Essence Fest Is Coming Up Here’s What You Should Wear

Photo Credit:@sarahjoholder

I totally forgot Essence Fest was even coming up until I saw someone post about it on Instagram and instantly felt behind. Every July, people show up and show out in New Orleans. We’re talking head-to-toe looks, braids laid, fans in hand, and outfits that say “yes, I understood the assignment.”

So if you’re going this year or even if you’re just scrolling the hashtag from your couch this is the vibe: it’s hot, it’s crowded, and it’s definitely not the time to play it safe.

Whether you want to be comfy, turn heads, or just stay cool while looking cute, I pulled together 10 outfit ideas based on real-life scenarios (because we’re not just dressing for Instagram here we’re trying to survive the heat and still look good in photos).

Also because I wrote this article so late everything thing I’m linking is from Amazon who doesn’t love 2 day shipping.

Oh and if you would much rather wear something that you already own, be sure to snag this guide it has 365 outfit ideas for every season and occasion and it’s totally free!

1. If You’re Just There for the Vibes

Outfit: Flowy maxi dress + flat sandals + oversized sunnies
Light, breezy, and gives I didn’t try too hard but still ate.

Casual Spaghetti Strap Long Summer Sundress with Pockets

$29.58

Tan Sandals

$32.79

Big UV400 Protection Designer 2025 Ladies Shades

$19.99

2. If You Plan to Be Front Row All Day

Outfit: Matching short set+ crossbody bag + sneakers
You’ll thank yourself when you’re standing for hours and still cute.

Two Piece Set

$33.99

Lace Detail Casual Sneakers

$59.99

Woven Top-handle Bag

$52.99

3. If You’re Trying to Be on Somebody’s Instagram

Outfit: Off-the-shoulder crop top + wide-leg pants + chunky earrings
It’s the “wait, let me get a pic of you right here” outfit.

2 Piece Outfits Off Shoulder Lantern Sleeve Top Flowy

$55.99

Gold Chunky Earrings

$14.99

4. If You’re Going Straight From Fest to Dinner

Outfit: Bodycon midi dress + low block heels + shoulder bag
Chic enough for the restaurant, still comfy enough for walking.

Strapless Tube Top Slit Floral Printed

$47.99

Sam Edelman Women's Classic Heels

$120

JW PEI Women's Joy Shoulder Bag

$89

5. If You Want to Be Comfortable But Not Boring

Outfit: Matching two-piece set (shorts + crop top) + slides + straw tote
Matching sets = effort without effort.

Two Piece Set

$17.99

Open Toe Flat Dress Sandals

$28.99

Woven Bag Shopper Bag

$69.99

6. If You’re Going With Your Girls and You All Lowkey Matched

Outfit: Denim jumpsuit + platform sandals + big hoops
Group photo energy. Bonus: you only need one piece.

Belted Denim Romper

$48.98

Thick Platform Slide Sandals

$37.99

Big Hoop Earrings

$9.29

7. If You Want All Eyes on You

Outfit: Bright cut-out dress + heels + gold accessories
Bold color. Bold fit. Somebody’s definitely asking where you got it.

Cut Out Dress Tie Shoulder Sleeveless

$31.99

Women's Flat Sandals

$19.99

8. If You’re Keeping It Chill but Cute

Outfit: Linen button-down + matching linen shorts + slides
A breathable set that’s casual but still camera-ready.

2 Piece Outfits Button Down Shirt

$45.98

9. If You Want to Channel Beyoncé at Essence Fest

Outfit: Statement bodysuit + high-waisted shorts

Women's Twist Front One Shoulder Bodysuit

$23.99

Casual Elastic Waist Wide Leg Suit Tailored Shorts

$24.98

10. If You Don’t Know What to Wear and It’s Day Of

Outfit: Tank dress + sneakers + denim jacket around the waist
Simple. Stylish. Pulls together in five minutes flat.

Sleeveless Bodycon Sweater Dress

$43.95

Classic Fashion Sneakers

$43.98

Oversized Boyfriend Button Up

$42.99

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