The scorching heat in New Orleans during the 2023 ESSENCE Festival of Culture didn’t stop folx from bringing out their best looks. From bright colors to dramatic headpieces, there was absolutely no shortage of fashion on full display as thousands braced the extreme heat and humidity.
Presented by Coca-Cola, this year’s celebration was held from June 29 to July 3, highlighting 50 years of hip-hop music –– from in-person to virtual experiences showcasing its impact throughout every aspect of culture. Ms. Lauryn Hill, Missy Elliott and Megan Thee Stallion were among the festival’s iconic line-up of headliners, with fans having the option to also livestream the Superdome performances on Hulu. Other performers also included Janelle Monáe, Jill Scott, Tems, Wizkid, Coco Jones, Juvenile, Eve, Lil Wayne, Monica, Ice Cube, and more.
Vice President Kamala Harris, Oprah Winfrey, and Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams were among the notable attendees over the course of the four-day event.
Dollie Michelle of Philadelphia, P.A. was one of many fashion standouts as she rocked bantu knots paired with a shirt from her brand, Cocoa Canvas, during ESSENCE Festival. The podcast host told Unbothered that she is grateful for the opportunity to showcase her brand while also being “immersed in Black culture and Black joy.”
Michelle, who describes her style as “bold and whimsical,” added that she had the chance to meet various artists during the festival such as Tank, Maino and Elle Varner. “I like to think of my fashion as an extension of my art that I can wear on display,” Michelle said.
Malissa Anthony, who served as an Associate Producer for the ESSENCE Stage in the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, told Unbothered that a plethora of “personal style was on full display,” adding, “the heat didn’t even hold us back.”
While working the festival, the New York City producer and Creative Director helped oversee the ESSENCE Stage with host Jessie Woo along with panel discussions and performances by LaKeith Stanfield, Angie Martinez, Taraji P. Henson, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and more.
Anthony said the festival represents the full scope of Black culture, including the brand’s “New & Next'' opportunity for upcoming artists — like Don Knock, RKHTY and JxHines — to perform on the ESSENCE Stage.
Whether it was through music, film, fashion, beauty or food, the nuances of the African-American experience was certainly exhibited throughout the festival. From colorful kimonos to Afrocentric accessories, here’s a round-up of some of the best looks from the 2023 ESSENCE Festival of Culture. An ESSENCE Festival of Culture attendee rocks colorful dreadlocks paired with a floral accessory at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Photo: Courtesy of Mariya Moseley.An attendee rocks flared pants, an Afrocentric top, and big hat sitting atop of braids with beads during the 2023 ESSENCE Festival of Culture.Photo: Courtesy of Mariya Moseley.An ESSENCE Festival of Culture wears an Afrocentric outfit and large hat at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Photo: Courtesy of Mariya Moseley.ESSENCE Ventures’ President & CEO Caroline Wanga poses for a photo during the 2023 ESSENCE Festival of Culture. Photo: Courtesy of Mariya Moseley.A vendor working a booth at the 2023 ESSENCE Festival of Culture rocks a colorful outfit with a bold headwrap and draping kimono. Photo: Courtesy of Mariya Moseley.Aevin Dugas of Louisiana attends the 2023 ESSENCE Festival of Culture. She currently holds the title for the largest Afro on a living person, according to the Guinness World Records. Photo: Courtesy of Mariya Moseley.Music Artist Don Knock of New York City by way of Jamaica made his debut on the ESSENCE Stage during the festival. Photo: Courtesy of Mariya Moseley.An attendee rocks a jean jumper paired with colorful details, a yellow purse, and crown-styled braids during the 2023 ESSENCE Festival of Culture.Photo: Courtesy of Mariya Moseley.MY-kell Williams, a Georgia native, content creator and aspiring actress, attends ESSENCE Fest rocking a “Clueless” top coupled with various pops of color from top to bottom.Photo: Courtesy of Mariya Moseley.A vendor during the 2023 ESSENCE Festival of Culture rocks a stylish hairstyle while working her booth. Photo: Courtesy of Mariya Moseley.Vanessa La Rose, Founder and Creative Director of Venus Island, traveled from London to attend the 2023 ESSENCE Festival of Culture. She wore a customized jean skirt that she designed.Photo: Courtesy of Mariya Moseley.Amber Anderson, an HBCU alumna who served as the 65th Miss Hampton University, moderated an ESSENCE Girls United panel discussion. Photo: Courtesy of Mariya Moseley.Paige Medlin of New York City rocks a monochromatic all-white outfit during the 2023 ESSENCE Festival of Culture.
