The Best-Dressed Root 100 Guests Over The Years

The Root 100’s annual gala celebrating Black excellence is fast approaching, and we cannot wait to see how our celebrity guests and The Root staff will dazzle on the red carpet. Over the years, attendees have consistently shown up and shown out with their looks, and we know this year won’t be any different.

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But while we wait with bated breath to see who will stroll down the red carpet, let’s take a look at some of our best-dressed stars in the past years. You might even find some inspiration for your fit this December…

Erika Woods

Last year, actress Erika Woods turned up to The Root 100 in a showstopping, gorgeous purple dress. The texture and patterns on this outfit, along with her snake-like bracelet, made Woods one of the best-dressed stars of the night.

Wendell Pierce

Looking just as stylish as his wife, Wendell Pierce looked sharp in this blue suit with a royal blue tie to match. Looking good, Mr Pierce!

Ledisi

Ledisi, 2024’s The Root 100 headliner, could not be missed. Her fiery red suit was an attention-grabbing look that kept Ledisi looking fierce all night!

Waikinya Clanton

Not only is Waikinya Clanton a civil rights icon, but she is also a style queen. This sparkly dress was a perfect complement to her natural glow. We love to see it.

Chloe Bailey

Aphrodite might have been jealous in 2022 because Chloe Bailey served up some serious competition. This flowy dress is undeniably gorgeous!

DeWanda Wise

We loved this frilly, sparkly moment that DeWanda Wise gave us in 2024. She looks like the life of the party.

Prince Derek Doll

Prink Derek Doll served a good fashion moment, and we ate it right up! The small pops of color against his velvet black suit are mwah, chef’s kiss.

Kecia Lewis

We are saying yes to this cape look from Kecia Lewis. You can never miss with a good ol’ black and white combo, and this one made Lewis look elegant.

Don Lemon

Another gentleman looking dapper in his suit! Don Lemon gave us a waistcoat and turtleneck moment. Not many can pull that off, but then again, not many are Don Lemon.

Leslie Odom Jr.

Leslie Odom Jr. veered away from the classic suit silhouette and gave folks an incredibly artsy look. Everything about this outfit is a statement, from the art on the jacket to the art on the trousers.

Laura Coates, Tatsha Robertson and Roy Wood Jr.

CNN Anchor Laura Coates, The Root Editor-in-Chief Tatsha Robertson, and Root 100 host Roy Wood Jr. were the definition of class last year in their outfits.

Jon Batiste

Jon Batiste flaunted his eye for fashion with this unique suit and a pair of maroon leather boots. Not only did he shine on stage that night, but he also stunned on the red carpet.

Deborah Roberts and Al Roker

If married couple Deborah Roberts and Al Roker weren’t iconic, award-winning journalists, they’d be award-winning fashionistas!

Misty Copeland

Looking gracious as always, ballerina Misty Copeland sashayed down the red carpet in a simple, yet stunning black dress, because sometimes less is more.

Tamron Hall

Last, but certainly not least, Tamron Hall captivated the cameras with this fit. We love the detail on the pantyhose and the gold buttons on her dress that just pull everything together.