Yellow and gold were the assignment for the cast of The Real Housewives of Atlanta. And the ladies did not come to play. From feathers and crystals to old Hollywood glam, the RHOA Season 16 reunion looks ranged from borderline iconic to, well, let’s just say some of the girls got a little too experimental. Let’s break it down.
Which Housewives looked the best at the RHOA reunion?
Phaedra Parks deserves the top spot. The emotional symbolism, the regal attitude, and the styling of her reunion look all came together in a look that was both powerful and fashion-forward. Phaedra didn’t just wear a dress. She wore a story. And that’s what reunion glam should be all about. The other women should be taking notes for Season 17. As they say, uneasy lies the head that wears a crown. Here’s our ranking, from not-so-great, to full glam icon status.
7. Angela Oakley
Angela Oakley’s butter-yellow gown by Valdrin Sahiti was meant to be simple and “Oscar chic,” but it landed more on the bland side. The cut was clean, but the overall execution felt underwhelming, especially when standing next to women in 3D florals and dripping in crystals. The big hair helped, but the dress itself didn’t match the moment, especially for a first reunion. She told Bravo, “I have a butter-yellow dress with a little bit of cleavage. It’s simple. I wanted to do a simple dress with big hair.”
6. Cynthia Bailey
Cynthia Bailey gave us vintage glam in a strapless yellow Jovani number paired with throwback waves and old-school charms. While we love a nod to La La Land, this look wasn’t as fresh or fashion-forward as it could’ve been. The styling was a little too safe, and for someone with such supermodel energy, we expected a bit more drama. She shared with fans, “I’m so happy that we’re wearing yellow, because lord knows we need all the brightness, all the light that we can get. It also gives a little bit of old Hollywood glam, which I love, of course, as an ‘up-and-coming’ actress.” Still, it was polished and graceful, just not wow-worthy.
5. Shamea Morton
Shamea Morton’s Rian Fernandez dress was a soft, floral fantasy meant to reflect her “in full bloom” storyline. And while the symbolism was sweet, the execution felt a little prom-queen-meets-pageant. She shared with Bravo, “I want to bring in the sunshine, I want to brighten the situation. I want to bring some warmth.” The flower inspiration and sunny vibes were cute, but the silhouette didn’t quite hold its own against some of the more structured or high-glam looks in the group. That said, the sentiment behind her look was heartfelt and very on-brand.
4. Porsha Williams
Porsha Williams rarely misses, and this time she went full diva in a Rey Ortiz creation. The structured bodice with golden tones was fierce, and this was one of my favorite looks. She noted “I am definitely going for Diana Ross, Beyoncé-esque, modern robot, bad b*tch. Like, that’s pretty much the look in a nutshell.” It was powerful and perhaps one of her best reunion looks.
3. Drew Sidora
Drew Sidora turned up the heat with a Carnival-inspired, crystal-drenched JoJo gown that gave us shimmer, movement, and undeniable Caribbean energy. Her look screamed “island glam meets runway,” and it was a bold choice that mostly paid off. The feathers, the sparkle, the silhouette, it all worked. But only Drew could have honestly pulled this off. The actress revealed, “We took traditional Carnival elements—feathers, shimmer, heat—and reimagined them through a high-glam lens.” This was Drew’s strongest reunion look to date, and she knew it.
2. Kelli Ferrell
For her first reunion, Kelli Ferrell showed up and showed out. The Kristina Kharlashkina gown was giving if Cinderella had a peach, and honestly? The look was delicious. Her look was dramatic, luxe, and completely on theme. And from the 3D floral detailing to the glowing gold finish. Plus, the Christian Louboutin heels customized by Urban Bling? Next-level extra. She looked like a debutante sun goddess, and we were obsessed.
1. Phaedra Parks
Phaedra understood the assignment and rewrote it in gold ink. Her She-Ra-themed dress was an elegant nod to Grenadian heritage, and she paired it with Alexis Bittar and Schiaparelli jewels that gave off OG energy. The structured silhouette, embellished neckline, and flawless glam made this look a standout. Phaedra never does basic, and this was a masterclass in reunion fashion with meaning. And while it also gave a nod to Hercules, it worked as Phaedra has always been a Real Housewives of Atlanta muse.
The Real Housewives of Atlanta is available to stream on Peacock. The show streams on Hayu in the UK and Ireland.
TELL US – WHICH OF THE RHOA REUNION LOOKS WAS YOUR FAVORITE?
