Traditionally, a large leather tote is not considered an appropriate evening bag. In fact, this is exactly the kind of accessory Succession’s Tom Wambsgans would describe as a “ludicrously capacious” faux pas, especially for a night on the town. “What is she carrying in there?” he’d ask, incredulously. “Her laptop? An extra-long charging cable?”
Of course, Holmes’ lack of concern for nonsense fashion rules is part of what makes her style so refreshing. The threadbare sweater, roomy tote, and oversized blazer ground the flouncy feathered skirt, making it feel more lived-in and wearable, as opposed to a statement piece she lets gather dust in her closet. That’s the true embodiment of so-called “quiet luxury.”
Remember, this is the same person who made a generation of women long to hail a taxi in a cashmere bra and cardigan set. And if there’s one thing Katie Holmes doesn’t have to sell me on, it’s a big red bag—a piece she’s styled three different ways this September alone.
On the first of the month, she carried the largest red shopper I’ve ever seen with baggy jeans and a classic white button down before following that look up by pairing a luxe sweater set with a slouchy red work tote and patent leather ballet flats. Now, she’s demonstrating how to take that bag from day to night at Paris Fashion Week. If that’s not proof you need to add a ludicrously capacious red bag to your fall rotation, I don’t know what is. Shop a few of our favorites for fall, below.
