Most fans remember Katie's rise to fame from 'Dawson's Creek,' even though her character wasn't originally meant to carry the show. At the time, Katie embodied everything that the current generation wanted to be.
She was relatable, down to earth, and the kind of actress that could fit just about anywhere, so while her early projects weren't necessarily blockbusters, Katie Holmes was totally "in" with the cool crowd. Not only that, but the character of Joey had some pretty good fashion sense.
In fact, fans say that Katie's early career cemented her as a "relatable fashion icon," mostly because 'Dawson's Creek' essentially "set the fashion tone for teenagers" of the late '90s and early '00s.
Some credit 'Dawson's Creek' with "single-handedly" launching J.Crew as a brand; there was even a 'Dawson's Creek' edition of the J.Crew catalog.
The problem came, suggest fans, when Katie continued making headlines for her fashion moves for literal decades afterward. While the late '90s were a pivotal time for fashion, things have changed since then and, some say, Katie hasn't.
Fans Don't Think Katie Holmes Is A Fashion Icon Anymore
One person posed the question of Katie Holmes' fashion clout, stating that "her casual wear isn’t that remarkable" and observing that she isn't the most fashion-forward A-lister out there. In response, others agreed and elaborated on just how Katie has continued to make headlines for her less-than-runway-worthy wardrobe.
Most fans suggest that Katie's still an A-lister because she has a fantastic PR team, especially because some sources still call her a B-lister yet with A-lister "recognition." In short, everyone and their mother knows who Katie Holmes is.
But does that mean she's a fashion influencer when she's not being dressed by experts for magazine spreads?
Katie Holmes' Fashion Sells, And That's What Matters
While fans of Katie don't hate on her because of her headlines in fashion, they do suggest that it's her image that sells, more than her fashion choices. Remember that "knitted bra twinset" Katie wore on the street? Fans say it sold out in hours, a perfect example of Katie simply being relatable enough to inspire everyday folks to buy fashion mags and order new clothes.
Besides, she has almost an entire generation (older millennials, at least) who look to her as a representation of where they should be fashion-wise, and that means something. Even if, fans suggest, Katie hasn't been that relevant film- or TV-wise in recent years.