It’s hard to believe the dress-over-pants trend, once considered a wardrobe misstep of the early 2000s, is back, and Katie Holmes is leading the charge. The 46-year-old actress made a statement on November 18 at the gala opening night party for the new play 'This World of Tomorrow' at The Shed, effortlessly channeling a trend she first flirted with years ago.
Holmes arrived in a long, black shift dress designed in vertical panels, layered over wide-leg black silk trousers. The ensemble, styled by Brie Welch, also featured corset-inspired hook-and-eye clasps running down the sleeveless dress.
Over-emphasized satin pleats mirrored the vertical lines, creating a sleek, elongated silhouette. Rather than hiding the trousers, Holmes embraced them fully, letting each extra-long hem obscure her footwear, though pointy boots were likely the choice beneath.
She completed the look with mismatched jewelry, including silver dangling horseshoe earrings paired with a gold pendant necklace. A navy blue Loro Piana Extra Pocket L27 bag added a pop of color, complementing the dark tones of her outfit.
The bag, a new addition to Holmes’ growing designer collection, joins a roster of celebrity-favored silhouettes owned by Ariana Grande, Blackpink’s Lisa, and Sofia Richie Grainge.
Holmes’ hair and makeup reinforced the “clean girl” aesthetic she has championed in recent years. Her newly lightened strawberry-blonde hair fell in long, beachy waves parted down the middle.
For her beauty look, she chose subtle shimmery bronze eyeshadow and a thin coat of mascara to enhance her eyes, while a pale pink lip shade replaced her usual scarlet or glossy reds. Her cheeks glowed with pearly highlighter, and her complexion remained even and bare, an understated but deliberate approach to red-carpet glamour.
Holmes’ return to dress-over-pants isn’t accidental. She first drew attention to the trend in 2023 when she appeared on 'The Drew Barrymore Show' discussing her viral outfit. “I woke up the next morning and I was like, 'Oh my god,' I guess I didn't know that it was such a thing.”
Two years later, she is revisiting the look deliberately, elevating what was once a casual, divisive trend into a fully polished gala-ready ensemble.
The trend itself is having a quiet renaissance among fashion-forward stars. Holmes, however, brings an understated sophistication that is distinctly hers, proving that the style can work for formal events as easily as casual streetwear.
Holmes continues to share insights on self-care and aging. She has credited her glowing complexion to diligent hydration, vegetable-rich meals, and a meticulous skincare routine featuring Dr. Barbara Sturm products.
Holmes has spoken candidly about the changes that come with age. “People say you don’t really know yourself until you’re 40. I’m 41. I have seen things. I have experienced things,” she told InStyle, acknowledging that self-awareness brings confidence and a willingness to trust her own instincts.