LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 07: Zendaya attends the 2024 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards Ceremony at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on March 07, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
I think what's getting me here is a collection of little things. The top is... okay? And the jeans are... fine, but the big cuffs and the blocky shoes are a downer. Imagine this with leather pants. I totally get what they're doing; it just doesn't sing for me in this configuration.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 07: Zendaya attends the 2024 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards Ceremony at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on March 07, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
It looks better just in this shot, although the choker is CHOKING. It looks like a neck corset.
Danielle Brooks in Herve Leger
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 07: Danielle Brooks attends the 2024 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards Ceremony at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on March 07, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
She's the best. I love love love that she's got a hair ornament serving halo vibes.
Chloe and Halle Bailey
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 07: (L-R) Chloe Bailey and Halle Bailey attend the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on March 07, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images)
That dress is perfect on Halle. It's her night and she looks superb. I love that her sister is there supporting her, while also exploring brave new ways to keep her neck warm but make it naked.
Kathryn Busby
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 07: Kathryn Busby attends the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on March 07, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images)
She's the Starz exec who's being honored, and I love this crisp bright suit with the funky shoes. I don't mean that Zendaya needs THESE shoes specifically but I do think she could explore a bit more without compromising comfort or arch support.
Normani
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 07: Normani attends the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on March 07, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images)
This looks so nice on her. And it would look so much better with the other half of the skirt.
Danielle Pinnock
Danielle Pinnock at Essence Black Women in Hollywood held at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on March 7, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)
Pure delight. I love it. And I've really been enjoying her on Ghosts.
Marsai Martin in Sarawong
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 07: Marsai Martin attends the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on March 07, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images)
She matched her eyeshadow to her feathers, which is a high level of precision.
Brandee Evans
Brandee Evans at Essence Black Women in Hollywood held at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on March 7, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)
This is fun and she looks very nice, but it's a great example of how a dress can really be elevated when you go ham with it...
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 07: Brandee Evans attends the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on March 07, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images)
EXHIBIT A. This is dramatique.
Serayah
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 07: Dai Time attends the 2024 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards Ceremony at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on March 07, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
Also very nice but Brandee is a tough act to follow. SOMEONE had to. Sorry, Serayah.
Andra Day
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 07: Andra Day attends the ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on March 07, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Aliah Anderson/WireImage)
Wow, her underwear is a GREAT skin tone match, I am positive it's there but you can BARELY see proof of it. I think this would be great if it were a pencil skirt.
Cynthia Addai-Robinson in Ted Baker
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 07: Cynthia Addai-Robinson attends the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on March 07, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images)
This is so pretty. I want to boot the shoes.
Amber Riley
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 07: Amber Riley attends the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on March 07, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images)
She's dreamy.
Tamera Mowry in Galvan
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 07: Tamera Mowry attends the 2024 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards Ceremony at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on March 07, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
Sure!
Tia Mowry
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 07: Tia Mowry attends the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on March 07, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images)
And I like this on her -- the big earrings are a win.
Patina Miller
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 07: Patina Miller attends the 2024 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards Ceremony at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on March 07, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
Maybe just a teeeeeny gold chain? This fits like a dream, though.
Skai Jackson
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 07: Skai Jackson attends the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on March 07, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images)
Anne Shirley lives in YOU, Skai!
Leslie Jones
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 07: Leslie Jones attends the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on March 07, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images)
What a super pattern. She's a dish.
Anthony Anderson
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 07: Anthony Anderson attends the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on March 07, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images)
This is slick and great. Everyone turned it out!
Aldis Hodge
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 07: Aldis Hodge attends the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on March 07, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images)
He's so dashing.
Boris Kodjoe
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 07: Boris Kodjoe attends the 2024 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards Ceremony at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on March 07, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
Dashing 2: Hella Dash.
Jeremy Pope
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 07: Jeremy Pope attends the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on March 07, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images)
Dashing 3: Let's Get Funky. (I feel like he and Colman Domingo would RIP IT UP on the same red carpet.)
Tika Sumpter
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 07: Tika Sumpter attends the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on March 07, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images)
She can join the list of Celebrity Shoe Intervention candidates. This dress is luxe and tactile and AMAZING on her, and I feel like the shoes do not do the usual flesh-tone job of disappearing. So why not go with something strappy and gold.
Letitia Wright in Ferragamo
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 07: Letitia Wright attends the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on March 07, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images)
Now SHE understands a little shoe spice!
Adina Porter
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 07: Adina Porter attends the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on March 07, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images)
I like this for her, AND she is apparently psychic, because there was a thunderstorm/flash flood situation in LA today and she brought her Floaties.
Tai Beauchamp
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 07: Tai Beauchamp attends the 2024 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards Ceremony at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on March 07, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
She is SO excited for March Madness that she cut down a basketball net in advance.
Kelly McCreary
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 07: Kelly McCreary attends the 2024 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards Ceremony at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on March 07, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
Ooooh, so good.
Gina Yashere
Gina Yashere at Essence Black Women in Hollywood held at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on March 7, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)
We were FINE until the tablecloth became pants.
Alexis Floyd
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 07: Alexis Floyd attends the 2024 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards Ceremony at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on March 07, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
I really like this, too. I'm in a GOOD MOOD with this one.
Erika Alexander
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 07: Erika Alexander attends the ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on March 07, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Aliah Anderson/WireImage)
Is this the first time she HASN'T worn a pattern or a bright color? She looks wonderful, as usual.
KiKi Layne
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 07: KiKi Layne attends the 2024 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards Ceremony at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on March 07, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
I miss her. She is much better than the part she was given in Don't Worry Darling.
Kat Graham
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 07: Kat Graham attends the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on March 07, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images)
These pants are not a very happy ending to this story.
Karen Pittman
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 07: Karen Pittman attends the 2024 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards Ceremony at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on March 07, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
Orange is definitely her color.
Yvonne Orji
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 07: Chloe Torres attends the 2024 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards Ceremony at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on March 07, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
I can live with this! I'm sure she's relieved.
Bozoma Saint John
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 07: Bozoma Saint John attends the 2024 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards Ceremony at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on March 07, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
I love the woman in the back on the left. It's how people look when they're in a restaurant and trying to pretend they're reading their phone when they're actually lining up a shot of a celeb across the room.
She is a walking Cake song! Short skirt and a looooooonog long jacket.
Caroline Wanga
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 07: Caroline Wanga, President and CEO, ESSENCE attends the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on March 07, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images)
She is the president of Essence and she DOES NOT PUNT at this event. I admire her for that also think she might owe her boobs a tender apology.