PSA: Winter Outfits Look Smarter With This Simple Styling Trick

Amidst the noise of runway mania, new-season drops and a constant churn of cult items, I know all too well how easy it can be to lose sight of the simplest, most wearable styling tricks that actually make getting dressed feel easier. Which is exactly why I was grateful to Katie Holmes and Jessica Alba for reminding me of a jacket-and-shoe combination that never fails to make an outfit look chic.

Stepping out this week, Katie Holmes caught my eye in a dark plum leather jacket, styled with loafers in the exact same rich purple hue. Bringing instant cohesion to her look, the clever pairing worked well with her dark-wash jeans, keeping the outfit polished and considered without feeling at all fussy.

Katie Holmes walks outside on the phone wearing a plum leather jacket with matching loafers and dark wash jeans. — (Image credit: Getty Images)

Then, Jessica Alba was spotted wearing the same combination this week, opting for a cognac-brown leather jacket paired with tonal light-brown shoes, and styled with classic blue jeans and a basic white tank top. An uncomplicated outfit by any standard, the thoughtful colour coordination polished her look, wearable and minimal.

Jessica Alba steps outside wearing blue stovepipe jeans with a cognac brown leather jacket and matching brown boots. — (Image credit: Backgrid)

So simple it’s easy to overlook, matching your jacket to your shoes is one of my favourite ways to make even the most pared-back outfit feel that little bit more considered. Whether you opt for rich plum, classic brown or another winter hue, it’s a styling that deserves a place in your repertoire.

Inspired by Katie and Jessica’s effortlessly chic outfits, read on to shop my edit of the coolest matching jackets and shoes below.