Katie Holmes Managed To Make An Outdated Early Aughts Trend Impossibly Cool
Actor Katie Holmes shot to fame in the late nineties as one of the stars of the WB teen drama "Dawson's Creek." Back then, she was an expert at the "jeans and a nice top" combo that was so iconic as the new millennium dawned. So it's no surprise that she absolutely nailed this recent look, which feels like it's been ripped from the early 2000s red carpet. While she isn't wearing denim, it does feel like the modern version of that beloved outfit formula, made more luxe with sumptuous textures. The high-low cut of the silky Magda Butrym top feels particularly Y2K-coded, as does the layered tank and visible black bra straps.
Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty
While Holmes has underdone a stunning style transformation since her "Dawson Creek" days, there's really no star more perfectly poised to revive the fashion trends of the early aughts. Not only did she live it, but she remains one of the Internet's most beloved fashion It Girls. "[Millennial] me now looking to her for style inspo once more," wrote one Reddit user. "Full circle."
Plenty of Katie Holmes' throwback looks would look on trend today
It's hardly surprising that Katie Holmes knows how to rock an updated Y2K look. After all, during the early aughts, she wore plenty of minimalistic looks that wouldn't be out of place today. For example, for the "X-Men" premiere in 2000, Holmes wore a Calvin Klein snakeskin-print skirt with a white baby tee and strappy sandals. The look evokes the same pared-back elegance as the many Carolyn Bessette Kennedy outfits that are still on trend in 2026.
Jon Kopaloff/Getty & undefined
Holmes nailed timeless style again with the dramatic, low-backed black gown she wore to the 2004 Vanity Fair Oscar Party. The gown featured a high neckline in the front, and more than just a glimpse of the star's bare back for a perfect blend of classic silhouette and early-aughts sexiness. Like many stars, Holmes has had her share of outfits that belonged on the "Worst Dressed" list, but this simple gown was a minimalist knockout and could easily fit in on a contemporary red carpet without looking dated.