100+ Essence Festival Outfit Ideas: What To Wear? M/F


Are you ready to rock the stage at Essence Festival this year?

If you’re looking for outfit inspiration, you’ve come to the right place!

We are excited to provide women and men with over 100 gorgeous, fashionable ideas so that you can show off your style while attending one of the most iconic events in Black culture.

Whether it’s casual or formal wear, we got you covered — no matter what look rocks your boat.

Shine on friends and let’s get started on making some unforgettable memories at this great festival!

This blog post includes a list of Amazon products that have received a rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars. The aim is to help you save time and money by providing you with great options for your outfit research.

1. Essence Festival Women’s Outfit Examples

To kick-start your creativity in the best way possible we have put together 18 Essence women’s looks from which you can take inspiration.

Also, if you want, you can dive directly into our outfit selection to put together your version of the outfit by clicking here.

Now, if the outfit examples we provided below don’t fit your style, that’s okay!

We don’t expect you to follow them exactly.

Our goal is to give you inspiration to make your own ideal version.

Feel free to adjust, alter or completely change the outfits to create one that you will love to wear at the festival.

Make it unique to you!

Essence Festival Women’s Outfit Examples 1 To 4

Like any item in this article, you can directly click on the links below of the clothing you like to get to it.

Essence Festival Women’s Outfit Example 1

African prints are always a good option to consider for Essence, whether here and there, or from top to bottom.

Start with a pair of denim pants for the bottom, and add a beautiful African print off-shoulder crop top for the top.

For footwear, go for a pair of black strappy heels.

Essence Festival Women’s Outfit Example 2

Fringes are also an amazing trend to try, whether on a dress, a top, or a skirt as always bring an extra oomph to your look.

Go for a sexy backless fringed halter pink short dress along with a pair of pink sparkly heels.

Essence Festival Women’s Outfit Example 3

Floral patterns and prints have a unique vibe that matches most festivals and even more so for Essence.

Go for an off-shoulder floral print short dress along with a pair of platform sandals.

Essence Festival Women’s Outfit Example 4

If you want to go for an African look with a sexy touch this look is for you.

Start with an African print long skirt (along with its earrings and headpiece) for the bottom, and add a sexy black crop top for the top.

For footwear, go for a pair of black heels.

Essence Festival Women’s Outfit Examples 5 To 8

Like any item in this article, you can directly click on the links below of the clothing you like to get to it.

Essence Festival Women’s Outfit Example 5

Out of all the possible styles, bohemian fashion easily falls into Essence Fest looks.

Go for an off-shoulder bohemian long split dress along with a pair of black heels.

Essence Festival Women’s Outfit Example 6

If you are looking for a trendy 2-piece African print outfit this one is for you.

Go for a cute African print jumpsuit along with a pair of yellow strappy sandals.

Essence Festival Women’s Outfit Example 7

If you are more into pants and cute tops, you can consider the following look.

Start with a pair of graphic joggers for the bottom, and add a nice black and white African print cami for the top.

For footwear, go for a pair of yellow strappy heels.

Essence Festival Women’s Outfit Example 8

Jumpsuits are always an easy and chic look to consider.

Go for an African print jumpsuit along with a pair of black strappy heels.

Essence Festival Women’s Outfit Examples 9 To 12

Like any item in this article, you can directly click on the links below of the clothing you like to get to it.

Essence Festival Women’s Outfit Example 9

Animal prints are also a good choice to go for whether, zebra, leopard, or snakeskin always have a cool effect on an outfit.

Start with a pair of zebra print pants for the bottom, and add a cute pastel yellow halter crop top for the top.

For footwear, go for a pair of graphic-patterned canvas shoes.

Essence Festival Women’s Outfit Example 10

If you are more into pastel colors, this outfit is for you.

Start with a blue plaid print skirt for the bottom, and add a cute white halter crop top for the top.

For footwear, go for a pair of pink pastel canvas shoes.

As an extra layer, go for a pink pastel open-front cardigan.

Essence Festival Women’s Outfit Example 11

If you are a bit daring a looking for a sexy yet stylish look consider going for floral patterned see-throughs.

Start with a black crochet skirt for the bottom, and add a cute see-through floral pattern crop top for the top (consider wearing a seamless bra or pasties underneath).

For footwear, go for a pair of white strappy heels.

Essence Festival Women’s Outfit Example 12

If you are more into streetwear looks, this is a cool look to go for combining camo patterns, sexy leather, and sparkly golden colors to the mix.

