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    What We’re Wearing is an intimate look inside the closets of ESSENCE editors. Beyond the labels, we’re sharing how we personally style our lives—for everything from high-profile galas to effortless weekend vibes. Our mission is to spark your creativity and empower you to show up as your most authentic, unapologetic self, no matter where you’re going.

    For the ESSENCE editorial team, the ESSENCE Festival of Culture is our Super Bowl. Four days of nonstop programming means racing from panels and interviews to brand events, backstage moments, and late-night concerts—all while making sure every story gets told. It’s fast-paced, exhilarating, and one of the busiest weekends of the year.

    Naturally, the outfits have to work just as hard as we do. As ESSENCE’s style writer, getting dressed is part of the assignment. Weeks before I landed in New Orleans, my living room transformed into a styling studio, with garment bags, shoes, and accessories covering every inch of floor space as I carefully planned each look. Every outfit had a purpose: pieces that could keep up with long days, withstand the Louisiana heat, and still make a statement from the convention center to the Superdome. Ahead, a look at everything I wore during the biggest weekend in Black culture.

    Day One

    Friday was a more low-key day. There were no onstage moments for me, just a shift at the ESSENCE Luxe Pop-Up Shop, where VIP ticket holders had the chance to shop a curated selection of our favorite Black-owned designers. Naturally, I had to wear one of the brands we were spotlighting. I opted for a CJR x Old Navy tank top with oversized 3.1 Phillip Lim trousers, Gallery Department x Vans sneakers, and my signature green army cap to shield me from the world while still looking put together.

    Once the sun went down, it was time for the concert series, and with Latto and Cardi B taking the stage, the dress code called for something with a little more attitude. I leaned into my sexy side with vintage leopard-print Dolce & Gabbana shorts, a simple black tank from Tank Air, Femme LA lace-up sandals, and a statement necklace from Miansai Jewelry paired with my Dior Saddle Bag. It was the perfect look for a night that was all about confidence, energy, and unforgettable performances.

    TOP: CJR X Old, PANTS: 3.1 PHillip Lim, Shoes: Gallery Dept. x Vans
    TOP: TANK AIR, SHORTS: VINTAGE DOLCE AND GABBANA, SHoes: FEMME LA, Necklace: Miansai

    Day Two

    Saturday was easily my busiest day of the weekend. I started the morning in glam before heading into prep mode for my panel discussion. With a schedule that had me bouncing between the Four Seasons and the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, I needed a look that was equal parts effortless and polished. I wore the Bea Dress from Dôen, the perfect piece to keep me cool while still feeling put together during the whirlwind leading up to my conversation.

    When it was time to step on stage with celebrity stylists Wayman and Micah, I changed into a Christopher John Rogers dress that felt made for the occasion. The floor-skimming silhouette struck the perfect balance between dramatic and elegant, creating a quietly sexy moment. I finished the look with black lace-up sandals and a silver chain from Miansai Jewelry, keeping the accessories minimal so the dress could take center stage.

    For the evening concert series, I leaned into color and texture with a striped halter crop top from Zimmermann, pairing it with low-slung white 3.1 Phillip Lim jeans for a relaxed yet elevated feel. I tied everything together with my blue Alaïa Le Teckel bag, which added the perfect pop of color to close out a busy day and my bangles from Alexis Bittar

    DRESS: Doên, Shoes: Zara
    DRESS: CHRISTOPHER JOHN ROGERS, SHOES: FEMME LA, NECKLACE: Miansai
    TOP: ZIMMERMANN, PANTS: 3.1 PHillip Lim, Shoes: FEMME LA

    Day Three

    For the final day of the ESSENCE Festival of Culture, I kicked things off with interviews around the convention center before heading to the stage for my conversation with Bryon Javar. For the occasion, I wore a full look from Isabel Marant’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection: a tan ribbed tank, a green cargo skirt, and the brand’s iconic Beckett sneakers, finished with jewelry from the same collection. I loved this look because it brought a fresh energy to the weekend—fun, youthful, and effortlessly cool—while still feeling polished enough for the stage.

    As day turned into night, I switched into a matching white shirt-and-shorts set by Jane Wade. The subtly sheer fabric gave the look a modern edge, while Miu Miu boxing sneakers from the Spring/Summer 2025 collection kept it sporty and unexpected. It was the perfect outfit to close out the weekend: comfortable enough to keep up with the final night of festivities, but fashion-forward enough to end ESSENCE Festival on a high note.

    FULL LOOK: ISABEL MARANT
    FULL LOOK: ISABEL MARANT
    SET: JANE WADE, NECKLACE: , SHOES: MIU MIU, NECKLACE: Miansai
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