At gatherings in Los Angeles, Paris and the industry all week, celebrities transformed every performance into a defining style moment. Stepping out in ensembles built on dramatic tailoring, expressive fabrics and sculptural silhouettes, they showed how fashion can balance confidence with everyday wearability. Among the many eye-catching showcases, the best-dressed women at the 2026 Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards proved particularly influential, giving fashion lovers a new wave of inspiration rooted in both heritage and contemporary design.
After the awards ceremony, the fashion story continued at Paris Fashion Week and a series of high-profile parties where designers and celebrities experimented with proportion, texture and layered silhouettes. From archival references to sculptural eveningwear and modern tailoring, each appearance introduced ideas that can translate beautifully into everyday wardrobes when styled with intention.
From the 2026 Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards to other events, check out the best celebrity styles to emulate this weekend…
#1. Zendaya: Archival glamor with cultural resonance
He led the best-dressed lineup at the 2026 Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards Zendayawho arrived in a vintage white asymmetrical mini dress from Caché. The strapless design featured extensive ruffles along the bodice and a sculptural flower on the right shoulder, accented with metallic gold and silver leaf-like detailing running across the dress. Classic white pumps completed the archival look, which was worn decades earlier by Whitney Houston.
To recreate the spirit of this outfit with pieces you already have in your wardrobe, start with a fitted white dress or a ruffled mini dress. Then add interest with statement accessories like oversized floral brooches, sculptural earrings or metallic accents. Classic pointy pumps keep the look polished and ensure the dress remains the focal point.
#2. Oprah Winfrey: Soft tailoring with Parisian ease
Oprah Winfrey attended the Chloé show during Paris Fashion Week in a relaxed yet sophisticated ensemble. A cropped, peach suede jacket, layered over a cream blouse with soft ruffles, paired with high-waisted, wide-leg denim. A small white handbag, gold jewelry and pointy heels completed the effortlessly chic look.
Recreating this outfit starts with balancing soft textures and tailored pieces. A cropped jacket over a ruffled blouse or bow tie instantly takes classic denim to the next level, while wide-leg jeans paired with pointy heels keep the shine without sacrificing comfort.
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#3. Viola Davis: Shimmering tweed with a modern structure
Viola Davis stepped out in a rhinestone-studded tweed two-piece from Sandro, consisting of a short-sleeved cropped top and matching trousers. The top had a collar with fresh pearl accents that contrasted beautifully with the darker textured fabric, while the trousers flowed over pointed heels in a relaxed silhouette.
To create a similar aesthetic, pair textured items, such as tweed jackets or embellished tops, with tailored trousers. Adding a statement collar or pearl accessory instantly takes the outfit to the next level, while maintaining the sophistication of classic tailoring.
#4. Jennifer Connelly: Draped movement on the Paris runway
Jennifer Connelly attended the Louis Vuitton Fall 2026 show in a cream draped jumpsuit defined by cascading pleats and a high neckline. The airy fabric featured a subtle star motif and was anchored by sculptural gold hardware at the collar. A fast Bandoulière 22 Louis Vuitton handbag and classic black pumps completed the sophisticated runway look.
To recreate this silhouette, opt for flowing dresses or jumpsuits with pleats or draped panels. Lightweight fabrics provide movement, while structured accessories, such as defined handbags or metallic jewelry, anchor the look.
#5. Tyla: Playful layering with Streetwise energy
South African pop star Tyla brought a playful touch to street style at the Miu Miu Fall/Winter 2026 show. Her layered look paired a gray knit cardigan with oversized low-rise jeans, while the exposed branded briefs above the waistband introduced a conscious style contrast. A chunky belt, structured bowling bag and pumps completed the outfit.
To recreate the look, start with relaxed denim paired with fitted knits such as cardigans or cropped sweaters. Add a statement belt or visible waistband detail and top it off with structured accessories to balance the casual silhouette.
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#6. Chase Infiniti: Sculptural elegance
Chase Infiniti showed up at the Vanity Fair Vanities Party in a lavender pleated dress by Carolina Herrera. The sleeveless design featured vertical ribbing that hugged the body before ending in ruffled layers at the waist and hemline. Nude pumps retained the elongated silhouette.
To recreate the look, opt for ribbed or pleated knit dresses that emphasize natural shapes. Layered skirts or ruffles add movement while keeping the silhouette streamlined.
#7. Ryan lot: Modern tailoring with sculptural draping
Ryan lot reflected the elegance that made up the best-dressed lineup at the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards in a white cotton poplin shirt dress from Givenchy, characterized by architectural draping. Twisted panels created an off-the-shoulder neckline, while voluminous sleeves balanced the fitted waist. The asymmetrical skirt had a diagonal ruffle and high slit, finished with a thin black belt and classic white pumps.
Recreating this look starts with a fresh shirt dress already in your wardrobe. Define the waist with a narrow belt and experiment with asymmetry by slightly unbuttoning or draping parts of the dress. Classic pumps maintain the sharp monochrome effect.
#8. Daisy Edgar Jones: Layered color with contemporary proportions
Daisy Edgar Jones wore a layered ensemble from Miu Miu’s Fall 2026 collection, featuring a powder blue leather top and matching skirt, layered over a powder blue shirt. The exposed collar and tie waist detail added structure, while dark heels enhanced the pastel palette.
To recreate the layered effect, wear a tight button-down shirt under sleeveless dresses or tops. Coordinating pieces within the same color family helps maintain cohesion while introducing subtle depth.
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#9. Auli’i Cravalho: Velvet corsets meet pure drama
Auli’i Cravalho attended the Vanity Fair Vanities Party in an Aadnevik dress featuring a structured black velvet corset bodice with a sweetheart neckline. A sheer long skirt flowed from the waist to reveal intricate black embroidery spread across the mesh fabric with glittering sequins.
The aesthetic thrives on contrast. Reinterpret this look by pairing structured corset-style tops with flowing skirts or sheer overlays. Embroidered fabrics or lace details introduce elegance while keeping the silhouette visually light.
#10. Nezza: Customized playfulness with graphic contrast
Nezza attended the Vanity Fair Vanities Party in a textured two-piece suit consisting of a cropped jacket and high-waisted shorts. White knee-high socks combined with patent boots provided a striking contrast to the chic outfit.
Consider pairing structured jackets with shorts or miniskirts. Add personality with contrast socks, statement shoes or playful accessories that balance the tailored base.
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Final thoughts
From archival red carpet statements to runway shows and after-party glamour, these celebrity appearances demonstrate how fashion continues to evolve through texture, proportion and confident layering. The best-dressed lineup at the 2026 Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards and other events provided particularly memorable inspiration, showing how heritage references and modern tailoring can beautifully coexist within one look.
Combining expressive fabrics with confident silhouettes, whether through sculptural draping, tonal layering or vintage-inspired embellishments, these outfits illustrate how fashion storytelling moves from the spotlight to everyday wardrobes. When interpreted with creativity and intention, even the most striking ensembles can inspire a personal style that feels bold, current and completely individual.
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