How Katie Holmes Really Feels About Being A Style Icon (& Her Fashion Philosophy)

Katie Holmes' style transformation has stayed true to her signature down-to-earth style and penchant for polished looks. But this star — who told Harper's Bazaar in 2022 that she doesn't consider herself a "fashion person" — has a different approach to dressing than many of her famous peers. "It's a funny world because the culture of celebrity and the access that exists now could be quite a distraction from who the person is. I'm an actor, so people say, 'Oh, do you think about what you wear before you go to the grocery store?' No, because it's not my job. You know what I mean?" she admitted to Glamour in April 2023. And, honestly, seeing her be her authentic self at all times just makes us love her even more, as that refreshing take on fashion is why she's our effortless fashion icon. 

Holmes echoed a similar sentiment to Town and Country in August 2024 while speaking about the surge in interest in celebrity street style and the interest her off-duty looks get. "It's flattering, but it doesn't change how I live or dress," she said. "I'm adamant about having a life and not letting this industry dictate decisions as simple as what I wear or as complicated as what I do." 

Katie Holmes told Glamour she takes a lot of inspiration from her stylist, Brie Welch — but that doesn't mean she's calling her every time she steps out of the house. Instead, as journalist Rachel Tashjian pointed out in a piece for The Washington Post in June 2024, it's pretty obvious from Holmes' street style that her looks aren't styled in a way she can't feel comfortable or inject her personality.

Case and point; When she was snapped out in New York City in September 2024 in a no-fuss stylish ensemble. "The Kennedys: Rise and Fall" star wore a comfortable white long-sleeve blouse with buttons at the neck, slouchy blue jeans, black flats, and a tan bag. The look was well put together as a white top with blue jeans is an absolute classic, but still felt true to Holmes. Loose denim is super on trend, but the boyfriend cut mirrored her casual, practical style. The way she unbuttoned her shirt at the top fit with her desire to not wear pieces that are too revealing or sexy, but also not too stuffy. Then there's the tan bag. Oversized bags were also a big trend, but Holmes embraced it in a more understated way that felt authentic to her never-too-over-the-top aesthetic.

It makes total sense why Katie Holmes often takes a softer approach to trends, as she told Elle in 2019 that she's more about authenticity and comfort than super modern and trendy. "Wear what you feel comfortable with, and be confident in yourself, and know that what you like is enough, and you look great, and own it," the former "Dawson's Creek" star said.

That minimalist, comfy approach is important to her, and Holmes is determined to help others achieve it. She told Marie Claire in June 2024 amid the launch of her clothing line, A.P.C., that she purposefully created pieces that didn't need a lot of accessories or thought to style. "You don't have to really wear anything over it or dress it up or anything," she explained. Perhaps Holmes herself summed up her style icon status and fashion philosophy best, telling the outlet, "I don't like to have a lot of stuff. I just like to be able to have pieces that I like and that are just normal, you know?"