NAACP Image Awards: 6 Tessa Thompson Looks That Prove She’s Always Five Steps Ahead
With an NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture for "Hedda," Tessa Thompson’s fashion evolution continues to mirror her career: bold choices, sharp risks, and a refusal to stay in anyone else’s lane.
These six looks show why she remains one of Hollywood’s most quietly daring style forces.
Leather, Lines, and Controlled Edge
At the Vanity Fair x Amazon MGM Studios event, Thompson leaned into a sleek study of contrast.
A sculpted black leather halter top, detailed with subtle studding, brought edge and attitude, while a crisp white pencil skirt grounded the look in elegance.
The sharp tailoring, paired with minimalist accessories, created a silhouette that felt bold without being loud, which many would say is a masterclass in restraint with impact.
A Pop of Yellow, Perfectly Timed
For the BAFTA Tea Party, Thompson delivered a look that felt fresh, confident, and quietly daring.
A bright yellow skirt injected just the right amount of color, while a navy top kept the ensemble polished and refined.
The styling struck a perfect balance between playful and poised, proving that a single bold choice can carry an entire look when executed with intention.
Green That Glows, Not Glares
On the red carpet, Thompson turned heads in a strapless gold gown that shimmered with understated drama.
The silhouette hugged her frame without overpowering it, letting texture and tone do the heavy lifting.
Rather than relying on excess embellishment, the look radiated confidence through simplicity, which is luminous, elegant, and undeniably timeless.
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Street Style With a Point of View
Thompson’s off-carpet style is just as compelling as her formalwear, and this textured tweed ensemble is proof.
Paired with sleek sunglasses and classic pumps, the look blurred the line between classic tailoring and modern cool.
It wasn’t about flash and it was about presence. Effortless, editorial, and unmistakably her.
Layering as a Language
At a SiriusXM appearance, Thompson played with proportion and texture in a way that felt intentional rather than experimental.
A soft knit layered over a collared shirt met a sheer, tonal skirt that added dimension without distraction. The result was thoughtful and fashion-forward, which serves as a reminder that layering, when done right, can feel both relaxed and refined.
Watch the NAACP Image Awards on BET and CBS on Feb. 28, 2026.
