How Katie Holmes styles this classic layer for fall, and how you can too

Katie Holmes is stepping into fall with the kind of effortless style that makes you rethink everything in your closet. Spotted filming her new trilogy 'Happy Hours' in New York City, the actress was seen in a look that combines cozy, casual, and chic, all put together around a classic flannel shirt.

It’s not the first time the star has embraced this seasonal staple, but the way she styled it is what makes it feel fresh. This time, she layered the flannel over a white T-shirt and paired it with black wide-leg trousers and brown leather boots. 

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The result was a perfectly balanced look that feels relaxed without looking too casual, and polished without trying too hard. The flannel shirt, oversized and softly structured, is the kind of piece that works overtime in a fall wardrobe. 

Whether left unbuttoned over a tank or tee, or tied around the waist for a laid-back twist, its versatility is unmatched. Katie wore hers open, letting it flow over a sleek camisole, and added tailored trousers to elevate the outfit beyond your average weekend look.

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But this wasn’t just a one-off flannel moment. On another day on set, she was seen again in a plaid button-down, styled similarly, but this time with navy trousers and tan loafers. The takeaway is that she’s making flannel a key player in her early fall rotation.

The neutral color palette Katie chose (beige, pink, soft green) gives it more range. You can throw it over a dress, pair it with denim, or even slip it on for a more business-casual vibe. The longer, curved hemline gives extra coverage, and the relaxed fit means it layers effortlessly over knits and camis alike.

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Even when Katie added a few statement accessories, including aviator sunglasses, a silver pendant, and a sleek watch, the flannel still remained the centerpiece of the outfit. 

It’s one of those pieces that fits into whatever role you need it to play: weekend casual, travel-ready, or even a cozy accent for cooler office days.

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In case you missed it, the 'Happy Hours' project also marks her on-screen reunion with 'Dawson’s Creek' co-star Joshua Jackson, with whom she shares a romantic storyline. But it’s her wardrobe on set that continues to steal the spotlight.

So if you’re building your own early fall wardrobe, let this be the starting point. A neutral, oversized flannel like Katie’s is the key layer that you’ll reach for again and again this upcoming season.