Fashion

The Old Katie Holmes Is Back and Better Than Ever

by Mary Avant

I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve had a bit of a love-hate relationship (one-sided, of course) with Katie Holmes over the years. Like everyone else in the ’90s, I was enamored with the awkwardly shy teen star during her Dawson’s Creek days — a slight obsession that slowly morphed into distaste as she shacked up with superstar Tom Cruise. But even throughout her over-the-top, drama-filled romance with the Mission Impossible actor, I couldn’t deny my love for the brunette beauty’s sense of style and wardrobe full of chic dresses, red carpet–worthy gowns, and envy-inducing, always-elegant ensembles.

But then the unimaginable happened: Following Holmes's much-publicized split from Cruise, the actress — who will soon be returning to the small screen — practically went into hiding, popping up only occasionally in outfits that, while cute, pretty, and polished, were nothing to write home about.

Until yesterday at the 2014 Tribeca Film Festival, that is. Hitting the red carpet to promote her film Miss Meadows, Holmes looked absolutely ravishing in a crimson, satin Zac Posen creation that exceeded all style expectations. Featuring an off-the-shoulder neckline, structured bodice, exaggerated hip details, and a smooth-as-silk fit, the dress highlighted Holmes’s slim and sexy physique in all the right places.

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Not only was the look a total stunner, but it was also a complete 180 from the ensemble Holmes sported just the day before while attending the Boulevard premiere at the annual film festival. In her dark denim, black booties, white tee, and embellished Miu Miu overcoat, the actress looked ultra-casual but still (somehow) effortlessly chic, despite her not so great case of bedhead.

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What's more, not since the 2013 Met Gala last May — to which she wore a fabulously simple, draped Calvin Klein gown — have we seen Holmes wear anything near as glamorous as her most recent Tribeca Film Festival ensemble.

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And while I have an endless amount of respect and appreciation for the simple sheaths, flirty frocks, and occasionally edgy separates the actress has taken to wearing on her rare red-carpet appearances, there’s no doubt in my mind that the most recent — and most glamorous, no doubt — version of Holmes is the style star I want to see from now on.