Start with a pair of camo denim pants for the bottom, and add a sexy long-sleeve leather crop top for the top.

For footwear, go for a pair of white rhinestone caged heels.

Essence Festival Women’s Outfit Examples 13 To 18

Like any item in this article, you can directly click on the links below of the clothing you like to get to it.

Essence Festival Women’s Outfit Example 13

If you are looking for an all-black sexy look, this is for you.

Start with a black cut-out fringes short skirt for the bottom, and add a black mesh crop top for the top.

For footwear, go for a pair of black open-caged heels.

Essence Festival Women’s Outfit Example 14

Bright colors are also the name of the game, so don’t hesitate to be a little daring, here is a great example to go for if you were considering this style.

Go for an orange cut-out long sleeve short dress along with a pair of pastel blue strappy heels.

Essence Festival Women’s Outfit Example 15

Go for an orange cold-shoulders long dress along with a pair of white strappy heels.

Essence Festival Women’s Outfit Example 16

Here is our second take on a sexy all-black look.

Go for a sexy black cut-out long dress along with a pair of black rhinestone strap heels.

Essence Festival Women’s Outfit Example 17

If you are into skirts this look is a great combo of sexy and chic, combining cut-out dress and orange bright colors.

Start with a black short skirt for the bottom, and add a cute black crisscross crop top for the top.

For footwear, go for a pair of orange strappy heels.

As an extra layer, go for a cropped orange cardigan.

Essence Festival Women’s Outfit Example 18

If you are looking for a sparkly look, this is a look you can try, this one-shoulder is a killer.

Start with a pair of black shorts for the bottom, and add a cute sparkly silver one-shoulder top for the top.

For footwear, go for a pair of black heels.

2. Essence Festival Women’s Outfits Listing

If you couldn’t find the perfect outfit in our example or if you want to make some adjustments to them, you can explore our outfit listing.

We have collected a wide range of styles, so you can experiment with different outfit possibilities and find your perfect festival look easily.

The selection below is designed to help you mix and match tops and bottoms to create your ideal festival outfit or to inspire your creativity.

