Emancipation in Yellow Chiffon

Maybe I shouldn’t have worn yellow chiffon on a 45-degree day. But darling, we dress for where we’re going—not where we’re at.


That’s what I whispered to myself as I stepped onto Pennsylvania Avenue this Emancipation Day—wind whipping, heels clicking, chiffon billowing like I was leading a freedom march on a Harlem's Row runway.


Washington, DC has honored Emancipation Day since 1862—before the rest of the country caught up. And what better way to celebrate freedom than by refusing to shrink, be silent, or fade into the background?


For warmth, I slipped thermals under my skirts and tucked hand warmers in my clutch—because you can show up and show out without catching pneumonia. The goal isn’t to suffer for the cause, darling—it’s to outwit the powers that be.


✨ With heat packs, high heels, and holy intentions,
Simone B.


P.S. What are you wearing to Emancipation Day 2025? - The all-day celebration starts with a parade, rolls into a star-studded concert at Freedom Plaza (hosted by sneaker-clad Britt Waters of ABC 7), and ends with fireworks. Expect soulful sets from Anthony Hamilton, Chante Moore, Raheem DeVaughn (with the Crank Crusaders!), Black Alley, Tim Bowman, Jr., DJ Kool, and the Washington Performing Arts Children of the Gospel Choir. Visit emancipation.dc.gov for the full lineup.


P.P.S. I’ll be the one in yellow, near the front.
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