Katie Holmes Just Mastered the Layering Technique Oprah and Martha Stewart Have Worn, Too

Your fall layering masterclass is now in session. The instructor? Katie Holmes. 

The actress enjoyed some time with her family backstage after a production of Our Town on Broadway, commemorating the occasion on Instagram. While Holmes was in the back of the photo, we happened to look past the beaming smiles and spotted her perfectly layered look. She wore a black V-neck sweater over a crisp white-button down, finishing the casual outfit with khaki pants. 

If we were giving out As, Holmes would definitely ace the layering exam — but she’s not the only celeb wearing a sweater over a button-down. Oprah layered a pastel green crewneck sweater over a striped button-down on The Today Show, while Martha Stewart went for a lemon-fresh look in a bright yellow sweater and point-collar shirt combo.

When it comes to mastering these layers, it’s all in the proportions. Be sure your V-neck sweater isn’t too chunky or oversized. It’s also okay to let the V-neck go a little lower, since you’ll be layering it over a shirt. And, speaking of the shirt, opt for a button-down in crisp cotton for a tailored look.

Now that Holmes taught us exactly how to team a V-neck sweater with a button-down shirt, it’s time to put the look into practice. We rounded up 10 shirts and sweaters on Amazon from brands like Barefoot Dreams, Madewell, and Vince, starting at just $17.

Fall Layers Inspired by Katie Holmes

V-Neck Sweaters:

• Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Lite Diamond Pointelle Pullover, $138
• Qualfort Knit Pullover Sweater, $28
• Amazon Essentials Lightweight V-Neck Sweater, $24 (orig. $25)
• Merokeety V-Neck Sweater, $21 (orig. $28)
• Vince Weekend V-Neck Cashmere Sweater, $309 (orig.) $325
• Adrianna Papell Three-Quarter-Sleeve Knit Twofer, $25 (orig. $30)

Button-Down Shirts:

• Madewell Easy Y-Neck Button-Up, $88
• Hotouch Slim-Fit Button-Down Shirt, $20
• J.ver Wrinkle-Free Button-Down Shirt, $17 (orig. $20)
• Zeagoo Classic-Fit Button-Down Shirt, $17 (orig. $20)

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Lite Diamond Pointelle Pullover

This V-neck sweater is designed in a plush blend of nylon and rayon, and finished with ribbed cuffs. An allover knit pointelle pattern gives it a delicate touch.

Qualfort Knit Pullover Sweater

For a look similar to Holmes’, opt for this cotton sweater, which features a deep V-neckline that easily lends itself to layering. Shoppers said it “looks good dressed up or casual,” and it’s “perfect for layering or on its own.”

Amazon Essentials Lightweight V-Neck Sweater

Designed in a soft cotton and modal blend, this sweater has a flattering V-neckline and ribbed trim, and it comes in 31 colors and patterns. It has racked up an impressive 16,000-plus five-star ratings; shoppers said it’s “soft as a cloud,” and it “looks stylish with a crisp white shirt underneath.”

Merokeety V-Neck Sweater

If you like the black V-neck sweater Holmes wore, this version is a great option for your fall wardrobe. It has a deep V-neckline and banded cuffs, and it comes in eight colors and sizes S through XL.

Vince Weekend V-Neck Cashmere Sweater

Treat yourself to a little extra luxury with this pure cashmere sweater, which has a Holmes-approved V-neckline and comes in nine colors. Multiple shoppers praised its merits; one noted its “excellent quality,” and another said they’d been “searching for thick and beautiful cashmere sweaters, and this one is a great value.”

Adrianna Papell Three-Quarter-Sleeve Knit Twofer

Looking for a top that does the layering work for you? Enter this two-in-one style, which features your choice of a black or navy three-quarter-sleeve sweater attached over a striped button-down shirt.

Madewell Easy Y-Neck Button-Up

Take a page out of Oprah’s striped shirt playbook with this Madewell style, which features bold vertical stripes and mismatched stripes at the collar and cuffs. It’s finished with a chest patch pocket and buttons on the elbows to easily roll up the cuffs and attach them in place.

Hotouch Slim-Fit Button-Down Shirt

A slim fit and straight point collar give this button-down shirt a similar vibe to the one seen on Holmes. “It’s the epitome of quiet luxury,” raved one shopper, who received the shirt for free, adding that it’s “such an amazing shirt for work or to pair with linen pants and a cardigan.”

J.ver Wrinkle-Free Button-Down Shirt

Easily master a layered sweater-and-shirt look with this button-down, which is designed in a wrinkle-free blend of cotton, polyester, and spandex. In addition to white like the one Holmes wore, it comes in 31 other colors and sizes XS through 6X.

Zeagoo Classic-Fit Button-Down Shirt

This button-down shirt is designed for a slightly relaxed fit, making it ideal to layer under an oversized sweater or wear on its own. “I can either dress [it] up for a more formal outfit or dress [it] down for casual wear,” said one shopper, who received the item for free, while other reviewers said it’s the “perfect blouse for work” and “long enough to tuck into your pants.”