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How Katie Holmes Cleans Out Her Closet: "If It has Bad Memories, Get Rid of It"

InStyle
By Jonathan Borge
12/1/15

Pesky rain showers may have topped New York City's skyscrapers Tuesday afternoon, but the chilly weather didn't stop Katie Holmes from trekking to the Standard East Village to give back to those in need. At an event to support Glad's Glad to Give campaign, which simply encourages philanthropic acts of kindness, the former Dawson's Creek star donated her own coat to One Warm Coat, an organization that provides one million essential toppers annually to underprivileged individuals and families.

"Today is #GivingTuesday and I think it's always important during the holidays, and all year, not just the holiday season, to remember to think about everyone, think about those in need. It's not enough to just be thankful for everything that you have, but you really need to take care of others," she told InStyle. "It's nice to remember that what is wasteful to one is riches to another."

For the occasion, Holmes rocked a black mid-sleeved dress with ornate embroidery and a matching pair of tights, but don't think the bi-coastal beauty doesn't know how to bundle up. So what’s her M.O. for staying warm yet stylish through the colder months ahead? "I'm back and forth now between L.A. and New York, so I don't spend much time in the winter months. But I do know you have to get a long winter coat—that really helps to keep you warm, she said. "And flat boots in the city, or tennis shoes, 'cause tennis shoes are cool again."

Holmes, who encouraged guests inside the charitable event to donate their own pieces of clothing, also shared tips on how to whip your closet into shape. "If you haven't worn it in like six months and it's not a seasonal item, just get rid of it, unless it's something that has a special memory," she said. "And if it has bad memories, get rid of it."

As for what she tends to ditch: "It's usually like a pair of jeans that I buy too small thinking that one day I'll fit into them and then I give up and I'm like, 'Forget it. It's not gonna happen.'" 

Holmes, who is mom to 9-year-old Suri Cruise, also delivered encouraging words of advice for young girls: "Do not underestimate the power of your education—that should be first and foremost on your priority list."

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