Get ALL of your 2026 BLU Retreat FAQs Here!

Dandyism celebrates African American self-expression through dress and visual presentation

Black dandyism for women involves using tailored, polished, and expressive clothing, traditionally associated with masculinity, to challenge stereotypes and assert identity, power, and beauty. It is a continuation of a long tradition where Black people have used fashion as a tool for self-determination, with recent examples including musicians like Janelle Monáe and the reinterpretation of the style by designers and celebrities.  

For us at BLU, it's all about self-expression, and feeling good about yourself.  It's also an opportunity to tap into different sides of yourself in safe space. We don't want you to go and spend a lot of money for the Ball!  Find something in your closet, go to a thrift store, or just come as you are, with significant attitude!

Did you check out our lookbook?

Some Black Dandyism Resources

• The Met Museum – brief blurb and video of their exhibit: Superfine: Tailoring Black Style. https://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/superfine-tailoring-black-style 
• Council of Fashion Designers of America – Article on Black dandyism with some historical pictures and some from the Met gala. https://cfda.com/news/delving-into-the-essence-of-black-dandyism/
• The Conversation – Nice article on the history of Black dandy.  “Tailoring and the Black dandy: how 250 years of Black fashion history inspired the 2025 Met Gala” https://theconversation.com/tailoring-and-the-black-dandy-how-250-years-of-black-fashion-history-inspired-the-2025-met-gala-250650
• Videos
  • EBONY Magazine’s take on the Met Gala (4min 10sec) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLF3rXMB8p8
  • The Black Dandy, Explained (12min 30sec) from Drew Joiner a Black fashion YouTuber - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRDmwuSjHBI

  
  

 For the safety and comfort of everyone in our community, we ask that all attendees please leave any peanuts or peanut products at home. The facility where our event is being held has a strict no-peanut policy due to the risk of severe allergic reactions. Even trace amounts of peanuts can trigger serious health emergencies for those with allergies, and our goal is to make the event safe and welcoming for all participants. Thank you for helping us create an inclusive, healthy, and worry-free environment for everyone to enjoy. 

If you need it, you need it. 

Many of us have them, and they do greatly improve your health.

Also.. others around you will sleep easier.

Don't leave home without it.

This weekend has been developed for you to be the best and most authentic self.  You will be among friends, so you don't have to dress up, bring fancy jewelry, our as our parents might say, "put on airs." You are coming home to our magical wonderland... a chance to get away from it all!

• This year, instead of our traditional White Party, we are having a Black Dandy Ball… you can dress to impress, or dress to be comfortable…We do NOT want you to spend a lot of money on this...  More below about the Black Dandy Ball!
• BRING YOUR CPAP.  There are outlets near every bed.
• Your Yoga mat for Yoga class!
• What to wear for the rest of the time?  Bring your play clothes!  We're here to have fun. The current weather forecast indicates that the temperatures will be in the 70's during the day and in the 50's at night.  We will update this as we get closer to the retreat!  
• A jacket for getting to and from our late-night or morning events.
• Bring your refillable water bottle, tumbler. We need to stay hydrated!
• A Flashlight… Yes, you all have one on your phone, but an actual flashlight may be helpful.
• Since our retreat is in November, we will NOT be having our traditional Pool Party, but... we WILL be having our even more infamous Pool Deck Party… We will dance, and eat, and celebrate each other and ourselves!  
• Bring your drum, because we will be drumming! If you don’t have one, we have some to share.
• Bring $$ or other forms of payment for our vendors!
• Bring your CPAP.  If you know, you know.  Keep yourself healthy, and everyone else comfortable!
• That said, bring your Ear Plugs, especially if you are a light sleeper.
• Comfortable walking shoes... Everything will be centrally located, but we want you to be comfortable!
• Bring your supports!  If your joints need extra TLC, bring your knee, ankle, wrist supports!
• Bring your scent free products (deodorants, soaps, etc.)

• Is there cell phone reception?   Yes,  the major cell service providers all have signals on the site. Some service providers signals (Verizon) are stronger than others (T-Mobile), so you may have to move around a bit to find a good spot. We also encourage you to disconnect (even for a little bit) and connect with others at the retreat!  But we hope you put your phone away and stay present in the moment!
• Can I be in the same cabin with my friend?  Yes!  We do not assign beds. You can choose the same cabin when you arrive.
• Is there a smoking section?  Yes, for tobacco.
• Is the smoking section only for tobacco? Yes.  Individuals found smoking other substances may be sent home. Have questions?  Email us at :info@blacklesbiansunited.org
• Will there be a Hike? Yes!
• Is there air conditioning? Yes, the buildings are temperature controlled (heat and AC).
• Should we bring bug spray? There are not many mosquitos on the land this time of the year, but if you are allergic to bugs and insects, you might want to use some. Off! makes a scent free version that we will have available for use if you don't have a scent free version ready to bring!