Katie Holmes is a fashion girl. She's BFFs with designer Zac Posen, sits front row at the shows, and isn't afraid to try the latest trends. Her off-duty style can best be summarized as effortless, while her red-carpet looks radiate elegance and sophistication. (She likes to serve up bold, bright dresses at events—often from her designer friend.) If there's one thing you need to know about Holmes, it's that her impeccable taste in clothes has truly made her a style star to watch. Don't believe me? Take a peek at her best outfits over the years...

By Marina Liao

Katie Holmes' closet is full of classic pieces, which she expertly pairs together for that never-out-of-season look. Take her approach to layering a pussycat bow blouse underneath a blazer and then topping it off with a timeless beige trench. Oh, and don't forget a pair of timeless blue jeans.

We want to steal Katie's silky blue pantsuit set look by Zadig & Voltaire. The outer pieces looked refined and sleek, so she kept it simple with a plain white tank underneath. An easy crossbody bag and heels finished off the outfit. She wore this ensemble to an event honoring her in New York City in February 2020.

The star attended Fendi's The Launch of Solar Dream event in NYC on February 5, 2020. Katie chose to wear all Fendi for the occasion by going for this photogenic printed dress and carried the peekaboo handbag.

It's not hard to look dressy and sophisticated when you're in Chanel. The star wore pieces from the fashion house for her appearance at a luncheon on November 4, 2019 in NYC.

Anyone can wear a black suit, but it takes a special trendsetter to rock one with feathers. Holmes proved she was a style star with this Prada set from the resort 2018 collection. She kept her accessories simple with a gold necklace and black heels, letting the suit make a statement on its own.

Every time I see a white halterneck dress, I get Meghan Markle vibes. Holmes wore this Alice & Olivia ensemble in September 2018 while attending New York Fashion Week. It was crisp and elegant, especially when paired with a red lip and beige pumps. If the Duchess of Sussex saw this look, I have a feeling she'd approve.

A pair of leather trousers can be both tough girl and feminine. Holmes struck this perfect balance when she wore her cognac-colored pants with heels and a checkered peter pan collar coat.

The words "denim skirt" have a whole new meaning when you're not 18 years old anymore. Instead of wondering how you'll sit comfortably at work in a mini version, take a tip from Holmes and go for a longer knee-length style. It's classy, sophisticated, and even pairs well with flip-flops. The star gave her outfit a chic edge with a belt and Celine bag.

Holmes let her floral dress slip down on one side while walking around New York City. It was sweet and sexy—the type of vibe that makes me want the dress myself. She accessorized the effortless look with a black fedora, sunglasses, a brown satchel, and white sneakers.

For an American Ballet Theater event in 2018, Holmes chose a beaded floral dress by BFF and designer Zac Posen. The flared skirt suited her statuesque frame and a boatneck fit highlighted her shoulders. I have to say: blue looks amazing on her.

Holmes traded her feathery Prada suit for this Brooks Brothers tuxedo while attending the 2016 premiere of All We Had. It was an understated look, but it sent the perfect #powerwoman message. This film also marked Holmes' directorial debut!

It's hard to find the right pink coat that doesn't give off Pepto-Bismol vibes, but Holmes did it. This pastel pink coat was cute and feminine, especially when paired with a knee-length dress and suede ankle boots.

It's puffer coat season! Holmes covered up in a metallic silver jacket while leaving a building in Soho, New York. It appears she loved gray so much, she embraced the hue from head to toe. The monochromatic ensemble can put anyone in dangerous Tin Man territory, but Holmes nailed it with those heels and trousers.

By now, you've probably noticed that the actress loves florals. She wore this Ulla Johnson set while out and about in New York City. Holmes kept her top from revealing too much with a high-waisted midi skirt. Steal this fashion tip when you want to feel more covered up.

Holmes embraced her winter whites (in September) while attending the restaurant opening of Avra Madison Estiatorio in NYC. She wore her sweaters off the shoulders for a sexy feel and looked sophisticated in a pair of paper bag-waist trousers that flared out at the bottom.

If you want to wear a jumpsuit in the winter, go with a denim one for full coverage on the arms and legs. Holmes styled hers with a smart gray blazer and heels for that unexpected fashion-girl approach.

If it's florals and has a fit-and-flare fit, you can bet Holmes' dress is by Zac Posen. The actress wore this spring '17 look from her BFF to the 26th Annual Gotham Independent Film Awards in 2016. The designer look was romantic, vibrant, and bold—qualities that helped the star stand out on the red carpet.

Every woman needs a leather something-something in her closet. For Holmes, a leather top was the perfect choice, elevating her pair of plain black jeans. A wool coat gently draped on her shoulders for that street-style approved pose.

When you want to wear sheer pants in a tasteful, clean way, take a tip from Holmes. She mastered this trend with a pair of white eyelet pants while out in Soho, New York in 2017. The bottoms were see-through, but not completely thanks to built-in shorts.

Holmes has proved time and time again she's not afraid of color. For an American Ballet Theater event in May 2017, the actress wore a vibrant Zac Posen gown from his fall 2017 collection. The strapless ensemble was right up her alley as it had a fit-and-flare skirt and she teamed it with an equally bright pair of red heels.