Essence Festival Celebrity Outfits | PS Fashion

Every year, Essence Festival brings out some of the biggest names in entertainment to the great city of New Orleans for a weekend celebrating Black music, culture, and revelry. Hosted near the July 4 holiday, the landmark event boasts nightly concerts at the Superdome — including Prince in 2014, Janet Jackson in 2022, and Usher in 2024 — as well as a packed schedule of events during the day like a Disney Parks brunch and a SheaMoisture day party. And celebrities come dressed in their finest summer-ready outfits for the occasion.

Keeping the city’s scorching temperatures and soaring humidity in mind, stars manage to choose practical looks without sacrificing style. There are plenty of warm-weather-friendly trends on display, from cutouts to micro minis. Embellished one-shoulder dresses, polished skirt suits, and colorful rompers are also in heavy demand at the stylish festival. For concerts, artists think outside the box, choosing bold designs that will make a memorable impact. From a studded bra-and-chaps set to a nude bodysuit covered in glittering gold embellishment, there’s no telling what theatrical look you’ll witness on the Essence Festival stage.

For the 2025 Essence Festival, artists brought their sartorial A-game. Keke Palmer graced the stage to perform a cover of Brandy’s “Sitting Up In My Room” wearing a cutout sequin bra and black capri pants. Ari Lennox looked stunning for her Super Lounge concert wearing a pink halter romper with ruffle shorts. Jordan Chiles wowed at the Black Excellence Brunch in a printed minidress that showed off her chest tattoo.

Shop Palmer’s outfit below, and keep scrolling for the best celebrity looks from the 2025 Essence Festival (and years prior), from the stage to the red carpet.