Welcome to The Blueprint, where we break down the celebrity looks we want to wear right now and build them back up, piece by piece.
How does Katie Holmes manage to look like a total ray — er, rainbow — of sunshine in the middle of winter?
By wearing an exuberant knit sweater, that’s how. I don’t know about you, but come January, I feel like a zombie walking through life: I’m pale, cold, and usually in some shade of gray or black. A colorful sweater like the $220 Boden gem Holmes wore is all I need to add a little zest back to my wardrobe and life. (It appears her outfit may have been sponsored by the brand.)
The top was super striking, plus it paired seamlessly with the three wardrobe staples I, along with most people, already have in our closets: slim-fitting black trousers, matching ballet flats, and a wear-everywhere purse.
Katie Holmes’ Outfit Blueprint
Colorful Sweaters: CeCe by Cynthia Steffe Pointelle Chevron Stripe Crewneck Sweater, $59 (orig. $99); Nordstrom
Keomud Argyle Sweater, $42; Amazon
English Factory Argyle Sweater, $130; Nordstrom
Black Trousers: Quince Ultra-Stretch Ponte Wide-Leg Pants, $45; Quince
iChosy High-Waist Wide-Leg Trousers, $39–$40; Amazon
Ballet Flats: Quince Italian Leather Glove Ballet Flat, $68; Quince
Amazon Essentials Glove Ballet Flats, $16–$21 (orig. $21); Amazon
Sam Edelman Kasey Flats, $150; Zappos
Crescent Bags: Befen Genuine Leather Crossbody Bag, $47; Amazon
Quince Italian Leather Mini Crescent Shoulder Bag, $90; Quince
Michael Simon/Getty Images for Boden
CeCe by Cynthia Steffe Pointelle Chevron Stripe Crewneck Sweater
Nordstrom
I don’t have $220 to spare on a sweater, so if I were going to buy into the colorful argyle trend, I’d more than likely go for something like this. It has a similar fitted silhouette to Holmes’ that won’t look boxy under blazers or coats, plus pops of red and pink that are perfectly on cue for Valentine’s Day. It’s also made with 100 percent cotton, a natural fiber that I’m trying to buy more of in 2026.
“But, it’s hard to style!” you say. Simply follow Holmes’ lead and focus on one neutral color for the rest of the outfit.
Quince Ultra-Stretch Ponte Wide Leg Pants
Quince
To keep the sweater as the centerpiece of her outfit, Holmes’ pants were sleek and simple, much like these wrinkle-resistant Quince bottoms that “fit like yoga pants but look like stylish dress pants,” said one shopper. They have an extremely streamlined cut, meaning they’re devoid of dramatic front pleats or other distracting details.
Quince Italian Leather Glove Ballet Flat
Quince
Ballet flats are a dime a dozen these days (you know, because celeb after celeb is wearing them), but Holmes’ had a unique high vamp that made them stand out. In other words, the shoes covered more of her upper foot, similar to a mule.
Shoppers claim that this best-selling pair is extremely comfortable — which is all I ever want my shoes to be — and surprisingly, has quality arch support. They also have the tiniest heel, which will elongate my legs without making my 5-foot-8 frame too much taller.
Befen Genuine Leather Crossbody Bag
Amazon
To complete the look, I obviously need a matching black bag. I like this one because it can be a crossbody bag or a shoulder bag, both of which celebrities have been carrying on repeat. It’s also under $50 and made with real leather — two things that don’t usually go hand in hand.
Keep scrolling to shop more Katie Holmes-inspired sweaters, pants, shoes, and bags now.
English Factory Argyle Sweater
Nordstrom
Keomud Argyle Sweater
Amazon
iChosy High-Waist Wide-Leg Trousers
Amazon
Sam Edelman Kasey Flats
Zappos
Amazon Essentials Glove Ballet Flats
Amazon
Quince Italian Leather Mini Crescent Shoulder Bag
Quince
