, regardless of what others may think, and serves as a symbol of her continued hope and faith in finding a partner.

The details

When Quinn's friend invited her to a bridal sample sale, she initially felt out of place as a single woman. However, when she saw the stunning Kyha Studios gown marked down to $100, she couldn't resist trying it on. Despite her initial hesitation, Quinn fell in love with the dress and its perfect fit, and decided to purchase it as a reminder to stay hopeful about her future.

  • Quinn spotted the dress at the sample sale in March 2026.

The players

Shayla Quinn

A 36-year-old single woman from New York City who purchased a dream wedding dress at a sample sale, despite not being engaged.

Kyha Studios

The designer of the sleek halter-neck wedding dress that Quinn purchased.

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What they’re saying

“I didn't go looking for the dress, the dress found me.”

— Shayla Quinn (Newsweek)

“Honestly, I just thought 'wow, this dress is gorgeous.' When I saw it hanging on a rack marked $100, I felt like it would be silly not to try it on. It's a simple, timeless dress. It has a halter neckline and open back into a fit and flare skirt.”

— Shayla Quinn (Newsweek)

“I kept thinking, what am I doing trying on wedding dresses when I'm so single? It took me a while to even agree to try the dress on, but once I did, I came back to the facts. It was a beautiful dress that normally costs thousands of dollars, it fits perfectly, and I felt amazing in it.”

— Shayla Quinn (Newsweek)

“I realized I don't need to wait for a milestone to have something that makes me feel good. I didn't go looking for the dress, the dress found me. Once I let go of the fear of judgment, buying it just felt right.”

— Shayla Quinn (Newsweek)

What’s next

Quinn plans to keep the dress in her closet as a reminder of her hope and faith in finding love and getting married one day.

The takeaway

Quinn's story challenges societal norms and encourages single women to embrace their desires and do what feels right for them, regardless of their relationship status. Her purchase of the dream wedding dress serves as a symbol of her continued optimism and a reminder that just because something hasn't happened yet doesn't mean it won't happen at all.