At the Fragrance Foundation Awards, held at Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center in New York City on June 15, 2017, Katie Holmes stepped onto the red carpet in a white gown from Zac Posen’s Resort 2018 collection.
Katie Holmes at the 2017 Fragrance Foundation Awards held at Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center in New York on June 15, 2017 (Credit: Patricia Schlein / WENN)
The design paired a fitted mermaid silhouette with cap sleeves and intricate floral beadwork across the bodice.
Crystal, gold, and forest-green embroidery added dimension to the stark white fabric, while a fishtail train extended behind her, reinforcing the gown’s dramatic proportions.
Holmes completed the look with softly textured hair, understated Lorraine Schwartz jewelry, and an emerald-green clutch that echoed the darker tones woven into the embroidery.
Katie Holmes wears a white Zac Posen Resort 2018 mermaid gown embroidered with crystal, gold, and forest-green floral motifs, while concealed platform heels provided the additional height needed to support the gown’s elongated fishtail silhouette
Because the gown swept the floor with a full train, her footwear remained largely concealed, though she appeared to rely on platform heels beneath the hem to provide the height needed to support the elongated silhouette.
The Zac Posen design, drawn from the Resort 2018 collection, was valued at approximately $10,000 (£7,932).
Holmes’ appearance at the Fragrance Foundation Awards was hardly an isolated Zac Posen moment. Over the years, she has repeatedly returned to the designer’s sculptural eveningwear, from the midnight-blue gown she paired with Roger Vivier heels at the 2015 Met Gala to the fluid navy design she selected for the Touched With Fire premiere.
Katie’s tousled bob added a touch of sexiness to this glam look
Other examples include her satin maroon Zac Posen ensemble at the Tribeca Film Festival premiere of Miss Meadows, her softly draped gown at The Giver premiere, and the fitted design she revisited during the Night of Stars Gala. Together, these looks illustrate how Holmes consistently balanced Zac Posen’s theatrical approach to dressing with footwear and accessories that felt polished, practical, and distinctly her own.
Katie Holmes’ Signature Shoe Formula: Why Kitten Heels, Slingbacks, and Heeled Sandals Define Her Style
While Katie Holmes regularly embraces dramatic gowns for premieres and galas, her everyday wardrobe tells a different story.
Over years of navigating New York City streets, she has developed a recognizable footwear formula built around practicality, comfort, and understated polish rather than sky-high stilettos.
Crystals and gold beads in floral patterns decorate the bodice of the dress
Holmes is particularly associated with pointed-toe kitten heels, minimalist slingbacks, and heeled thong sandals—styles that elevate an outfit without sacrificing ease of movement. She has become one of the most visible advocates for the return of the tiny heel, frequently styling sleek kitten-heel mules from labels such as Rachel Comey and Franco Sarto with relaxed tailoring, denim, and dresses.
She also helped popularize the modern heeled flip-flop, wearing refined versions from Herbert Levine and Malone Souliers that transformed the once-casual silhouette into a versatile option for both street style and formal occasions. Almond-toe slingbacks remain another constant in her wardrobe, offering a polished alternative to traditional pumps.
Away from the red carpet, Holmes often favors equally grounded choices, rotating through block-heeled Mary Janes, loafers, and boots that reflect her preference for footwear designed to keep pace with everyday life while maintaining a quietly sophisticated aesthetic.
👠 Explore Katie Holmes’ Best Shoe Moments:
- ✨ Her Tribeca Festival reunion with Joshua Jackson showcased black patent Chloé “Cleia” pumps finished with gold-tone studs, styled with a blush silk Chloé gown for a modern take on romantic evening dressing.
- 👡 Katie Holmes’ Herbert Levine thong sandals at the American Ballet Theatre Gala revisited a heritage label through minimalist toe-post heels and understated Y2K-inspired styling.
- 👟 Her favorite Autry Medalist sneakers demonstrate how vintage tennis silhouettes continue to anchor her off-duty wardrobe, paired with relaxed tailoring, denim, and seasonal outerwear.
- 📏 Standing at 5’9″ (175 cm) and wearing a US shoe size 11, Katie Holmes frequently gravitates toward sleek pumps, loafers, minimalist sandals, and polished everyday footwear that complement her understated approach to dressing.
- 🌙 Her 2015 Met Gala appearance in Zac Posen and Roger Vivier heels remains one of her most memorable red-carpet pairings, balancing dramatic couture proportions with refined footwear choices.
- 🧥 Katie Holmes’ affinity for Gucci loafers highlights her long-running preference for menswear-inspired separates finished with elegant flats instead of traditional evening heels.