And no, they’re not capris.
Supermodels are making the case for the capri comeback, with Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner rocking petal pushers. But if I’m being honest with you all, I’m not totally sold on the trend—at least not for my personal wardrobe that leans more classic and everyday. With that said, I also can’t deny how great a cropped hem is for showing off your shoes; fortunately, there’s a style that gives me both, and Katie Holmes wears it over and over again.
This week, the actress was spotted in New York wearing a pair of cropped jeans, a style she pretty much lives in at this point. While capris tend to be skin-tight and shin-bone grazing, her jeans hit just above her ankles with their barrel-leg silhouette giving them a relaxed, lived-in look. I’m, of course, a fan of any roomy style, but what I most adored was how the cropped hem didn’t distract from her darling ballet flats. In fact, they kind of acted as a big pointing sign that said, “Look down here,” which I immediately did.
Nili Lotan Emerson Jean
Buy on Shopbop.com $395
Mansur Gavriel Square-Toe Ballerina Flat
Buy on Mansurgavriel.com $395
I’ve learned the hard way that shoes can get totally lost in a pair of oversized jeans, slipping on my favorite kitten heels only to see the smallest sliver of the style poking out from underneath. And while I’ve often turned to tailoring (or just taking a pair of scissors to the leg), a cropped hem takes care of that for me. The moment I slip them on, I know my shoes are about to be the star of the show, which was proven when the first thing I noticed about Holmes’s look were her flats.
And while, yes, there was a solid moment where I was solely focused on those perfect square-toed, wine-colored flats—the power of a cropped jean!—I then realized it wasn’t just the shoes that I wanted, but her entire look; it was the epitome of everyday cool.
In addition to the cropped jeans and ballet flats, Holmes wore a boxy white T-shirt, black tote bag, and simple jewelry. It was a combination of classic wardrobe staples and chic pieces that, together, made the look feel like more than just “jeans and a T-shirt.” As one senior fashion writer told me this morning, it’s the easy-but-elevated combination she’s been wearing all spring.
As someone who's always looking for ways to make practical wardrobe staples feel more refined, I’m immediately all-in on this entire look. Shop cropped jeans, flats, and tees inspired by Holmes’s outfit below.
Get the Look:
Madewell the Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Crop Jean
Shop now: $128; madewell.com
Sam Edelman Felicia Luxe Ballet Flat
Shop now: $90–$105 (Originally $130); nordstrom.com and samedelman.com
Lee Legendary High-Rise Wide-Leg Crop Jean
Shop now: $48; amazon.com
Stelle Cotton T-Shirt
Shop now: $15; amazon.com
Mother the Insider Step-Hem Crop Bootcut Jean
Shop now: $228; nordstrom.com
Reformation Bethany Ballet Flat
Shop now: $268; thereformation.com
Gap High-Rise Cheeky Straight Jean
Shop now: $54 (Originally $90); gap.com
Abercrombie and Fitch Essential Polished Tee
Shop now: $19; abercrombie.com
L’Agence June Stovepipe Crop Jean
Shop now: $280; nordstrom.com
Everlane the Day Ballet Flat
Shop now: $148; everlane.com