Katie Holmes is back on the streets of New York City, resurrecting the 2015 fashion trend of wearing socks with ballet flats. She tried matching gold Mary Jane shoes and socks last week, but this time, she chose to go for a striking contrast by donning white flats with black ankle socks.
Despite being famous for her chic and modest style, Katie Holmes is also known for her tendency to mix and match, experiment, and set trends. And regardless of how challenging the trend is, she always pulls it off.
Katie Holmes heads to the Barrymore Theatre in a casual winter ensemble ahead of the Broadway production of Our Town in New York City on January 4, 2025 (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)
Wearing flats with socks gained popularity among celebrities in 2015, with many high-fashion labels incorporating them into their collections. However, only a few ordinary people like us have adopted the trend because they’re not easy to pull off. Wearing the wrong socks or flats can create an overly casual, messy, or unpolished outfit.
If you want to try the trend, take a cue from Katie Holmes, who easily makes the flats with socks trend look stylish!
Katie Holmes Revives Ballet Flats Trend With A.P.C. White Flats and Black Socks
I adore white ballet flats because they are versatile and timeless, exude an air of freshness, and can be worn in formal and casual settings.
Holmes wore white ballet flats that are appropriate for any occasion, but she chose to pair them with casual jeans on her way to the Broadway production of Our Town, where she plays Mrs. Webb.
This look highlights the adaptability of ballet flats, making them a go-to for casual daytime outfits while still offering potential for dressier occasions. As Leigh Lezark aptly put it, “During the day I pull on jeans and ballet flats; but I do love getting dressed up, too.” This balance of comfort and style perfectly encapsulates the enduring appeal of ballet flats.
Katie Holmes looks chic in two-toned baggy jeans with a black winter coat and a beige turtleneck sweater (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)
I love how they made her outfit seem more put-together and classy while maintaining a casual vibe. Their pointed toes and crinkled leather uppers give them a classic ballet flat appearance, but the T-bar strap near the toes adds an interesting contemporary element. The adjustable buckles on the strap across the foot secure them to the foot.
Katie wore the aptly named “Katie” flats from her collaboration with A.P.C., her longtime favorite luxury French ready-to-wear brand. For the collection, Katie Holmes chose items from the A.P.C. archives at Rue Royale in Paris that suited her style.
These A.P.C. ballerina flats are on sale for $212 (from $530) at Ssense. Holmes added even more attention to her feet by wearing her white Mary Jane flats with black socks, which made for a stylish contrast. The combination showed through the cropped hem of her loose-fitting jeans with a chic patchwork design.
Katie Holmes is bringing back the 2015 ballerina flats with socks trend by pairing her white A.P.C. ballet flats with black ankle socks (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)
Katie Holmes’ Effortlessly Chic Winter Look With Cozy Layers and Statement Bags
Katie bundled up in a black wool coat and a beige turtleneck sweater for her top to keep herself warm. She carried two big bags: her favorite Mansur Gavriel Everyday Soft tote bag over her shoulder and a Marfa Stance canvas tote bag over her arm.
To complete her casual but chic look, Katie accessorized her bare-faced appearance with tortoiseshell sunglasses and left her long hair loose.
Bare-faced Katie Holmes carries her essentials in her favorite Mansur Gavriel tote bag and a Marfa Stance canvas tote bag (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)
Ballet Flats: The Timeless Shoe Making Waves Again
Katie Holmes isn’t the only celebrity who has proven the timeless appeal of ballet flats. Jennifer Lopez recently elevated her business wear with Dior strappy ballet flats, showcasing how this versatile shoe can add elegance to any outfit.
If you’re inspired by these celebrity styles and looking to explore more options, check out our guide to different types of women’s shoes, where we break down must-have pairs for every occasion. For effortless styling tips, discover shoes that go with everything, from casual looks to chic evening ensembles. Ballet flats are undoubtedly having their moment—don’t miss out on adding them to your wardrobe!