Experts decode 'cozy' dress code for Beyoncé film premiere: 'I do not foresee simplicity'

Queen Bey has set the tone for her Los Angeles premiere of “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé” on Nov. 25, deeming “cozy opulence” the dress code of the night.

Naturally, she sent fashionistas all over the U.S. into a frenzy with some trying to figure out exactly what the expression means and others immediately brainstorming how to make it their own.

On X, formerly known as Twitter, one user wrote, “What is a cozy opulence? I need examples? Is it cozy with all my riches? Cozy with all my Chanel? Cozy with all my Target?”

There seem to be similar questions amongst the Beyhive and other fans looking to fall in line and show off their best looks when the film hits theaters Dec. 1. 

Yoncé also set “upscale opulence” as the attire for the world premiere in London on Nov. 30.

The words upscale and opulence are of the same tune, with the dictionary defining opulence as “great wealth or luxuriousness.”

But the Oxford dictionary defines cozy as “giving a feeling of comfort, warmth and relaxation.”  Some might argue pairing cozy with opulence is a bit of an oxymoron, but not when it comes to Bey.

”When I first saw it I immediately thought of the song 'Cozy' from the album, [with the lyric] 'comfortable in my skin, cozy with who I am,’” said Robyn Merrett, the beauty and style editor for Us Weekly.

“I’m thinking she'd want people to wear looks that make them feel good and confident in their skin but are elevated," she said. "I think we’re still going to see metallics because that’s still synonymous with 'Renaissance,' but for this specifically it’s all about feeling good about who you are.”

As far as any other fashion trends, Merrett said “expect the unexpected.”

Beauty and fashion influencer Blake Newby echoed those sentiments: “I think that cozy opulence is going to be a lot more ornate and over-the-top than one might think.”

“The tour was unique in the fact that Beyoncé wore a different outfit at every single show," Newby said. "Yes, we saw some outfits twice but overwhelmingly there was excitement around ‘what is Beyoncé going to wear tonight.'”

For the live concerts, fans enthusiastically donned their own renditions of the show's silver theme.

Newby expects the Los Angeles premiere to be no different with attendees wearing grandiose outfits and iterations of Beyoncé’s tour looks. Quite frankly, she said, “I do not foresee simplicity.” 

Fans already planning outfits

Some fans seem to have caught the memo and also have high expectations for the U.S. and world premieres, as well as the theater debut on Dec. 1.

Milas Avery, 25, attended Beyoncé’s Renaissance concert in Atlanta three times in August. For his final concert he was feet away from the “Diva” singer, standing in the VIP Beyhive Pit. 

Avery made a point to go all out with his outfits for the shows. His take on "cozy opulence" aligns with the experts.

“Opulence is a word that best describes how not only I carry myself but the rest of the Beyhive. It means having that sense of royalty and luxury,” he said. “It’s about being cozy within and celebrating who you are.

“It’s not necessarily like you’re in your house shoes, but you have that same warm feeling [in the clothes you choose].”

He plans to wear an elaborate outfit when he watches the film.

Other fans said the dress code inspired them to pick cinema outfits that will be comfortable but certainly not lacking panache. 

Megan Cutchins, 28, had floor seats at Beyoncé’s New Orleans show, and she’s looking forward to watching the movie when it debuts on the big screen worldwide. 

“I interpret the dress code as how to feel your best in your skin without all the fancy clothes and jewels," Cutchins said. "Beyoncé wants to remind her fans of their own power and beauty without anything additional.

“I’m expecting to see lots of cozy sets and sweatsuits with a ton of sparkly accessories shining in theaters.” 

Kayla Boulware, 31, snagged her tickets for the documentary as soon as they became available. She said she hasn’t gone to the movies since “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” last year, which makes this time around even more special. 

For Boulware, it’s all about being “fly but still comfortable,” and she looks forward to rocking her concert merch.  

As for all the fans scrambling to find their "Renaissance" film fashions, it’s to be expected that anything Beyoncé attaches her name to will be executed with the utmost poise and grandiosity.   

After all, it is Queen Bey. In her own words, “You know that we do it grande. You know that I’m gone be extra.”