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Home • News

How To Pack For ESSENCE Fest

Take a look into our fashion editor’s suit case for her beauty and style packing picks and tips for NOLA day parties and night concerts.
By Celia L. Smith · Updated October 27, 2020
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01
The Weekender

I like to start my trip without any baggage –– or a light one. The weather is warm which is every reason to pack light and keep things to a carry-on.

Leather weekender, Moncrief, price available upon request, netaporter.com.

How To Pack For ESSENCE Fest
02
Cover-Up

This is a cute way to cover-up in the day at the Convention Center and the Super Dome at night, and can easily fold-up into my bag at any time.

Patterned kimono, H&M, $40, hm.com.

How To Pack For ESSENCE Fest
03
Hot Hipster

I’ll be keeping this fashion-forward “Hipster” glued to my waist so I can be hands-free all day, especially when Ms. Badu is on-stage.

Python “Hipster,” Helmer, $420, hel-mer.com.

How To Pack For ESSENCE Fest
04
Knockaround Sunglasses

These “Knockaround” sunglasses are perfect for just that, so I wont get into a frenzy if they get lost at the Prince concert.

“Fort Knocks” sunglasses, Knockaround, $45, knockaround.com.

How To Pack For ESSENCE Fest
05
Fun Flat

I’ll be dressing things up with my gladiators while still keeping it down-to-earth with the flat heel for all of the walking in-store.

Snakeskin print gladiator sandals, Stuart Weitzman, $480, stuartweitzman.com.

How To Pack For ESSENCE Fest
06
Vivid Visor

Visors are hot again! And this candy-colored style is super cute and functional in the hot NOLA sun.

Sun visor, Missguided, $9, missguidedus.com.

How To Pack For ESSENCE Fest
07
Jumpsuit Jam

A jumpsuit is always a must, it’s the best transitional piece for day-to-night parties.

Backless jumpsuit, Zara, $60, zara.com.

How To Pack For ESSENCE Fest
08
Light Weight Kicks

If I can squeeze in a morning run before the madness, these super lightweight kicks will carry me through.

Minimus Zero v2 sneakers, New Balance, $109, newbalance.com.

How To Pack For ESSENCE Fest
New Balance
09
Beauty Essentials: Cleansing Conditioner

Wen is my saving grace! It keeps my curls moisturized in the heat!

Cleansing conditioner with travel size, Wen by Chaz Dean, $38, qvc.com.

How To Pack For ESSENCE Fest
10
Beauty Essentials: Feather Weight Dryer

Wearing my hair straight in the southern humidity is not an option, I love big hair and a diffuser is the trick. So happy this FHI is featherweight (and quiet) so it wont weigh down my suit case.

Nano Weight Pro 1900 Turbo Tourmaline Ceramic Hair Dryer, FHI Heat Platform, $119, jcpenny.com.

How To Pack For ESSENCE Fest
11
Beauty Essentials: Fresh Deoderant

Did I mention how hot it is? I’ll need a sweet smelling and powerful product that will kick in overtime, especially at the concerts.

Cashmere Mist deodorant 1.7 oz, Donna Karan, zappos.com.

How To Pack For ESSENCE Fest
12
Beauty Essentials: Fresh Check

This deep cleansing kit will keep my pores and shine in check in the steamy weather.

Little Black Book travel kit, Boscia, $48, sephora.com.

How To Pack For ESSENCE Fest