5 Katie Holmes Outfits That Could Have Come Straight From Joey Potter's Closet

Katie Holmes has never quite left behind her "Dawson's Creek" roots. Joey Potter, the show's darling, channeled a tomboy vibe with looser silhouettes and relaxed shapes. The character rocked minimalist tanks, flannel tops, overalls, and roomy turtlenecks. The key point of Potter's style was that it was comfortable enough for her to embody that girl-next-door sex appeal — and 20 years later, Holmes still embraces that aesthetic.

While Holmes can dazzle on a red carpet, her street style is arguably similar to the early character that put her on the map. Holmes admitted in an interview with Harper's Bazaar in June 2022 that old T-shirts are a staple of hers. "I love my T-shirts, and I love my vintage T-shirts. They're so yummy. They're a little dirty, a little stained or whatever, and that's me," Holmes said. 

Honestly, this sounds very Joey Potter. While strolling the streets of New York City, Holmes gives effortless grace to slouchy jeans, roomy blazers, edgy jackets, and relaxed hair styling and makeup. Hey, it worked for Potter and it works for Holmes! The actress is a verified style icon, whether she's running errands or arriving at the Met Gala. And while glam is one thing, we love taking in Holmes' chic street style, because it's so much like Joey Potter's.

Joey Potter knew how to rock denim. The "Dawson's Creek" lead loved layering denim jackets over jeans. Layering seems to be the operative word as we look at Katie Holmes' contemporary style. The A-lister nails denim layering, tucking a jean shirt into roomy jeans. For even more texture, she wears a black turtleneck as a base, and finishes off the look with a tan jacket. Perfection. 

We adore long skirts, because they're perfect in both the summer and winter. Katie Holmes pairs a long, white skirt with a multi-toned sweater, proving that the summer staple easily works in the fall, too. A tan leather bag adds to the bohemian effect and keeps the whole thing very casual and cool. While stylish, the outfit is still quite practical.

While Holmes' style has changed over the years, one consistent element seems to be fashionable comfort. "When my child was really small I was drawn to wearing a lot of dresses," Holmes told The Sunday Times in June 2024. "You do go through these different phases of motherhood and they inform what you feel comfortable in and what you don't. So over the years my style has changed here and there." 

While Katie Holmes' nearly ankle-length duster is a more grown-up look than we've seen on Joey Potter, the loose draping and cool-girl vibes are spot on. Dusters are the ultimate outerwear for winter, and Holmes shows us how it's done as she takes in New York City. White cowboy boots add to the urban polish. 

Like Potter, Holmes also has no problem being herself. "Fashion is really big, and it didn't used to be. As an actor, you weren't necessarily photographed all the time on the street," Holmes told Town & Country in August 2024. "It's different now, and it's flattering, but it doesn't change how I live or dress." 

Katie Holmes repeatedly shows us that neutrals are not boring, a quintessential lesson she may have learned while playing Joey Potter. This sharp look is based on butter yellows, an ideal base for fall styling. Wide leg jeans add to the contemporary appeal. Holmes polishes off the look with a tousled middle-part and minimal makeup, making the entire effect flawless. 

Katie Holmes channeled Joey Potter yet again when she stepped out in an olive green puffer jacket with a hot pink collar. As usual, she aced the denim game with some wide-leg jeans. Cutest of all was the customized Lands End tote in cherry red with her initials. The look was cute, cozy, and relatable, overall very "Dawson's Creek." 

This look is a great example of how Holmes doesn't allow external influences to shape her sartorial bliss. "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," she told Town & Country. "You don't want to be afraid of anything, right?"