Finding Confidence in a Coral Dress & The Perfect Pair of Faux Leather Leggings
Hey everyone, it’s Chloe Bennett! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, a place I like to call my style sanctuary. If you’re new here, hi! I’m a 28-year-old freelance graphic designer living in Brooklyn, and this is where I ditch the client mood boards and talk about my real passion: the way clothes make us feel. It’s not just about looking good for the ‘gram (though, let’s be honest, a good photo is a perk); it’s about the confidence a great outfit can give you from the moment you step out the door.
Today was one of those perfect, spontaneous New York days. The sun was out, the energy in the city was buzzing, and I had a serious itch to refresh my wardrobe with something that felt uniquely me for spring. My destination? A solo shopping trip to my favorite hunting ground: the boutiques of SoHo.
I had a vague idea of what I was looking for—something feminine but with a bit of an edge. I wandered into ‘The Looking Glass,’ this adorable boutique on Prince Street that always has a curated selection of pieces you won’t find everywhere. The music was low-key, the lighting was flattering (a non-negotiable for any dressing room!), and I immediately zeroed in on two items that screamed my name.
The Finds:
- The ‘Sienna’ Coral Ruffle Dress: This was the star of the show. It’s a midi dress in the most vibrant, warm coral color. The material is a heavy, flowing viscose that feels incredible against the skin. The neckline is a flattering V-neck, and the sleeves have this beautiful, dramatic ruffle detail that adds so much movement. It’s effortlessly chic.
- High-Waisted Faux Leather Leggings: Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Leather leggings in spring?” But hear me out! These aren’t the club-going, overly shiny ones from 2012. These are from a brand called ‘Second Skin,’ and they are revolutionary. The matte finish makes them look incredibly sophisticated, and the fabric has just the right amount of stretch. They feel like the second-skin they’re named after—supportive but not restrictive.
I tried them on separately first. The dress was an immediate “WOW” moment. The color lit up my entire face. I have a pretty fair complexion, and sometimes bright colors can wash me out, but this coral has enough warmth to it that it just made me look… sunny. The ruffles on the sleeves felt playful and romantic without being too fussy. The waist is cinched perfectly, defining my silhouette without needing a belt.
Then, I slipped on the leggings. Oh my goodness. The high waist is no joke—it smoothed everything out and provided such a secure, comfortable fit. They’re surprisingly breathable! I did a few squats in the dressing room (you know you do it too), and there was no pulling or awkward stretching. They felt powerful. They felt like I should be sipping an espresso at a trendy café, not even trying to be cool, just being cool.
And then… the magic happened. I had a thought. What if I paired the sleek, edgy power of the leggings with the soft, feminine flow of the dress? I put the leggings on under the dress. I stepped back and looked in the mirror, and I swear, I did a little gasp. It was a transformation. The dress alone was beautiful, but adding the leggings completely changed the vibe. It took it from a breezy daytime garden party look to a downtown, ready-for-anything ensemble. The contrast of textures—the soft flow of the viscose against the sleek matte of the faux leather—was everything.
The Feelings:
Walking out of the store with my new purchases, I felt an electric buzz of confidence. This is the feeling I live for. It wasn’t just about owning new things; it was about owning a new version of myself for the day.
I decided to wear the dress-and-leggings combo right away. I walked from SoHo to the West Village, and I’ve never felt more put-together. The dress flowed beautifully in the spring breeze, and the leggings meant I never had to worry about a gust of wind (a constant NYC hazard). I felt covered and secure but also light and free. It was the perfect balance.
I stopped for an iced oat milk latte at a sidewalk café, and I felt so authentically me. The outfit was a conversation starter—the barista complimented the color of the dress! It’s that kind of outfit that makes you stand tall, makes you smile a little easier. It’s armor, but pretty, comfortable armor. It made my selfie game strong today because I wasn’t just posing; I was genuinely feeling fantastic, and I think that translates through the camera lens.
Chloe’s Style Suggestions:
So, how can you rock these pieces?
- For the ‘Sienna’ Dress (Solo): This dress is a statement on its own. Pair it with some simple nude block heels or strappy sandals for a wedding or brunch. Keep the jewelry minimal—maybe just some small gold hoops—to let the color and the ruffle details do the talking. Throw on a denim jacket for a more casual, cool-girl vibe.
- For the Faux Leather Leggings (Solo): These are the ultimate versatile base. Dress them down with an oversized band tee, a moto jacket, and white sneakers for a weekend look. Dress them up with a luxurious cashmere sweater, statement necklace, and ankle boots for a dinner date. They are a wardrobe workhorse.
- For The Ultimate Combo: If you’re brave enough to try the dress-over-leggings look, please do! It’s a trend that has serious staying power. The key is contrast. A flowy dress with structured leggings. A soft fabric with a hard one. Finish it with combat boots for an edgy feel or with heeled ankle booties to elongate your legs. I wore mine with my trusted black chelsea boots and a black leather crossbody bag to tie the look together with the leggings.
Remember, fashion is about experimentation. It’s about playing with pieces until you find a combination that makes your soul happy. Don’t be afraid to break the “rules.” Sometimes the best outfits are born from a spontaneous idea in a dressing room.
What’s a recent outfit that made you feel invincible? Let me know in the comments below!
Sending you all so much love and good vibes,
Chloe Bennett