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What do you wear to a fashion show when you want to look sharp without trying to be the loudest person in the room? Katie Holmes’ answer in Paris was almost entirely black, with one soft surprise at the feet.
She sat in the audience at Gabriela Hearst’s Spring/Summer 2027 show on October 5, 2026. Hola describes a fitted black ribbed turtleneck, an asymmetrical black leather midi skirt with a high side slit, and white pointed-toe pumps.
Marie Claire lists the same pieces in its Paris Fashion Week roundup, calling the shoes pointy and ivory.
View this post on Instagram
Photo via Gabriela Hearst’s official Instagram. This is a runway look from the same show, not Katie Holmes’ outfit.
What Katie Holmes wore, piece by piece
Two outlets agree on the main pieces, but neither names the brand of the sweater or skirt, so I am describing them generically.
- The top: a fitted black ribbed turtleneck.
- The skirt: a black leather midi with an asymmetrical hem and a high side slit.
- The shoes: ivory, pointed-toe pumps. Hola ties them to the Gabriela Hearst Edwina stilettos in ivory napa leather with gold-brass detailing.
- The bag: a structured black handbag, with no brand named.
Why this outfit works
It is a lesson in using one soft color against a hard black palette. The ivory shoes break up the darkness and keep the outfit from feeling severe.
The textures do the rest. Ribbed knit against smooth leather gives you contrast without needing a single print or accessory.
The side slit is the final touch. It adds movement to a skirt that could otherwise look stiff.
How to copy the look
Start with a fitted turtleneck
Look for a thin ribbed knit that sits close to the body. Merino or a cotton blend works, and a tiny bit of stretch helps it stay smooth under a belt or tucked into a skirt.
Choose a leather midi that moves
The best midi skirts hit around mid-calf and have either a side slit or a soft asymmetric hem. If you are petite, pick one that sits at your natural waist so the length does not swallow you.
Finish with one pale shoe
Ivory or cream pointed pumps are the closest match, but ivory ankle boots or pale ballet flats work too. Keep the bag black so the shoes stay the only soft note.
Budget swap and splurge
For a budget version, a faux leather midi from a high street or mall store paired with a basic ribbed turtleneck gets you most of the way there. Check how the skirt sits when you sit down, because faux leather can crease at the hip.
If you want to splurge, the ivory pumps are the pieces worth investing in, because they work with black trousers, denim and dresses long after this skirt goes out of rotation.
Three ways to wear it
- Work: add a tailored black blazer and keep the shoes low or neutral.
- Weekend: swap the pumps for ivory sneakers and add a cropped denim jacket.
- Evening: keep the pumps, add a pair of small gold hoops and a clutch.
In cold weather, a long black coat on top and ribbed tights underneath keep the silhouette sleek.
What to check before you buy
Leather skirts can be unforgiving, so a few minutes of checking saves returns.
- The waistband: it should sit flat when you sit down, with no digging or rolling.
- The lining: a lined skirt moves better and is more comfortable in winter.
- The slit height: try walking, climbing a stair and sitting down. If it opens higher than you like, choose a lower slit.
- The sheen: a soft matte finish looks more expensive than a very shiny one and photographs better.
Mistakes to avoid
The first mistake is going all black without any texture change. Without ribbing, leather and knit, the outfit reads flat in photos and in real life.
The second is shoes that clash with the palette. A bright or heavily patterned pair would pull the eye away from the clean line, so stay with ivory, cream or a soft nude.
The third is a turtleneck that is too bulky. A thick roll neck over a fitted skirt can make your top half look heavy, which is why a thin rib works better here.
Who this look suits
It suits anyone who likes a uniform: the same sleek formula repeated with small changes. It is also very good for travel, because the pieces roll up small and everything matches.
If you want more leather skirt ideas, we have a guide to leather skirt outfits that go from day to night and one on long skirt outfits that look planned. For a neutral wardrobe base, see our fall capsule wardrobe essentials, and for another Paris monochrome look, read about Hailey Bieber’s cream Cerruti dress.
Frequently asked questions
When did Katie Holmes wear this outfit?
She wore it to the Gabriela Hearst Spring/Summer 2027 show in Paris on October 5, 2026.
Who designed the shoes?
Hola ties the ivory pumps to Gabriela Hearst’s Edwina stilettos. The turtleneck, skirt and bag have no confirmed brands.
Can I wear a leather skirt in winter?
Yes. Pair it with ribbed tights, boots and a long coat, and choose a skirt with a lining so it feels comfortable against the skin.
How do I stop all black looking flat?
Mix textures such as ribbed knit, leather and smooth cotton, and add one pale accessory. A single ivory shoe, belt or bag changes the whole feel.
What bag works best with this outfit?
A structured black bag keeps the shape sharp. If you want contrast, an ivory bag can repeat the shoe color, but then keep your jewelry minimal.
Is this look too severe for everyday wear?
Not if you soften it. Swap the pumps for ivory flats, push the sleeves of the turtleneck up slightly, and carry a canvas or woven bag for a relaxed daytime version.
Does the same idea work with trousers?
Yes. Black leather or faux leather trousers with the same fitted turtleneck and pale pumps follow the exact same logic, and they are a warmer option for the coldest days.
How should I care for a leather skirt?
Store it hung or folded flat, keep it away from direct heat, and wipe it with a soft damp cloth. Check the care label before using any leather conditioner.
The takeaway: when your outfit is mostly one color, texture and one pale accent do all the work.
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