Katie Holmes’ New Winter Uniform Uses This Classic Styling Trick

Katie Holmes has done it again—a deceptively simple look that, upon a little inspection, proves to be quietly, but resolutely ingenious. Known for her uncanny ability to pull together a classic, simple look that straddles lived-in comfort and fashion-forward individuality, Holmes has become one of the street style icons to watch. Why? Her latest look offers yet another example. At first glance, the look seems pretty innocuous—pretty nondescript even. A long black coat. A pair of shades. A tote bag. But look a little closer at this seemingly casual ‘fit, and you’ll see that Holmes has expertly used a classic styling trick—the bold, carefully placed pop of color.

Holmes accentuated her all-black look with a black tote bag that featured a bright red interior. She complimented the subtle red of her bag with a pair of black heels with a red sole. Finally, she wore a subtle red lip to complete the black-with-red-accents look. In a touch of casual, relatable genius, she also reached for a red shopping tote to carry a few extra things to the theater where she is currently starring in a Broadway revival of Our Town. Did Holmes just build an entire, sophisticated look around a random red tote bag? Or did she just happen to have the perfect tote to match her look? Either way, once again, she has successfully blended classic elegance with everyday relatability.

Adding a bold pop of color to a simple, chic look seems to be Holmes’ latest go-to styling trick. Just a few days earlier, she sported a black coat, gray sweater, and gray hat with a pair of hot red silky pants, which she complimented with a pair of sunglasses with a dark red rim. Meanwhile, last week, she paired her winter neutrals with another surprising color in the form of a mint green sweater and last month, she accessorized with a bright, bold Hello Kitty Baggu tote.