Katie Holmes Proves The Power Of High-Low Dressing In New York City

Katie Holmes has always understood balance. Long before the term ‘quiet luxury’was slapped on every cashmere knit, she was already making a case for clothes that live somewhere between understated and statement. Back in ’99 it was a leather blazer over a slip dress at the MTV Awards; this week in New York, she stepped out in two outfits that couldn’t have been more different and yet both felt quintessentially 'her.'

The first was a study in city girl chic: a belted trench, satin trousers that skimmed the ankles, ballet flats, and a bag just launched from Alo in wine, which is set to be circling editors’ desks. The look speaks directly to the ballet pump renaissance and the trench coat’s new role as the quiet workwear uniform. Classic pieces, yes, but reassembled in a way that makes them feel fresh.

Then came the flip side. Holmes stepped out in a printed varsity top and brown trousers from Hush, the British label that has become a go-to for women who want wardrobe staples with some personality. The best part? It’s shoppable now, with most sizes still available. While plenty of celebrities step out in one off pieces, Holmes’s choice sits firmly in the ‘reachable’ category, her outfits on the set of Happy Hours is a great example of this - one of the reasons her style continues to land.

Seen together, the outfits are textbook high-low. The trench and satin pairing is the high: elegant, directional, and editor-approved. The Hush look is the low: relaxed, practical, and grounded.

And to complete both looks, Holmes repeated the same oversized sunglasses, anchoring each outfit with a piece she clearly trusts. It’s a small detail, but it’s what separates her from celebrities who cycle through accessories for the sake of novelty. She’d rather build a signature than a trend.

Satin one day, Hush the next. A leather jacket twenty years ago, still on rotation now. She has the range to keep things interesting but the discipline to keep them wearable. And that’s why, no matter the season, she’ll always be our style inspo.

Shop: Katie Holmes High Low Wardrobe

Renee Washington, Grazia's digital fashion and beauty writer, lives online. With a penchant for wispy lashes and streetwear, she writes about the worlds of fashion and beauty from the viewpoint of the modern fashion girlie..

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