Skip to content
  • Essence GU
  • Beautycon
  • NaturallyCurly
  • Afropunk
  • Essence Studios
  • Soko Mrkt
  • Ese Funds
  • Refinery29
  • WeLoveUs.shop
  • 2026 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture
  • Celebrity
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Entrepreneurship
  • News
  • Shopping
  • Video
  • Events
  • Subscribe
Home • Fashion

Trend Alert: Black Out!

These ebony beauties pay homage to fashion's classic hue no matter what the temperature.
By Celia L. Smith · Updated October 28, 2020
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready…
01
Ciara

It’s a “Body Party” for Ciara on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon in New York City donning a glam cut-out midnight moment.

Trend Alert: Black Out!
Lloyd Bishop/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
02
Regina Hall

Wow! Regina Hall looks absolutely stunning in this Misguided cut-out dress and Jimmy Choo pumps, proving that classic black never fails.

Trend Alert: Black Out!
Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic
03
Taraji P. Henson

Like Regina Hall, Taraji P. Henson hits a homerun with this anything-but-basic Izmaylova mesh and leather plunging-V mini with simple strappy Jimmy Choo’s. A look we love!

Trend Alert: Black Out!
Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic
04
Garcelle Beauvais

Garcelle Beauvais always exudes elegance and especially in this romantic ruffled Max Mara dress pumped up with metallic silver pointies.

Trend Alert: Black Out!
Donato Sardella/WireImage
05
Naomi Campbell

Runway queen (and Alaia muse) Naomi Campbell poses with poise in Azzedine Alaia ruffled tiers.

Trend Alert: Black Out!
Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty Images and Karwai Tang/WireImage
06
Gabrielle Douglas

Gabi hands-down deserves a gold medal for this polished red carpet look by Izmaylova. It’s the smokey eye and matching black mani that seals the deal.

Trend Alert: Black Out!
Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images
07
Joan Smalls

Joan Smalls serves model fierceness in an Emilio Pucci sheer swirl black bodycon. Tres chic!

Trend Alert: Black Out!
JP Yim/Getty Images
08
Jurnee Smollett

Sweet Jurnee transforms into sexy Smollett with this liquid strapless Hervé Leger bodycon and metallic peep toes. Va-va-voom!

Trend Alert: Black Out!
Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic
09
Thandie Newton

This Brit bombshell couldn’t wear a black mini more demure than this Chanel, pearl-adorned style with grey suede Louboutin pumps.

Trend Alert: Black Out!
Rex USA
10
Estelle

The uber stylish songstress gives us LBD envy in this leather cleavage-baring number we’re certain raised temps in Miami.

Trend Alert: Black Out!
J. Countess/Getty Images
11
Chrisette Michele

Chrisette Michele serves a chic leather fit-and-flare style with studded sandals while swooning the audience on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon in New York City.

Trend Alert: Black Out!
Lloyd Bishop/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
12
Angela Simmons

In honor of a special 106 & Park Trayvon Martin special, Angela Simmons sports a seriously sophisticated SuperTrash jumpsuit, with light-hearted coral suede platforms.

Trend Alert: Black Out!
John Ricard/BET/Getty Images
13
Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer rocks a light and sweet LBD, the perfect summer red carpet solution. The color is sleek while the mesh cut-outs and high hemline keep things cool.

Trend Alert: Black Out!
Tommaso Boddi/WireImage
14
Kat Graham

Leave it to Kat Graham to give an edgy twist to a classic LBD. A plunging neckline, bold shoulder and Valentino Garavini studded pumps upgrades her look to rockstar status on the carpet.

Trend Alert: Black Out!
Rex USA
15
Ciara

Cece stuns on the red carpet in a less-is-more leather ensemble. The singer’s Saint Laurent bandeau and pumps, Dominic Louis pencil skirt and Lorraine Schwartz jewels might be her best look yet!

Trend Alert: Black Out!
Jason Merritt/BET/Getty Images
16
NeNe Leakes
NeNe Leakes
Trend Alert: Black Out!
Ethan Miller/Getty Images and Michael Stewart/WireImage
17
Rosario Dawson

Rosario Dawson funks up this Bottega Veneta cocktail dress and perfectly matching pumps with her edgy shaved ‘do.

Trend Alert: Black Out!
Rex USA
18
Halle Berry
Halle Berry
Trend Alert: Black Out!
Kristy Sparow/Getty Images and PIERRE ANDRIEU/AFP/Getty Images
19
Rihanna

Who says the beach is too hot for an all-black bikini? Rihanna raises the chic factor in Monaco while strutting the sand in this vampy style.

Trend Alert: Black Out!
Splash News
20
Tyra Banks

Tyra Banks works her curves in a bodycon fit to perfection.

Trend Alert: Black Out!
Noel Vasquez/Getty Images for Extra