Essence Festival Women’s Tops

African Blue Off Shoulder Crop Top Bohemia Printing Tube

African Off Shoulder Crop Top Bohemia Printing Tube

Faux PU Leather Long Puff Sleeve Fitted Tee Shirt Top

African Print Cami Crop Top

Sheer Mesh Crop Tops Floral Embroided See Through

Sequin Tank Tops One Shoulder Sleeveless Party Camisole Vest

Sexy Criss Cross Lace Up Sling Basic Bow Tie Crop Top

Tank Top Yellow Pastel Body Yoga Shirt

Lace V Neck Spaghetti Strap Sleeveless Crop Top

White Sleeveless High Neck Rib-Knit Y2k Crop Tank Top

White Deep V Neck Halter Crop Top

V Neck Tank Tops Casual Spaghetti Strap Cami

Pink Pastel Cardigans Tie Open Front Shrug

Orange Trendy Bolero Shrug Cropped Cardigan

Essence Festival Women’s Bottoms

Waisted Summer Beach Crochet Lace Shorts

Camo High Waist Jogger Pants

Metallic High Waist PU Leather Shorts

Bootcut Zebra High-Waisted Yoga Pants

Black Trousers Boho Baggy Harem Hippie Lounge Pants

Blue White Baggy Harem Hippie Lounge Pants

Blue Trousers Boho Floral Casual Loose Baggy

Denim Pants

3 Pcs Women African Printed Maxi Skirt A Line Skirt 

High Waist Mini Plaid Skirt

Blue Plaid Checker Print Skirt

Summer Shorts Ruffle Shorts

High Waist Short Bodycon Pencil Skirt

Essence Festival Women’s Dresses And Sets

2 Piece Outfit African Print Summer

Sexy Spaghetti Strap Stripe Jumpsuits

Boho Short Sleeve Off-Shoulder Ruffle Dress

African Print Dresses Traditional Clothing Casual Party Dress

Boho African Dress Multi-Way Dress Long Maxi Dress

Sequin Red Dress

Lola Long Sleeve Sequin Dress

Button Up Printed Long Wide Leg Pant Party Jumpsuits

Backless African Jumpsuits Printing One Piece Pant Outfit Rompers

Bodycon Short Rompers Jumpsuit One Piece Boho Club Outfits

African Ankara Batik Print Traditional Clothing Casual Party Dress

Floral Spaghetti Strap Maxi Dress

Boho African Jumpsuits Printing Rompers

Neckline Bodycon Mini Dress

Sleeveless Backless Fringe Hem Sequin Bodycon Halter Dress

Summer Ruched Mini Dress Sexy One Shoulder

Glitter Sleeveless Ruched Party Clubwear Bodycon Mini Dress

Sexy Bodycon Party Mini Dress Deep V Neck Sequin

Bohemian Plus Size Sundresses Long Maxi Dress

Floral Bohemian Maxi Dresses Plus Size Sleeveless Loose

Two Piece Set Outfits Rompers Sleeveless Square collar Cami

Summer Floral Spaghetti Strap Long Maxi Dress

African Floral Jumpsuits Rompers

Bodycon V Neck Bandage Dress

Pink Fringe Halter Waist Tie Back Sleeveless Romper

Floral Tshirt Sundress Sleeveless Dress

Orange Bodycon Deep V Neck Dress

Summer Sexy Bodycon Cut Out Spaghetti Strap Split Dress

Long Sleeve Crew Neck Smocked Dress

Off Shoulder Boho Floral Swing Mini Dress Summer

Essence Festival Women’s Shoes

Yellow Open Toe High Stilettos Platform Heel

Black Ketrinda Ankle Strap Pump

Play Fashion Sneaker Print

Wedge Sandals With Pearls

Fashion Stilettos Open Toe Pump Heeled Sandals

Yellow Open Toe Lace Up Gladiator Flat Sandals

Pink Glitter Ankle Strap Chunky Heels Sandals

Pastel Pink Play Fashion Sneakers

Chunky Heel Ankle Strap Sandals

Black Strap Dress Pump Sandals Shoes

Fashion Stilettos Open Toe Pump Heel Sandals

Black Glittery Black Heels

White Square Open-Toe Lace Up Sandals

Rhinestone Ankle Strap Open Toe Stiletto

Blue Open Toe High Stilettos

Orange Strappy Lace-up Stilettos High Heels

Crisscross Strappy Platform High Chunky Heels

Open Toe Strappy Laser Cutout Caged

Black Peep Toe Tie Lace Up Platform High Heels

Play Fashion Sneakers

3. Essence Festival Men’s Outfit Examples

We have compiled a list of 10 men’s looks from Essence that can provide inspiration to boost your creativity.

Alternatively, if already inspired, you can click here to access our outfit selection and create your own version of the outfit.

If you find that one of the outfit examples we provided is perfect for you, that’s great!

But if not, that’s also great!

Our intention is not for you to follow our examples exactly, but rather to use them as inspiration to create your own unique outfit for Essence Fest.

Feel free to modify, tweak, or change the outfits as much as you’d like to make them your own.

Essence Festival Men’s Outfit Examples 1 To 3

Like any item in this article, you can directly click on the links below of the clothing you like to get to it.

Essence Festival Men’s Outfit Example 1

As we said above, bright colors and animal prints are great options for Essence, this is our first look combining the two.

Start with a pair of purple shorts for the bottom, and add a cool pink leopard print shirt for the top.

For footwear, go for a pair of white canvas shoes.

Essence Festival Men’s Outfit Example 2

Floral prints are also a great style to consider, especially if you were looking for an easy look to put together this outfit comes in 3 pieces.

Go for a black floral print shorts, shirt, and bucket hat set along with a pair of white canvas shoes.

Essence Festival Men’s Outfit Example 3

As a great alternative to African prints and bright colors, tie-dye is also a popular style to go for.

Start with a pair of ripped denim pants for the bottom, and add a cool tie-dye tee for the top.

For footwear, go for a pair of sparkly silver sneakers.

Essence Festival Men’s Outfit Examples 4 To 7

Like any item in this article, you can directly click on the links below of the clothing you like to get to it.

Essence Festival Men’s Outfit Example 4

If you are looking for a lighter floral print than our example 2 this one is for you.

Start with a pair of washed denim pants for the bottom, and add a cool white floral print shirt for the top.

For footwear, go for a pair of white canvas shoes.

Essence Festival Men’s Outfit Example 5

This is one of our black and gold takes for men, a stylish and popular combo.

Start with a pair of ripped denim shorts for the bottom, and add a cool black floral print shirt for the top.

For footwear, go for a pair of sparkly gold sneakers.

Essence Festival Men’s Outfit Example 6

For a more down-to-earth look, you can opt for this example of light green and small print style.

