Katie Holmes Brings the Wedge Trend Back With Under-$100 Sandals

Katie Holmes walks in New York City with a sweater and mansur gavriel bag

(Image credit: Lauren Menowitz/startraksphoto.com)

published 22 March 2024

It was clear from the ballet flat renaissance: There was only a matter of time before the wedge reared its foot again. Last year, fashion brands from Prada to Zara were re-introducing wedged heels en masse—cork wedges, wooden wedges, leather wedges. Now, Katie Holmes is officially co-signing the spring shoe trend in time for warmer weather.

Holmes took a casual walk in New York City yesterday wearing a pair of black-and-beige Franco Sarto Clemens espadrille wedge sandals. She paired the shoes with black wide-leg, cropped trousers, a black leather belt from Lafayette 148, and a tucked-in cream rib-knit fisherman sweater. She also carried her go-to Mansur Gavriel tote bag over her shoulder.

Katie Holmes walks in New York city in a sweater black pants and sandals — Holmes spent an early spring day in an easy crewneck sweater, black pants, and wedge sandals.

Franco Sarto Clemens Espadrille Wedge Sandals

Mansur Gavriel Everyday Soft Tote

Wedges were popularized by Salvatore Ferragamo, who introduced the design to the Italian market in the late 1930s. The heeled sandal really gained momentum throughout the '70s and '90s, and carried into the 2000s.

Cut to the present: A wedge-issance isn't all that surprising, given the broader Y2K fashion resurgence happening now. Models like Bella Hadid have been wearing low-rise jeans and rectangular glasses for years. But Holmes's wedge takes the style to a preppy-slash-boho, 2000s Ralph Lauren level of vintage. It calls to mind the popped collar polos and long flowy skirts of yesteryear.

Revisiting the trend is also effortless with Holmes's example: Her pair is currently on sale for less than $100.

Katie Holmes walks in New York City — Holmes' wedge sandal winks at resurgent runway trend—and it's less than $100.

Alex Mill Amalie Pullover Sweater

Everlane Utility Barrel Jean

So far, Holmes has spent the week in similarly laidback, yet elevated looks—minus a pair of throwback spring sandals. Two days ago, the actress wore a classic olive, quilted utility jacket, paired with black, wide-legged pants and sling-back kitten heels. She was also photographed in a chunky sweater and her tried-and-true double breasted Frankie Shop coat.

The week's lineup fits in with her signature smart casual street style, ranging from oversized trench coats and relaxed button-up shirts.

Julia Gray is a contributing fashion writer at Marie Claire, where she covers runway trends, celebrity style, and shopping. In her six years as a journalist, Julia’s reporting has ranged across style, music, Internet culture, art, retail, tech, and more. In addition to Marie Claire, Julia writes for outlets like the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, the Ringer, New York Magazine, Pitchfork, Nylon, and Vice, among others. Julia's fashion reporting is led by curiosity. Julia is not only interested in critiquing and covering pop culture, but in understanding what our pop culture says about how we live and modern values. When she’s not writing, Julia hosts a podcast called Girls Room, where she and her co-host revisit shows like Girls and Gossip Girl from the beginning with guests like comedian Cat Cohen and writer Hunter Harris. Girls Room was recently cited in the New York Times.