Earlier this week, Katie Holmes graced the red carpet at the American Image Awards, striking poses for the gathered photographers. The event was organized to honor fashion industry leaders such as Adam Goldenberg of Fabletics, Zac Posen of Gap, and Nina Flood of Timberland with trophies that could just as easily have been awarded to the actress herself. Holmes’ impact on what style-savvy women want to wear has reportedly done just as much—to boost the industry’s profits—as the publicists who dress her have shared.
Consider the understated luxury cardigan she wore in 2019, which, after being photographed hailing a cab in Manhattan, sold out almost instantly and propelled its then relatively unknown creator, Khaite, to global fame. And here she was again, in an outfit with just as much street appeal: a custom tuxedo from Gap Studio, complemented by a pair of patent so-called “glove shoes” by Herbert Levine. Named for their second-skin fit, they are defined by a high vamp curving around the arch of the foot. Concealing a more modest display of toes at a time when push-up bras are trending with Addison Rae and Olivia Rodrigo, these elegant heels are just one example of fashion’s shift towards prim, proper footwear.
These styles were seen across the spring 2026 runways, including at Toteme and Courrèges, Wales Bonner and Céline, Proenza Schouler and Stella McCartney. Matthieu Blazy’s sleek interpretation of Chanel’s iconic two-toned pumps had fashion editors rushing to its Rue Cambon boutique when they were released during Paris Fashion Week—among them, British Vogue contributing editor Olivia Singer, who commented on the trend’s subversive allure. “Far from traditional conservatism, the resurgence of classic heels somewhat overturns the archetype by virtue of their context,” she wrote, suggesting that ladylike pumps are not confined to a British afternoon tea setting, but are equally suited for quad biking, dancing, or even deflecting a sudden onslaught of paparazzi on the red carpet.
