Katie Holmes is known for many things: Dawson’s Creek, her marriage to Tom Cruise and her viral knitted bra-digan. She’s also known, especially in the Who What Wear office, for her understated, effortlessly cool style, which provides us with endless inspiration on how to tap into trends without losing sight of your signature look.
After sifting through a countless amount of her enviable outfits, it’s clear that Holmes’ simple-yet-chic wardrobe relies on a collection of failsafe combos and staple items which, luckily for us, can easily be replicated. While many of her chosen pieces are designer, the accessibility of her style means that these items can often be substituted for more affordable pieces or even items that are already hanging in our wardrobes.
And she has continued to prove this for us with her recent parade of low-key yet polished looks. In the last week alone she’s been spotted in a sensational skirt and boot combo at Ulla Johnson’s SS23 show in New York, as well as the ultimate errand-running look consisting of relaxed wide-leg jeans and a chunky knit. Are these outfits ground-breaking? No. Stylish? Absolutely.
Keep scrolling to discover my favourite Katie Holmes autumn looks, as well as the pieces you might need to help recreate them at home.
Style Notes: When Holmes appeared in this ensemble earlier this week, it got the whole Who What Wear team talking. She’s wearing Ulla Johnson here—while attending the designer’s SS23 show—but there are key tips we can take away from her ensemble. Note the asymmetric hem of the skirt, as well as the rich orange-brown-burgundy colouring and random pattering, which are two core details of the Bohemian trend we’re seeing pop up this season (Chloé and Altuzarra both did this particularly well in their FW22 collections). For accessories, it seems no one can resist the allure of a great knee-high boot, as well as a simple black shoulder bag. I can’t wait to recreate this look with similar pieces in my wardrobe.
Ulla Johnson is one of Holmes’ favourite brands. Wear this top with a skirt as above or pair with jeans, leather trousers or under a dress.
Those following the polished-boho trend will know that floral and paisley prints are big news. Wear with contrasting patterns to really nail the trend or keep the rest of your look simple.
A great black crossbody bag is such a good investment. This leather & Other Stories number can be worn with the shoulder strap or without for maximum versatility.
I can’t stop thinking about these knee-high boots, which are the perfect heel height and just the right amount of slouchiness. Wear with dresses, skirts and more this season.
Style Notes: Here Holmes proves that autumn dressing can be understated and yet still so chic. She definitely knows the power of great denim, and this jeans and blazer look is the epitome of her low-key style. With the fall of skinny jeans, wide-legs are having a moment, having been spotted earlier this year on the Valentino SS22 runway as well as on myriad of influencers. Holmes is also a fan of the tailoring trend, styling her plain white tee under a classic black blazer. To offset the simplicity of her look she’s gone bold on the earrings, which nod to the orange stitching in her trainers. The perfect balance between smart and casual, I’ll be reaching for this look throughout autumn when I need an easy, comfortable outfit.
A staple in everyone’s wardrobe, year-round. This COS style is a particularly good choice for winter thanks to its heavyweight fabrication.
Arket never fail to deliver when it comes to stylish, affordable blazers that are exceptionally good quality.
A pair of straight leg jeans you feel great it will work hard in your wardrobe. Wear in the day and evening, with everything from jackets and knits to blouses and going-out tops.
Like Holmes proves, a statement earring can make a look. This pretty gold pair are an easy way to make a denim focused outfit work for an evening out.
Style Notes: Another winning denim look! This is a great transitional outfit for the strange, in-between weather we experience between seasons. Here Holmes has opted for a slightly cropped jean with a patch pocket detail. Designers and high-street brands alike have hopped on this denim trend, with plenty of iterations available out there. Up top she’s chosen one of the most versatile items in anyone’s wardrobe: the crisp poplin shirt. It’s tucked in but is still loose, giving the whole outfit a chic, French-girl vibe. Note how she’s got the same trainers on as above, proving she really does invest in staple items and rewear them.
Size up in this white shirt to get that relaxed, French-girl look.
Reformation’s Alyssa jeans have just the right amount of 70’s vibe. They are available in two washes: indigo or pale-wash.
Veja is a favourite amongst celebs, editors and influencers thanks to its sustainable credentials.
Style Notes: Knitted dresses reign supreme come autumn and Holmes is definitely not one to avoid a bold knitwear look (remember that Khaite knitted bra and cardi combo?). Here she’s been snapped nailing the coordinated, oversized knitwear trend before it appeared on FW22 runway. Swathing herself in striped knitwear courtesy of Chloé, she’s layered a sleeveless midi dress under a matching cape/shawl, before adding trainers to bring a largely maximalist look back down to earth. When it comes to recreating this, there are plenty of knitted duos to choose from, whether that’s a dress and cape like Holmes or a more relaxed trouser and sweater combo.
If striped aren’t you thing, dip a toe into the knitted dress trend with this neutral style. Wear in the winter with boots or trainers before swapping in sandals come spring.
To nail swathed-in-knitwear trend add a longline cardigan like this oatmeal number.
To really channel the actress, opt for this stylish striped duo. I love it paired with tan accessories as above.
You can’t go wrong with these. A chunky sole ensures these are just as comfy as they are stylish, too.
Style Notes: In some form or another, tailoring has been spotted all over the FW22 runway, whether that’s velvet suiting at Tom Ford or smart pops of colour at Michael Kors. Here, Holmes works the trend by opting for a sleek all-white ensemble. The blazer is double-breasted and has a strong shoulder, which is another signature detail of the season. For me, the best part about this look is her sensational, Barbiecore-esque stilettos, which add a fun touch. This season, I’ll either be choosing polished white separates like Holmes or will turn the look around and go bold with the suiting and neutral with the accessories.
A white blazer is so chic. Wear it as a full suit like Holmes or pair the blazer with leather or denim.
These Warehouse trousers are a great shape thanks to their tailored, slightly cropped leg.
Channel the Barbiecore trend with these fun fuchsia heels.
Style Notes: What. A. Look. This is actually a snap from 2019 but Holmes is hitting some massive FW22 trends with this outfit. The metallic slip dress (hello 90s) with the maxi hem and the zebra print knee-high boots are just amazing, and she’s topped it off with a smart navy wool coat which keeps the look feeling weather-appropriate and elegant. Add a smokey eye and you’re set.
A slip dress can be dressed up or down with a simple swap of layers. Add chunky combat boots and an oversized knit to this in the week before wearing as is with heels for a night out.
This is such a classic cut and one that the brand does really well. Navy is a chic yet wearable choice if you’re not a fan of black.
How cool are these? Wear them with dresses throughout party season or with jeans and knits for a more casual take.
Style Notes: This recent snap of Holmes proves once again how easy her looks are to recreate. As before, she’s opted for a wide-leg jean in a mid-wash; she knows what suits her and she’s rolling with it. She’s then added an on-trend loafer but has gone for a pale pink shade, which works nicely with the grey knitwear. Collared knits are also big this year, and I like how she’s leaning into autumn with a lighter shade as opposed to black. This outfit is casual, cool and utterly wearable. It’s rare celebs hit this trifecta but thankfully Holmes is here to plug that gap.
H&M is one of my favourite destinations for quality knitwear that is affordable, too.
I love the denim offering at Mango thanks to its flattering cuts and wide variety of styles. This mid-rise wide-leg pair look so good with heels and trainers.
The brand Tod’s is synonymous with loafers, so there was only one destination to head to find a winning pink pair…
