Katie Holmes' purple dress and red shoes prove this unexpected colour clash is worth trying
The unlikely combination is an instant winner
We always know to expect fashion-forward looks from Katie Holmes whenever she steps out for an event, but she truly outdid herself at the Michael Kors 45th Anniversary Collection Dinner in New York last week.
She attended the dinner wearing a Michael Kors draped satin tank dress, which features a flattering sleeveless cut and a draped knot detail at the waist. But it wasn’t just the column silhouette of her dress that caught our attention - the jewel-toned purple hue paired with some bright red shoes was so striking.
The pairing has quickly become one to rival any of the colour combinations loved by stylists and, while purple and red might not be the first two colours you think of wearing together, they work surprisingly well. This is because they are neighbouring colours on the colour wheel and blend smoothly with their similar warm undertones. The resulting look is rich and striking, making Katie’s look one we’re bookmarking for all dressed-up occasions this autumn.
Copy Katie's look
This has a similar sleeveless cut and ruched detailing at the waist, which echoes the draped effect of Katie's dress. The sleek shape lets the autumnal plum colour do all the talking.
The red hue of these kitten heels will pair perfectly with purple. The manageable heel makes them really versatile, too, so you could wear these during the day with jeans and autumnal knitwear.
Eagle-eyed fans might have noticed Katie carrying a clutch by Strathberry, which is one of Kate Middleton's favourite handbag brands. Her exact bag isn't available, but luckily, this chain wallet offers a similar look and comes in the exact same colourway.
This elegant satin dress is a sale bargain that will come into its own during party season. There are limited sizes left, though, so don't wait to add it to your shopping basket.
With shoppers calling these block heels 'very comfy' and saying they sit at a 'comfortable height,' it's clear they're not just a striking shoe that can add trending red hues into any look; they're also a great choice for ease of wear, too.
A detachable shoulder strap adds versatility to this clutch bag, with its clean cream hue, gold hardware and flap-over style creating a sleek and classic look. If you're looking for a bag that will never date, this might be just what you need.
Deep purples are always a mainstay when it comes to autumnal evening wear, with luxe jewel tones feeling rich and saturated to emulate the heavy, moody colour palette we lean towards in the darker season. Just like the classic berry, burgundy, and bordeaux tones we fill our autumn capsule wardrobes with at this time of year, rich purples offer the same deep feel while also feeling a little brighter and bolder.
Tomato red hues are also taking over autumn/winter colour trends for 2026, with colour-drenched looks featuring in collections by Michael Kors, Carolina Herrera, Lanvin and Hermès. But you don’t need to go all out in red to make an impact with the shade. As Katie proves, you can opt for a pair of red shoes or a red handbag and still get a beautiful pop of colour that nods to the trend without feeling overwhelming.