Start with a pair of green checker patterned pants for the bottom, and add a cool white patterned shirt for the top.

For footwear, go for a pair of white canvas shoes.

Essence Festival Men’s Outfit Example 7

If you are into black and gold outfits and our example number did not do the cut, this one might do the trick.

Start with a pair of black denim shorts for the bottom, and add a cool sparkly gold polo shirt for the top.

For footwear, go for a pair of sparkly gold sneakers.

Essence Festival Men’s Outfit Examples 8 To 10

Like any item in this article, you can directly click on the links below of the clothing you like to get to it.

Essence Festival Men’s Outfit Example 8

Here is another floral set, a light version of it.

Go for a floral print pair of shorts and shirt set along with a pair of green canvas shoes.

Essence Festival Men’s Outfit Example 9

Here is our green floral take, also as a set.

Go for a floral print pair of shorts and a shirt set along with a pair of white loafer shoes.

Essence Festival Men’s Outfit Example 10

For our last example, let’s be a little daring and go for red and trendy prints.

Start with a pair of black African print shorts for the bottom, and add a red African print shirt for the top.

For footwear, go for a pair of red leather shoes.

4. Essence Festival Men’s Outfits Listing

If you didn’t find a suitable outfit from our examples or if you want to make some adjustments to them, you can browse through our outfit listing below.

We have a wide range of styles available to help you explore all the possible outfit combinations and figure out your perfect concert look.

The selection below is intended to inspire you to mix and match different tops and bottoms to create your desired outfit.

Essence Festival Men’s Tops

Hipster Metallic Gold Short Sleeve Polo Shirt

Blue Pink Short Sleeve Aloha Hawaiian Shirt

Floral Hawaiian Shirt

Rainbow Tie Dye T Shirt

Patterned Floral Hawaiian Shirt Casual Button Down Shorts

Black Hawaiian Shirts Short Sleeve Aloha Shirt

Red Hawaiian Shirts Short Sleeve Button Down

Hipster Short Sleeve Button Down Leopard

Essence Festival Men’s Bottoms

Slim Fit Straight Leg Ripped Denim Pant

Black Fashion Ripped Short Jeans

Distressed Ripped Summer Denim Shorts

Boho Tribal Print Drawstring Waist Summer Shorts

Washed Jeans Slim Fit Stretch

Green Plaid Pants

Purple Shorts Outer Thigh Split

Essence Festival Men’s Sets

Black Hawaiian Shirt and Short Set Flower 2-Pieces

2 Pieces Tropical Print Short Sleeve Button Down

2 Pieces Tropical Print Short Sleeve Button-Down Shirt Set

Essence Festival Men’s Shoes

Silver Flashing Party Casual Lace-up Sneakers

Sneakers Gold Metallic Ankle Boots

Red high top Sneakers

High Top Canvas Sneakers

White Loafer

Military Green Shoes

White Leather Canvas Shoes

Golden High Top Flashing Party Casual Lace-up Sneakers

High Top Canvas Sneakers

Canvas Shoes White Sneakers

5. Conclusion And More Essence Fest Outfit Ideas

How do you dress for Essence Festival?

It’s the time of year when we come together in New Orleans near the French Quarter to celebrate black excellence, music, and culture.

And of course, we have to dress the part!

When it comes to your attire, the possibilities are endless.

From bright and bold colors to boho fashion styles to authentic African prints, your fashion options are limitless.

If sexy is more your style, go for it!

Embrace those curves and show off your confidence, with crop tops, short skirts, or dresses.

And don’t forget sparkly outfits are also a great option to consider!

Shimmer and shine the night away with dazzling sequins and glittery styles.

There’s no right or wrong way to dress for Essence Festival, just let your personality shine through and have a blast!

Conclusion

Wrapping up, we hope you enjoyed looking through our curated selection of outfits to help you find or create your perfect Essence Festival look.

So, go ahead and have fun with finding or creating an amazing look.

Whether it be a sequin top paired with jeans, a colorful two-piece set, or a classic bright color dress combined with killer heels—you can never go wrong when experimenting.

Remember that no one is the same and should feel comfortable expressing themselves and their individuality through fashion.

Until next time and happy planning for your Essence Festival outfit, take more videos than usual to share with the community and capture this unique weekend experience!

Now, if you are looking for more Essence outfit ideas, you can have a look at our other outfit selection below:

We hope this article helped or saved you some time in your research.

Have a great Essence festival and party!

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