Key Costumes used in the Music Video

1. Yellow Off-the-Shoulder Dress (Opening Scene)

Denotation: A vibrant, sunny yellow dress worn by Beyoncé at the start of the video.
Connotation:

• Black Feminine Power: Yellow, a color often associated with energy and power, highlights Beyoncé's confidence and command of her own narrative.

• Southern Black Womanhood: The dress evokes images of traditional Southern Black femininity, which is significant because "Formation" deals with themes of Southern heritage, particularly in New Orleans, a city tied to the history of Black America, slavery, and the Civil Rights Movement.

• Resilience: The bright color could also signify hope and resilience in the face of hardship, as seen with the juxtaposition of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

2. Black and White Military-Style Jacket

Denotation: A black-and-white military-inspired jacket that Beyoncé wears while performing with her dancers.
Connotation:

• Empowerment: Military attire, especially when worn by a woman, can symbolize strength and authority. It reflects Beyoncé's fierce attitude and self-assurance.

• Feminist Symbolism: Military attire can also represent the battle and struggle for equality. The jacket reinforces the song’s themes of resistance and fighting against injustice, particularly in the context of Black communities facing systemic oppression.

• Historical Allusion: The style may also be a reference to historical military leaders who fought for civil rights, placing Beyoncé in the tradition of those who have fought for liberation.

3. Red Dress with Dancers in Matching Outfits

Denotation: Beyoncé and her backup dancers wear red dresses, creating a striking visual contrast against the background of the flooded streets.
Connotation:

• Rebellion and Revolution: The red dress is bold and attention-grabbing, symbolizing the fight for change and social justice. It’s often a color linked with revolution and activism.

• Black Pride: Red is a color heavily associated with the African American community, particularly in the context of Black pride and the Red, Black, and Green flag, which represents Pan-Africanism.

• Connection to African Culture: The choice of red in the costumes may also tie into African cultural aesthetics, where color symbolism is deeply important. Red can be associated with life force, strength, and vitality.

4. Black Fedora Hat

Denotation: Beyoncé is seen wearing a black fedora hat in several scenes, particularly when she’s posing with her dancers.
Connotation:

• Masculine/Feminine Blending: The fedora, traditionally a men's fashion accessory, is a piece of clothing that blurs the lines between masculinity and femininity. This may symbolize Beyoncé’s ability to navigate both identities with power and agency.

• Jazz and Black Cultural Heritage: The fedora also connects to the Black cultural heritage, particularly within the context of jazz music, which has roots in African American culture. By wearing the hat, Beyoncé signals her connection to this rich tradition.

• Mystery and Power: The fedora adds an element of mystery and intrigue, heightening her authoritative presence and emphasizing her control over her image and message.

5. "Black Panther" Inspired Outfits

Denotation: Some of the outfits, especially the bold black jackets, have been interpreted as references to the Black Panther Party, which was founded in the 1960s to fight for Black rights and to combat police brutality.
Connotation:

• Political Statement: These outfits serve as a visual nod to the Black Panther Party’s iconic style, which included black berets, leather jackets, and fists raised in solidarity. Beyoncé is aligning herself with the party's legacy of militant Black empowerment and resistance to racial injustice.

• Black Liberation: The Black Panther references tie the video to themes of Black liberation, Black power, and the fight against racial discrimination. Beyoncé is showcasing her identity as part of the ongoing struggle for equality.

• Radical Black Feminism: The Black Panther symbolism also ties into the idea of radical Black feminism, which advocates for the liberation of both Black people and women. Beyoncé’s inclusion of this reference highlights the intersection of race and gender in her political message.

6. New Orleans Flooded Streets & "Formation" Logo

Denotation: Beyoncé is shown in various scenes standing or dancing amidst floodwaters in New Orleans, with buildings in the background. The "Formation" logo, a symbol of resistance, is also seen in certain moments.
Connotation:

• Hurricane Katrina & Black Suffering: The imagery of flooded streets in New Orleans references the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, which disproportionately affected the Black community in the city. This visual emphasizes the systemic neglect of Black communities in times of crisis and draws attention to the racial inequalities that exist in the U.S.

• Survival and Rebirth: The floodwaters can also symbolize the destruction of the old systems of oppression, while the powerful presence of Beyoncé in the midst of it all signals the resilience and survival of Black communities.

• Social and Political Awareness: The formation of the dancers and the use of the flooded backdrop also draws attention to the political nature of the video, particularly around issues of race, inequality, and the government's failure to protect Black citizens during and after the disaster.

7. Dancer Costumes (Black Lace and Leather)

Denotation: The backup dancers in "Formation" are often seen in black lace, leather, and other bold, rebellious outfits.
Connotation:

• Feminine Strength and Defiance: Leather and lace can represent a juxtaposition of toughness and sensuality. These costumes reflect the idea of strong, empowered women who are unapologetic about their sexuality and their power.

• Sisterhood and Solidarity: The matching outfits worn by the dancers signify solidarity among women and Black women specifically. The cohesiveness of their look underscores the collective nature of the message, which is about fighting injustice together.

• Rebellion and Resistance: Leather has long been associated with rebellion, strength, and defiance, qualities that are central to the song's message of resistance to societal norms, particularly those that oppress Black and marginalized communities.