Katie Holmes Wore the Controversial Denim Trend New Yorkers Wear Instead of Skinny Jeans

What is it about denim that makes people so opinionated? Everyone seems to have deep-seated ideas about what jeans they will and won't wear. Low-rise, skinny, baggy, cropped, flared—the options are endless. One hot-button topic right now is barrel jeans. I've seen numerous TikTok videos where people try on a pair of barrel jeans with exaggerated silhouettes that look a bit silly. That said, less adventurous dresses can try more streamlined versions of the trend á la Katie Holmes.
While on a stroll in New York City, Holmes was photographed wearing barrel jeans to perfection with low-heeled ankle boots, a belted blazer, and a tote bag. But Holmes isn't the only New Yorker wearing barrel jeans recently. I study paparazzi photos and Instagram pics like it's my job (because it is), and I've noticed a surge in barrel jeans and a major decrease in skinny jeans worn by NYC's best-dressed people in recent months.
Besides her jeans, I also want to discuss the smart way she elevated a basic jacket with a shimmering gold belt. It's such a genius way to make your old favorite wardrobe staples feel new again. Scroll down to see Katie Holmes's newest outfit, and then shop similar barrel jeans.
Shop My Favorite Pairs of Barrel Jeans

Erin got her start as a Who What Wear intern in 2011—back when the site only published a single story per day. (We have since increased that number twentyfold.) She graduated magna cum laude from USC and lives in Los Angeles. In college, she also interned at Refinery29, where she was promoted to editorial assistant and then assistant editor. After nearly three years at R29, she came back to WWW in 2015, where she is now the Associate Director of Fashion News. From the Oscars to the Met Gala, she leads the site's entire red carpet coverage strategy. She specializes in celebrity and fashion news but also enjoys writing travel features and runway reports. She frequently contributes to WWW's social accounts and has a sizable following on her personal TikTok.