Katie Holmes Wore a Trench Coat, Leggings, and a Tote Bag for Fall

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. 

Sometimes I ask myself: How do celebrities do it? And by “it,” I mean look so good on their off-duty days. But then there are days when celebrities like Katie Holmes make the answer obvious.

Last November in New York City, the actress dressed up — or, at least, so I thought — to stroll through the streets. At first, all I saw was her long trench coat and its beautiful rustic color that somehow seamlessly matched the backdrop of all the fall tones around her. 

As I got another look, I saw that underneath this gem of a coat were a few basics: a pair of black leggings and what looked like a white T-shirt. She also accessorized with a large tote bag (a style she’s carried before) and some booties, both in seasonal colors. In other words, the coat was the standout piece that made the entire look what it was. Shop trench coats, leggings, boots, and tote bags inspired by her style below.

Katie Holmes’ Outfit Blueprint 

• Coats: Chartou Double-Breasted Plaid Peacoat, $66; amazon.com
• Banana Republic Factory Double Face Tie-Waist Coat, $140 at checkout (orig. $350); bananarepublicfactory.gapfactory.com
• Cider Double-Breasted Tweed Houndstooth Coat, $73; shopcider.com
• Pants: Tnnzeet Leggings 3-Pack, $17–$20 (orig. $20); amazon.com
• Spanx Livein Full-Length Leggings, $98; spanx.com
• Shoes: Dream Pairs Low Heel Chelsea Ankle Boot, $36 (orig. $53); amazon.com
• Franco Sarto Waxton Boots, $131 (orig. $190); zappos.com
• Sam Edelman Laguna Waterproof Chelsea Boots, $160; nordstrom.com
• Bags: Kkxiu Tote Bag, $31; amazon.com
• Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote, $165; nordstrom.com

Cider Double-Breasted Tweed Houndstooth Coat

My wardrobe is probably 80 percent basics and 20 percent statement pieces; and a bunch of those are long, dramatic toppers. What’s cool about coats like this one is that it doesn’t matter what I wear underneath. In fact, it’s for that reason that they’re the best for days when I can’t put an outfit together. 

For example, this Cider coat can easily make an otherwise casual look seem more dressed up. I also think it’s important to choose one that’s full-length to get me through fall and winter. Ellen Pompeo has worn a very similar style equation before, too. 

Spanx Livein Full-Length Leggings

Though I’m more of a fan of loose pants, I recognize that even in my wardrobe, there’s a time and place for leggings. They must, however, be seamless or else they look sporty and like I’m heading to a workout class — and this option doesn’t have a center seam. 

I’ve yet to try Spanx leggings, but I know Gwyneth Paltrow has worn pairs from the brand (albeit other styles). I’ve tried a few other pieces from Spanx, and the quality was unarguable. 

Dream Pairs Low Heel Chelsea Ankle Boot 

Knee-high boots are a popular choice come fall, but when I need to head out somewhere quickly, I don’t want to sit down to get them situated. That’s why shorter boots are more convenient — the only thing better may be slip-on shoes like this pair that comes in sizes 5 to 11. They would be good for the daytime rush, while something with a little heel would be edgier for nighttime. 

Kkxiu Tote Bag

I’m having a hard time deciding between this faux leather tote bag that’s “very soft and supple,” per one shopper, and this Longchamp Le Pliage Tote — Holmes’ looks more like the former, and it’s only $31. Alternatively, I already own two Longchamp bags, so I personally can speak to their durability and practicality, which are both 10 out of 10. 

Keep scrolling to shop more long coats, leggings, ankle boots, and tote bags inspired by Katie Holmes now. 

Chartou Double-Breasted Plaid Peacoat

Banana Republic Factory Double Face Tie-Waist Coat

Tnnzeet Leggings 3-Pack

Sam Edelman Laguna Waterproof Chelsea Boots

Franco Sarto Waxton Boots

Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote