Celebrities seem to be in their rule-breaking era. Last week, Emma Watson wore an all-white suit just hours after Labor Day (and seated next to Anna Wintour, at that!) while Hailey Bieber has been spotted pairing tights with the one shoe some people have deemed a total no-no. But, these acts of rebellion aren’t happening because stars don’t know how to dress, but rather, their chic rule-breaking seems to say some of fashion’s steadfast rules could use an update.

While out in New York City, Katie Holmes did the unthinkable: She mixed metals. Okay, I know that’s dramatic, but in a year where metallic has practically become a neutral, she’s one of the first to think of blending silver and gold (a no-no combo). For so long, we’ve been told to choose — I’m so convinced I’m a gold girl, I wouldn’t even think to buy a $5 pair of silver hoops from Claire’s — but Holmes’ look made it clear that saying “I’ll take both” isn’t as scandalous as thought to be. 

Her rule-breaking outfit consisted of silver, pointed-toe pumps, a gold, belted pencil skirt, and what I’m deeming the key to successfully mixing metals: a basic white T-shirt that’s proving to be the unsung style hero of the season. 

Sam Edelman Vonn Pointed-Toe Mule

Zeagoo Slip Midi-Skirt

Everlane Organic Cotton Box-Cut Tee

Silver heels have been the ‘It’ shoe of 2023, with everyone from Kate Middleton to Jennifer Lopez spotted in them, so I wasn’t shocked that during New York Fashion Week Holmes stepped out in a chic, futuristic pair from Marni. What did surprise me was that mid-length, gold skirt with a flattering paper-bag waist. This decision to combine gold and silver could have resulted in a whole lot of look, but instead, it’s what I can only describe as refined thanks to how simple she kept it up top. Rather than trying to match the elevated, dressed-up nature of both the heels and skirt, she opted for a simple white tee, and — like milk to spicy food — it mellowed it all out. 

Another bold color would have sent the outfit over the edge, but her everyday wardrobe basic made me realize that mixing metals in a stylish way is possible — you just need to know how to balance it. 

If you’re ready to test out her formula to successfully breaking one of fashion’s biggest rules, you can shop similar styles below.

Get the Look: 

Open Edit Cammie Silver Slingback Pumps
Shop now: $60; nordstrom.com

Circus NY Gold High-Waist Wide-Leg Cargo Pant
Shop now: $80; nordstrom.com

Madewell Softfade Cotton Boxy-Crop Tee
Shop now: $28; madewell.com

Reformation Westlyn Closed-Toe Wedges
Shop now: $298; thereformation.com

By Malene Birger Elisas Plissé-Effect Maxi Skirt
Shop now: $464; farfetch.com

Hanes Perfect Short-Sleeve T-Shirt
Shop now: $6 (Originally $12); amazon.com

Maeve Mary Jane Mule Heels
Shop now: $150; anthropologie.com

Vince Silk Chiffon-Trimmed Slip Skirt
Shop now: $325; vince.com

Naturalizer Banks Heels
Shop now: $100 (Originally $110); zappos.com

Hutch Side-Tie Midi Skirt
Shop now: $45 (Originally $120); anthropologie.com

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