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 • 2013 ESSENCE Music Festival

What to Pack for the ESSENCE Festival

Our ultimate packing guide will ensure you enjoy one of New Orleans' biggest entertainment events of the year in style.
By Monique Valeris · Updated October 28, 2020
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready…
01
The Right Romper

When you’re in a rush, rompers are the way to go. You instantly look pulled together and it’ll help keep you cool in the NOLA heat.

What to Pack for the ESSENCE Festival
02
An Easy Shirt Dress
Like the romper, a shirt dress is a no-brainer. All you need is a cute pair of sandals along with the right jewelry, and you’re set.
What to Pack for the ESSENCE Festival
Photography by Stuart Tyson, Styling by Stella Rey/Mark Edward, Inc. & Sabrina Grande/Rj Bennett
03
Cute Flats

You’ll be walking a lot during the ESSENCE Festival, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do it in style. Grab your most stylish flats and hit the streets.

“Ryker” sandals, Vince Camuto, $98, vince camuto.com.

What to Pack for the ESSENCE Festival
Photography by Kevin Sweeney
04
Statement Necklace

A statement necklace can spruce up just about any outfit, especially for the evening concerts. Pack a few different options to keep things interesting.

What to Pack for the ESSENCE Festival
Hannan Saleh
05
Stylish Scarf

Believe it or not, the Superdome and Convention Center can get chilly at times. Make sure you stay comfortable during all the indoor events by toting a scarf along in case you need it.

What to Pack for the ESSENCE Festival
06
A Pair of Sunnies

New Orleans is known for its sunny weather, so protect your eyes with chic-looking sunglasses. They’ll definitely come in handy during the Family Reunion Day event at Woldenberg Riverfront Park.

What to Pack for the ESSENCE Festival
Hannan Saleh
07
Roomy Tote

During the Festival, you’ll need room to carry everything from your makeup bag to any goodies you snag while shopping at the Convention Center. Be prepared by bringing along a bag that has enough room.

Striped nylon tote, C. Wonder, $88, cwonder.com.

What to Pack for the ESSENCE Festival
08
Earrings That Pop

As ESSENCE Festival performer Janelle Monáe shows us here, earrings matter. Bring a few pairs to dress up your outfits for both day and night.

What to Pack for the ESSENCE Festival
09
Floppy Hat

A wide-brimmed hat not only looks glam, but it shields you from the sun’s harmful rays. This would also come in handy during the Festival’s Family Reunion Day event in Woldenberg Park.

What to Pack for the ESSENCE Festival
10
Wedge Sneaker

Sneakers offer maximum comfort while walking around New Orleans. Get a wedge style, similar to this Nike version, to keep your look fashion-forward.

**Stay tuned for the July 1st launch of our “Fashion Closet,” your ultimate personal online styling tool to find the right outfit for your size.**

What to Pack for the ESSENCE Festival
Courtesy of NIKE