Building the On the Run Tour Bodysuit, Mesh, and Mask Look
The entire outfit depends on the contrast between glossy black leather and open fishnet. Both textures need to be visible, so avoid anything matte or opaque. The leather provides the structure and the armor-like shine; the mesh keeps the look from becoming a single black void.
Start with the bodysuit. A high-cut leg opening makes the most difference here—it visually lengthens the legs and gives the silhouette that sharp, almost athletic cut. A front zipper is useful because it lets you control the neckline and makes the piece easier to get in and out of. Faux leather is fine and often more comfortable for extended wear; what matters is that the material has a noticeable gloss and that the fit is snug without digging in. If a full bodysuit is impractical, a cropped leather top tucked into high-waisted leather bottoms creates the same unbroken line, provided the top doesn’t ride up when you move.
Over or under that bodysuit goes a long-sleeved fishnet top. The mesh needs to be a standard diamond pattern—not the tiny micro-mesh you’d find on dance tights, but also not the oversized chunky netting sold for punk costumes. The sleeves should reach your wrists, and the body of the top should sit close enough that it doesn’t bunch under the leather. Wearing it underneath the bodysuit keeps the leather as the dominant layer; wearing it over creates a slightly more layered, grungier look. Either works, but pick one so the costume doesn’t look indecisive.
The legs continue the same mesh theme. Fishnet stockings with a similar diamond gauge tie the top and bottom together. If you can find dance-grade fishnets, they’re worth the extra cost—they hold their shape and resist snags far better than costume-shop versions. For extra warmth or coverage, layer them over sheer nude tights; the nude base keeps the leg looking bare while the fishnet pattern stays visible.
The full-face mesh mask is the piece that makes this specifically an On the Run costume rather than just a black leather outfit. It should cover your entire head and face, with an open enough weave that you can see clearly. The mask sits directly against the skin, so if you plan to wear it down for photos, pull your hair back into a low bun or slick it flat against your head first—any volume underneath will distort the shape of the netting against your face. You can wear it rolled up like a beanie between photos and pull it down only when you want the full effect. A red lip does show through the mesh and keeps your face from disappearing behind the netting, so it’s worth applying even though it’s partially covered.
Boots should be chunky and flat or low-heeled. Combat-style ankle boots with visible zippers match the hardware on the bodysuit and keep the whole look grounded. Stilettos would break the silhouette and fight the practical, tactical feel of the outfit. The boots are the one place where you shouldn’t compromise on comfort—this is a look that encourages standing with your weight distributed and taking up space, and you’ll want footwear that supports that.
The last component is the attitude, but that’s less about posing and more about understanding the character. This is the cinematic, outlaw version of Beyoncé—the one from the tour’s Bonnie and Clyde interludes. She’s cool, unbothered, and in control. If you’re wearing the costume with someone else, they should dress as Jay-Z in all black with a beanie and a gold chain. The outfit does most of the work; the rest is just not smiling too much.