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One thing about the return of hot girl summer and vacation planning is that I get overly ambitious about how much stuff I can bring on an airplane with me. Suitcase limitations are the bane of every style lover’s existence and for international flights, you always have to consider the worst-case scenario: “What if my bag gets lost?” For a plus-size traveler, this is a fashion nightmare. As I started planning my recent two-and-a-half-week vacation to Italy, the idea of being left in a country known for its fashion with nothing but my airplane clothes made me shudder.
Shopping as a plus-size girlie is already challenging even on familiar territory — size-inclusive swimsuits are often frumpy and cover-ups mostly consist of matronly muumuus. Not to mention, IRL shopping is limited to niche boutiques (my favorites include LA’s The Plus Bus or NYC’s Plus Bklyn), which means that 95% of the time, my shopping has to be done online where you never know how something is going to fit until it arrives. While I found some Italian brands that carried larger sizes, the options were still few and far between for me to commit to a checked bag. This is why months before I started packing, I made a mental list of must-have summer looks that could cover all of my OOTDs and fit into a carry-on suitcase.
I knew I had to strategically plan out how I would be able to cover two weeks’ worth of outfits in a 22- x 14- x 9-inch bag, and it was a challenge I was up for. I began by creating an outfit for each occasion I anticipated: aperitivo, wine tasting, sightseeing, beach-lounging, and, of course, shopping. And then added pieces that I could easily mix and match with the looks for everything in between.
If you are planning your upcoming trip and laying out your outfits on your bed or an Excel spreadsheet, allow me to cut out some of the planning. From shoes to undergarments and full ‘fits, ahead, a plus-size summer outfit roundup for all your travel needs.
Plus-Size Vacation Must-Have: Matching Sets
A matching set really covers all of the bases. I love the versatility of being able to mix and match it with my other pieces and create a whole different look. I wore a co-ord set for everything from the plane and train to the beach. I was even able to use one set for pajamas when I needed something a little warmer. Basically, it’s like having five outfits in one.
Plus-Size Vacation Must-Have: Statement Separates
When traveling, you have to have statement pieces that you can pair with your summer staples. This golf skirt is one of my new favorites; not only does it instantly add interest to something as simple as a white T-shirt but it additionally features built-in shorts and moisture-wicking fabric. I also love a printed wide-leg pant for warmer weather, especially in a breezy, breathable linen. I was able to pair both with my go-to tank by Kada, which has a lightweight lining for when you want to go braless.
Plus-Size Vacation Must-Have: Flowy Dresses
While some reserve frocks for nighttime activities, I use dresses for my more casual looks. All I need is some comfortable shoes and lightweight shorts to protect against chafing (more on that below), and my OOTD is ready to go. Breezy dresses were perfect for the Mediterranean humidity and looked effortless, with the option to dress up or down by swapping accessories.
Good swimsuits are a must-pack for every beach vacation. I stan Kitty and Vibe not just for its adorable prints but also for its sizing model. The latter provides two fit options in each one of their bottoms sizes (that go from XS to 5XL) — one for a smaller booty and one for a fuller one. I also love a bikini top that provides just as much support as it does style factor, and can double as a bralette or a crop top.
I tend to run hot, and get super uncomfortable — and cranky — when I feel sweaty. So a thin, unlined mesh bra is perfect for the summer heat. I also loathe the feeling of swamp booty (IYKYK), so to help combat it, I opt for cotton period underwear, which helps absorb moisture on even the most humid of days. And this wouldn’t be a plus-size-friendly roundup without a trusty pair of shorts. The ones from Thigh Society are my summer wardrobe holy grail.
Plus-Size Vacation Must-Have: Comfortable Shoes
Anyone who has ever traveled to Italy will tell you: leave the heels behind! Wobbly ankles plus centuries-old cobblestones make for a quick trip to the Italian ER. As someone who deals with plantar fasciitis and just overall sore, achy feet, I never skimp on comfort for my footwear. Thankfully, sneakers and athletic footwear have made their way back into the fashion zeitgeist, so my shoes didn’t take away from any of my looks, and I didn’t have to sacrifice comfort for the sake of a vacay pic.
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