Charlize and Katie: Denim and Suede

Yesterday in the site open we posted photos of Charlize Theron wearing a denim zipped shirt and I had a few people ask about it, both over email and DMs and also in the daily chat thread over at our Substack, The Squawk. Then I saw new photos of Katie Holmes in one of the big jacket trends of the season and both of these outerwear options have been all over my rack at ETALK so I can give you some extra details on the ones I’ve tried.

The denim shirt on Charlize is pretty special. The high collar, the zip, the length – it’s giving warmup jacket but jeans. This is the ALAÏA Zip Denim Shirt… and it’s pricey. It’s also low on sizing so if it’s in your budget, here are a couple places to buy: at Moda Operandi and MyTheresa. It also comes in a slightly darker colourway that is also low in stock.

Charlize’s ALAÏA is so good, there really are no dupes … although for me, I’m not sure how accessible it is (beyond the price tag) because of the way it’s cut. Denim doesn’t fall on me with a straight cut over the hips the way it does on her because she’s tall and narrow. If I were wearing this, it would need to be shorter, to sit just at the top of the hips, slightly below the waist, because I’m curvier than she is. I could get it in a bigger size but then the neck and the shoulders wouldn’t be right.

For me and my body shape, I need one that’s framed more like the SANDRO embellished-collar denim shirt which I tried on last week and is currently waiting to be worn on the show some time this month. It’s shorter at the front with a gentle mullet, opening and curving to wider and longer around the body. Looks really good over a tutu or a flouffy skirt.

Now onto Katie Holmes, seen in New York yesterday in a brown suede bomber, hitting two 2026 trends at once. Brown is often thought of as an autumn shade but brown is so hot right now that it will carry through the spring and the summer and stay around for fall. Our stylists have been pulling so much brown in everything, dresses, skirts, pants, tops, and jackets. Where jackets are concerned, spring suede is having a moment and suede will also continue through to the end of the year, even in the summer because of air conditioning. So if you invest in a suede jacket right now, you’ll get a lot of wear out of it over the next several months.

Katie’s wearing her suede jacket over black 90s straight leg jeans (what have I been telling you!). You know what’s kinda trippy? Two years ago, like on the exact same day, she stepped out in a Mango brown suede jacket. This is an update from two years ago when she stepped out in a brown Mango suede jacket and everybody wanted it. Mango conveniently has a suede jacket right now and it’s on sale.

The 2026 Katie Holmes brown suede is more of a bomber and while I don’t have her exact brand, it’s not really necessary because there are so many out there, and I don’t think hers is the best one anyway. I’ve tried on the following, starting on the higher end.

The Veda Kendall Suede Jacket at Reformation comes in two colourways, and it is GORGEOUS. The high collar gives it a drivers’ vibe, and it will never go out of style.

The All Saints Clay Funnel Neck Suede Cropped Jacket also has that driving energy, in multiple shades, and I really, really like the zipper detail around the neck.

Aritzia’s Tennant Bomber comes in three colourways, with large pockets, and hangs very nicely from the shoulders down. This one stayed on the rack.

Speaking of a good slouch, the Citizens of Humanity Vivienne Suede Jacket slouches just right and also comes with pockets and the pocket thing is big for me because I am never trying to leave the house with a bag when I’m not working. Keys, lip balm, and phone only is how I’m living life.

I looooved the colour of this H&M Oversize Split Suede Jacket and how it bubbles at the hem. It’s roomy and light, and the zipper pockets are so convenient.

I also loooooved the pleats on this Massimo Dutti sand shade suede jacket, super flattering especially with how loose it’s cut around the top of the hips. We kept this on the rack.

There’s another Massimo Dutti that we’re holding too, the Short Suede Leather Bomber with buttons, which kinda fits more like a top than a true jacket which is a great option over jeans or barrel trousers.

For a true bomber, the Amanda Uprichard Vero Suede Bomber Jacket comes in an interesting oxbloody cinnamon cross and it’s a really good deal right now.

Finally, Zara has a true suede bomber that is so good with the high collars and the front flap. This shade of charcoal, also, looks expensive.

But here’s the affordable Zara option I bought for myself after wearing it a few weeks ago on the show  – it’s their faux suede jacket at just over $100 in a fresh khaki with the right amount of blousing and boxiness. The cost-per-wear on this is outstanding considering it’s a three-season coat.

Please note, the above are affiliate links. Who's in the market for a new spring jacket?