At Harper’s Bazaar, we’re constantly asking: What exactly makes a good outfit a good outfit? In our column Why This Outfit Works, an editor dissects the anatomy of a look, zeroing in on the specific piece or pieces that pull the entire ensemble together
Right now, we’re in that sweet spot just after summer and early into fall, when the breeze is starting to cool and the leaves are beginning to turn orange and brown, but it’s still warm enough to wear a dress. Always one for an easy outfit solution, Katie Holmes is seamlessly transitioning her wardrobe for autumn, and her latest look is inspiring me to embrace this It shoe to step elegantly into the season.
This week, the actor was photographed around New York City in a deep burgundy day dress that perfectly blended the relaxed silhouette of summer with the dark, earthy tones of fall. The midi dress featured a pleated skirt that blew in the wind as Holmes walked.
Over the piece, Holmes layered on a closet staple that transcends seasons: the black leather jacket. Hers was sleek and cropped, with no pockets and no fuss. It matched the large black leather bag she carried in one hand: Saint Laurent’s Manhattan tote in a subtle croc pattern and gold hardware.
But what really sold this transitional look was Holmes’s footwear. The Rare Objects director found the perfect midseason shoe in Franco Sarto’s Emma Mary Jane slingbacks. The super-affordable flats ($120) with a chic pointed toe come in a glossy cream leather accented by a thin black buckled strap in the front. The inside of the shoe is also black, as is the small block heel, a detail that makes for a sophisticated color contrast with the silky white.
You can shop the exact pair here:
