Seasoned Katie Holmes style watchers will know that the actor is rarely persuaded to wear a cross-body bag unless it’s by Chanel. She’s a Whole Foods shopper kind of woman, a McNally Jackson bookstore tote disciple, and a Tusting Como Explorer fan who practices weekender style every day in New York City.
This weekend, the erstwhile bradigan influencer was photographed with her favorite everything-but-the-kitchen-sink bag nestled in the crook of her arm: the capacious Khaite Amelia carryall in tan. Holmes has been slinging her dad caps, APC jumpers, and Vibi Venezia ballet flats in her beloved butter-soft tote since 2020—the year after that traffic-stopping oatmeal cashmere moment catapulted Catherine Holstein’s brand into the big leagues. At over $2,000, the Amelia, like everything else in Khaite’s orbit, is an investment item, but Holmes has shown that when considering cost per wear, the fashion maths does pay off.
Chucked on over Khaite’s Blythe coat or used to elevate girl-next-door trackies, the Amelia has endless appeal for Holmes, whose other more recent handbag purchases—such as Toteme’s T-Lock top-handle style and Tod’s T-case messenger—are struggling to get a look-in with the street-style paps. Why swap your credit cards and keys over when your hero holdall looks good with everything? This will certainly be a question Holmes is asking herself as September’s back-to-school mood looms and talk turns to transitional pieces, rather than holiday essentials. Expect, in the coming weeks, the shell necklace to disappear from Katie’s neck and The Row loafers to sub in for her Cos fisherman sandals, but that classic brown bag to remain a staple long through autumn. If it ain’t broke…