The Top Fashion Moments at the 2026 ESSENCE Festival

The ESSENCE Festival of Culture 2026 (July 3-5) took over New Orleans last weekend with performances, panels, and conversations that drew icons from entertainment, politics, and business. The energy was unmissable. Beyond the talks and performances, though, the fashion was equally compelling. From leather bodysuits to tailored suits, the attendees served looks that ranged from bold to understated. Here’s a look at some of the best fits that caught our eye.

Teyana Taylor

Taylor kept things relaxed in purple. A baggy jumpsuit paired with a matching festival hat struck that effortless vibe without trying too hard.

Keke Palmer and Michelle Obama

Palmer and Obama coordinated in black for their live podcast session. Palmer opted for cropped trousers and a fitted corset top while Obama went with a dress featuring a ruffled skirt. Both moves felt polished and purposeful.

Slick Rick and Kenny Burns

Rick brought the color in a pink-and-white suit topped off with pink platform sneakers. Burns kept it designer with Gucci and red boat shoes, each lending their own interpretation of summer suave.

Normani and Ryan Destiny

Destiny showed legs in a short T-shirt dress while Normani commanded attention in a red leather tube dress. Both looks read confident and ready for whatever the festival had in store.

Mara Brock Akil

Akil kept it simple but sharp with white shorts and a snake-print off-the-shoulder cardigan. Sometimes restraint is its own statement.

Rev. Al Sharpton

Sharpton showed why tailoring matters. A brown suit, checkered vest, and emerald-green tie prove that you don’t need trends to stand out.

Cardi B

B took the stage in full rockstar mode. A leather-and-fishnet bodysuit embellished with metal rings, wild yellow hair—the whole package screamed unapologetic confidence. This is the kind of look that demands attention.

Kandi Burruss

Burruss spoke on the Beautycon panel in yellow capris, a light blue blazer, and a matching scarf. Business chic doesn’t require complexity.

DeVon Franklin

Franklin went for leopard print paired with cream trousers. A bold print choice that somehow reads fresh rather than overdone.

Kendra G

G showed up ready for the cameras in gold heels, a royal blue skirt, and a crisp white shirt. The color blocking was clean and intentional.

Cynthia Bailey

Bailey stunned in a full beige lace suit with matching heels. Summer, beachy, effortless. Everything about it works.

Josh Levi

Levi nailed relaxed cool. Denim shorts, a black tee, Diesel belt. No overthinking required.

Rep. Jasmine Crockett

Crockett spoke on the Global Black Economic Forum panel in an elegant gray dress, strappy heels, and substantial jewelry. The look strikes a balance between professional and polished.

Leon Thomas

Thomas performed in a matching brown set, blacked-out sunglasses, and a flat cap. The cohesion makes all the difference.

Tamar Braxton

Braxton came to serve. A black mini skirt, cape, and lace bodysuit delivered exactly what you’d expect from her: fearless and unapologetic.

Patti LaBelle

LaBelle commanded the stage in a silky, bright yellow suit complete with a train. She’s a living legend and dressed accordingly.

Michael Ealy and Jaalen Best

Ealy and Best kept things casual in jeans and shirts. Best layered a sweater over his shoulder, adding a touch of dimension to an otherwise straightforward look.

Dr. Karri Bryant

Bryant spoke on the Global Black Economic Forum panel in a yellow floor-length silk gown with purple heels. The color combo feels intentional and bold.

Loren Lorosa

The Breakfast Club’s Lorosa turned heads in a pink gown with sparkling heels. Her iconic pixie cut topped off a look that was both glamorous and sharp. Sometimes the simplest statement is the loudest one.

Related: ESSENCE Festival of Culture