Keyshia Cole and Trey Songz may be ruling the Main Stage, but coral-colored clothing is reigning over the fashion scene at this year's Essence Music Festival. Tropical orange-pink hues flash from cotton dresses, fitted skirts, light slacks, frilly blouses and the occasional men's button-down shirt throughout the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.Many of the women not rocking coral have chosen evening gown and rompers in bold patterns -- stripes, swirls, zigzags, leopard print. Chunky, sky-high heels, wedge heels the still-popular gladiator sandals also fill the Superdome floors as part of carefully crafted ensembles. Men draw attention in bright, super-sleek suits and matching leather dress shoes. Many others have taken the casual and comfortable yet well-put-together approach with neat slacks and button-down shirts. Light-colored fedoras with colorful bands complete a number of outfits.
Some festival attendees said they simply put on their usual chic attire for tonight's events, while others said they coordinated their ensembles especially for Essence. All interviewed said their apparel reflects who they are.The outfit: Ferguson sported a black-and-white ensemble formed of a white tunic and pin-striped black dress slacks with black dress sandals. He matched this with a white fedora with a black band and an impressive array of gold bracelets and rings from around the world. Most noticeable is Ferguson's vest, a black-and-white piece with a back covered in grinning skeletons, bones and other haunting images.
Where he finds his attire: Ferguson said he travels often and his souvenirs always include clothing and black net stocking."Everywhere I go, I have to leave enough room in my suitcase because I’m going to buy something," he said, pointing out bracelets and rings acquired from Italy, Mexico and parts of Africa.Ferguson, who owns at least 200 pairs of shoes – and annually donates 30 to 50 pairs to homeless shelters – said he bought two pairs of sandals in New Orleans. This year, he may buy a new fedora, he said.What is your favorite part of your attire? "Putting it all together. Most of all, I like this vest."What does this outfit say about your personality? "Age is nothing but a number."The outfit: Sip wore a fitted coral blazer paired with skinny jeans and chunky coral high heels accented with a white flower on each. She completed her ensemble with white feather earrings.How she picked her outfit: "I saw a lot of people wearing blazers and thought I’d dress it down with jeans but still dress it up with heels, kinda dress it up and down at the same time."