Some celebrities take on the mantle of being the red carpet's best-dressed, but you know what's more difficult (and more indicative of true personal style)? Being unwaveringly good at churning out casual outfits that genuinely inspire how we dress IRL.
This is where Katie Holmes has become such a reliable and valuable source—no one does relaxed outfits in the A-list world quite like her. She's photographed multiple times a week out and about in New York, and her looks never feel contrived, difficult to emulate or full of trendy, faddy buys that will quickly expire.
One area she particularly excels in is her laid-back denim-and-shoe combinations. Whilst she's often seen hitting the sidewalks in flats and loose-fitting denim, each new outfit offers a little nuanced difference. Since autumn set in, she has generated a number of brilliant formulas that are easy to replicate for the rest of the season and well on into 2025.
Yes, Holmes has also provided us with top-tier winter-coat inspiration, some much-appreciated leggings guidance and introduced us to a brilliant high-street handbag, but it's the denim-centric looks that I had to compile into a round-up because they are so perfect for this low-key time of year.
So, keep on scrolling for the jeans-and-flat-shoes outfits Holmes has patented this winter.
1. WIDE-LEG JEANS + PATENT MARY JANES
Style Notes: The eclectic "grandpa" vibes of Holmes's knit and light-wash jeans could be too serious with a loafer or brogue, so this more typically feminine shoe style brings a twist to the look.
2. HORSEHOE JEANS + LOAFERS
Style Notes: A directional pair of jeans needs an equally confident shoe choice. Holmes's ruched, square-toe loafers are up to the job.
3. LOOSE-FIT JEANS + RED FLATS
Style Notes: Red shoes (even flats) instantly add a wow factor to super-casual denim looks.
4. BOOTCUT JEANS + LOAFERS
Style Notes: Bootcuts benefit from a small heel or smart flats that allow the hemline to hit just above the shoe. Any longer and it would look like a mistake, but like this, it's pure class.
5. BARREL-LEG JEANS + SOCK BOOTS
Style Notes: A sock boot helps to elongate the ankle and balance out the curved shape of barrel-leg jeans. This is a clever move when it's too cold to bare your ankles.
6. INDIGO JEANS + PLIMSOLLS
Style Notes: Jeans and white trainers are a match made in heaven, no matter the silhouette, wash or sneaker style.
7. STOVEPIPE JEANS + V-CUT PUMPS
Style Notes: For a preppy look, polished ballet flats look understated with straight-leg jeans.
8. BAGGY JEANS + BOW FLATS
Style Notes: When your outfit reads super chill, add some cuteness via your shoe choice—this seems to be Holmes's outfit mantra.
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