Katie Holmes' Fall Outfits Are Full of Must-Try Style Lessons

Katie Holmes always steps out in enviable outfits (sigh, those Ulla Johnson dresses alone), but when it comes to fall fashion, the actress truly shines. After all, she's the same person who went viral after matching her bra to her cardigan, and when she showed us a new way to wear a denim jacket, we immediately copied her layering technique.

While this season will be more about laying low and social distancing, we still plan to break out some trusty fall essentials like cozy sweaters, breezy dresses, and various pairs of jeans. And, when it comes to figuring out how to style these must-have pieces, we'll be turning to Holmes for a few tricks.

Take a look at her best fall outfits, ahead.

Dress For the In-Between

Transitioning from the warm days of summer into fall's cooler weather can cause a few fashion dilemmas. However, Holmes found the happy medium, styling a breezy sheer shirt with some jeans and sandals.

Remember Seasonal Staples

An item that's pretty much synonymous with the season? Cozy sweatshirts. If you're having a laid-back, casual day, break out a sleek, solid-colored option, like this black hoodie, and wear it with your go-to pair of denim (and your summer Birkenstocks, before it's too cold).

Add a Playful Jacket

Last year, Holmes was the queen of fall fashion inspiration. Even while traveling, she made sure to amp up her outfit with a fun, fringed jacket.

Find a Go-To Shoe

We're all about seasonless fashion, and one shoe that proves to come in handy time and time again? A classic white sneaker. This simple style really pops against casual denim looks, but we'd 100% pair it with dresses and a jumpsuit, too.

Keep Breezy Dresses in Rotation

We stocked up on wallpaper dresses in the spring, and have worn them for the majority of the year (especially around the house). However, Holmes proves that even on cooler days, these flowy designs can be the happy medium between casual and dressy, styling this option with a pair of black heels.

Bring Back Matchy-Matchy

We vividly remember the day when Holmes broke the Internet in this Khaite cardigan set. She inspired us to match our bralette to our sweater, and for chillier days, swap out that bottom layer for similar-colored tank or tee.

Invest in a Comfy Suit

Suits secretly make the easiest outfits — the whole thing is already planned out and put together! A matching, coordinated set also has a similar vibe, and there are a ton of loungewear options available for cuddling up on the couch.

Get Creative With Layering

We love our sexy cardigans, but have you tried wearing one over your denim jacket or shirt? Not only does this kind of layering create warmth, it's also eye-catching, and Holmes proved it pairs perfectly with leather pants and black boots.

Elevate Your Joggers

A trick to try: layering a sweater over a collared shirt (classic), then adding a pair of joggers (not-so-classic). This combination looks especially elevated when every piece is the same color.

Break Out the Midi Skirts

This length comes in handy year-round, but in the fall, it's an easy one to pull on with a T-shirt or turtleneck up top.

Don't Underestimate Basics

The good thing about a simple long-sleeved T-shirt is that it balances out elaborate bottoms, much like the leather, paper-bag pants Holmes wore during New York Fashion Week.

Switch Up Your Leggings

Some days, leggings are the only pants we want to wear, but that doesn't mean we have to reach for our basic black options. Faux leather leggings, like those made by from Spanx, are a fashion-forward way to mix things up, and as Holmes has shown us, they'll look great with a chunky knit.

Try Some Classic Combos

Never underestimate the power of a button-down and jeans. While the combination has long been a favorite of ours, Holmes kept things interesting (and sort of grunge) by choosing distressed denim. She completed her look with block heels, but a pair of white sneakers would have created a cool, casual vibe.

Think Monochromatic

Another way to make your summer dresses work for a few more months is by styling them underneath a sweater of the same color. Not only is it a great way to re-use what's already in your closet, but you'll also be pulling off the monochromatic trend while you're at it.

Sneak a Layer Underneath

While we can't see it in action, Holmes revealed that one of her favorite outerwear tricks is combining coats, layering a thin puffer underneath whatever she is waring.

Layer With a Blazer

Want an easy way to improve your outfit, turning even the laziest looks into something more pulled-together? Add a structured jacket. There are so many ways to style a blazer that you won't regret adding a simple black version to your collection.

Rethink Your Jeans

You could break out your usual boyfriend and skinny jeans this fall, or you can embrace one of the newer, slightly weird styles, such as carrot-leg jeans or something striped, like Holmes' pair.

Experiment With Accessories

If you're the type of person who is always on the lookout for ways to spice up your basics, try adding some key accessories like scarves, bandanas, ties, and bold necklaces. Even a belt has the ability to transform an outfit.

Dust Off Your Trench Coat

As the temperature cools off, there's one coat that can be worn for nearly every occasion: a beige trench. The no-fail option complements shift-dress and heels, but looks just as spectacular with loose pants and sneakers.