Essence held its eighth annual Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon in Beverly Hills on Thursday. Two-thirds of the outfits have already been stolen by me and I’m not sorry. Here are some of the outfits—originally worn by the likes of Laverne Cox, Tracee Ellis Ross and Teyonah Parris—that are now in my closet.
Seriously, most of the women there wrecked it in an excellent way, though they wore nothing particularly daring. The first thing I’m lazily twirling in after my toes thaw out this spring is Jurnee Smollett‘s day party dress. Kelly Rowland’s lace short-set is sweet conservative, but not something I’d wear. Ruth E. Carter‘s is iffy yet works for her.
Never not killing it, Tracee Ellis Ross. I’m still deciding exactly where to wear this one, but thinking it’s a third-Tinder-date look come summer.
Aja Naomi King from How to Get Away with Murder, Holly Robinson Peete and Niecy Nash all went with flattering, flowing ankle length skirts. Aja’s will look great on me at a rooftop social event this spring, plus the pockets will be so convenient.
Ava DuVernay is supremely fresh to death, as are Uzo Aduba and Regina King, though her top reads a tad busy.
I tried on a dress like Chanel Iman‘s at TopShop. It’s like sexy athleisure? (Julianne, help me out.) Suffice to say, I didn’t bother stealing this one because only Chanel and Rihanna can wear that shit. Lorraine Toussaint is amazing. I’d lose the pearls, but what do I know. Gugu Mbatha-Raw needs more props for both her acting and her consistently killer red-carpet looks.
Can Laverne Cox look any perfect-er? This is my favorite of all the looks. AHH! Can’t wait to wear.
Garcelle Beauvais is giving that “You know I look good, come on” smirk. Teyonah Parris and Samira Wiley need to teach me how to stunt.
Tichina Arnold knows she’s wrong for this. Erica Ash chose a beautiful jewel tone for her gown but it seems prom-ish. I really don’t know where to look on Carmen Ejogo‘s outfit. It’s doing too much.
SHON. DA. Can’t say anything bad about you. I think the dress is okay, accessories are blah.
Hey fellas.
All images via AP