Keke Palmer Wowed in a Metallic Corset at Essence Festival

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 the "Black Excellence" brunch and Prime Video "Essence of Leading Ladies" soiree. 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 2026 Essence Festival, artists brought their sartorial A-game. Keke Palmer graced the stage to host a live version of her podcast in a gorgeous metallic corset. Brandy looked stunning for her headlining concert at the Superdome wearing a black and white printed Christian Siriano gown. Teyana Taylor wowed at Essence Black Women in Hollywood wearing a printed floral gown that would work perfectly for a summer garden wedding.

Shop pieces inspired by Palmer's look below, and keep scrolling for the best celebrity looks from the 2026 Essence Festival (and years prior), from the stage to the red carpet.