Katie Holmes in transition

Katie has gone from little Joey Potter from the creek, to über-glam trophy wife and yummy mummy all in three short years.

31 December 1997: Dawson's Creek publicity shot.

The look: The start: Dawson's Creek. This outfit is awful but sweet enough to represent a group of troubled teens. This outfit shows her character is sweeter than Michelle's (no leather jacket) and she's not a rebel (sensible shoes).

Katie Holmes in transition

3 October 2000: Tigerland movie premiere.

The look: Um, shall we call this nerd chic? It's plain, conservative and simple. Katie was a teenager, however she obviously wasn't one who was interested in fashion.

Katie Holmes in transition

22 September 2004: At a special screening of First Daughter with then boyfriend Chris Klein.

The look: Too cute. These two not only look similar but their outfit's co-ordinate. Not sure what the black spider-esque vest is doing on the dress but overall this is puppy love at its best... aww!

Katie Holmes in transition

11 April 2005: VH1 Save The Music Foundation Benefit Concert in Los Angeles.

The look: Jessica Alba will like this outfit - it's red carpet style. Katie looks good. It's not going to get her into Vogue, but we've seen worse.

Katie Holmes in transition

14 May 2005: At Oprah Winfrey's Legends Ball with new boyfriend Tom Cruise.

The look: Tom's body language is interesting. He is almost giving a Keanu like matrix move to get Katie in the camera angle. She looks so beautiful and innocent. Her lean towards Tom suggests he is the more confident and more media astute than she was at this time... oh, how things would change.

Katie Holmes in transition

17 June 2005: Katie and Tom Cruise announce their engagement in Paris.

The look: Sweet outfit, good colour and elegant style. It works.

Katie Holmes in transition

6 October 2006: Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer with Victoria Beckham.

The look: The dress is not long enough and worn with closed toe shoes, makes it worse. A ball gown worn with dark glasses? This is a catastrophe!

Katie Holmes in transition

16 November 2006: Katie marries Tom Cruise in Italy.

The look: A pivotal moment in Katie's life. Katie looks great in Armani and unlike, Melania Trump or Eva Longoria, her dress is understated, simple and stunning.

Katie Holmes in transition

25 February 2007: Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Los Angeles.

The look: A dress of this stature is incredibly difficult to wear. You have to be tall to carry off the multitude of layers and if you're looking for a figure flattering shape, this dress certainly doesn't offer it. Katie, with her figure and her height, is able to carry off this look without looking a like a rumpled sheet. I do think that in person, this dress's colours would be amazing on her skin tone however the dress doesn't photograph as well.

Katie Holmes in transition

24 February 2007: With designer Giorgio Armani at the Armani Prive Spring/Summer 2007 couture collection fashion show.

The look: The wonder of Armani. The expert and elegant draping makes this fabric appear so sensual, it shapes the body so beautifully and combined with a simple hairdo, it's a fabulous look. Statuesque.

Katie Holmes in transition

22 July 2007: The Galaxy vs. Chelsea match in Los Angeles with daughter Suri.

The look: Watch out Mommy, my wardrobe is going to out do yours! Suri is a gorgeous little girl, with a better wardrobe and more designer labels than most adult women.

Katie Holmes in transition

7 November 2007: Lions for Lambs premiere in Los Angeles.

The look: It's interesting that Katie wore flats to Tom's movie premiere. Shrinking to fit? Aside from that, I love the sandals worn with this elegant toga style dress.

Katie Holmes in transition

14 January 2008: Late Show with David Letterman in New York.

The look: This look is incomplete. The jacket it too short to be worn closed and without pants. If you going to wear a trench with a dress, wear a longer length trench, something on the knee or wear the trench with dark stockings and closed toe shoes, or with a pair of knee-length boots. The coat does have an impeccable cut though and is a great colour.

Katie Holmes in transition

9 January 2008: Mad Money movie premiere.

The look: Sassy. It's difficult to find a balance between a classic style and age-appropriate red carpet look, but in this outfit, Katie achieves both. The hem line bothers me but in terms of her overall look, I simply love it.

Katie Holmes in transition

7 January 2008: Presenting at the 13th Annual Critics' Choice Awards.

The look: Katie has revolutionised her style but more importantly, her confidence as a woman has grown. It's an iconic experience which in years to come will only get better, we hope!

By: Bronwen Saayman
Pics: Getty/Gallo Images.