Katie Holmes wore bright red pants with her winter jacket and sweater. Bold pants are the style hack that makes winter wardrobe essentials more exciting. Shop eight colorful pants from Gap, J.Crew, Amazon, and more, starting at $39.

It’s my favorite style hack.

If I’m ever unsure of what to wear, I rely on my tried-and-true outfit formula: wardrobe basics with one pop of color. Not only is it the easiest way to make boring staples more exciting, but it instantly gives the illusion that the outfit had lots of thought put into it (when it really didn’t). While there are so many ways to approach this—a bold shoe, handbag, or even a vibrant cardigan—one of my go-tos is the one Katie Holmes just employed. 

Holmes took on a cold NYC day with all of the necessary winter basics: a long jacket, cozy sweater, and knit hat. But rather than reaching for a simple pair of jeans or matching black pants, she took a page from Glenn Close’s book, spicing up her look with a pair of cherry red trousers.

Abercrombie and Fitch Sloane Low-Rise Tailored Wide-Leg Pants

$90 $54 at Abercrombie.com

That one effortless tweak made Holmes’s entire look more interesting. And while this hack is something you can use year-round, it’s especially beneficial in the winter time, when color palettes lean a little drab. To dress up your favorite basics, shop eight bold, pop-of-color pants below, starting at $39.

8 Pop-of-Color Pants

• $39 Deal: Btfbm Wide-Leg Pants, $39 with coupon (Originally $41); amazon.com 
• Katie Holmes Lookalike: Abercrombie and Fitch Sloane Low-Rise Tailored Wide-Leg Pants, $54 (Originally $90); abercrombie.com 
• Editor’s Pick: J.Crew Textured Satin Stratus Pants, $130 (Originally $148); jcrew.com 
• Banana Republic Factory Sculpted Bootcut Pants, $48 (Originally $100); bananarepublicfactory.gapfactory.com 
• Gap High-Rise Ponte Crop Kick Pants, $80; gap.com  
• DKNY Tie-Front Twill Pants, $99; nordstrom.com 
• Maeve the Colette Cropped Wide-Leg Pants, $120; anthropologie.com 
• Maeve Tapered Puddle Trousers, $148; anthropologie.com 

J.Crew Textured Satin Stratus Pants

$148 $130 at J. Crew

I need to add J.Crew’s burgundy Stratus pants to my wardrobe ASAP. The comfy style has an elastic waistband and roomy leg that is elevated by a crinkled, slightly shiny satin fabric. While this shade of red might not be as loud as Holmes’s, it can just as easily (and a little more subtly) combine with your favorite basics to make a noteworthy look. 

Gap High-Rise Ponte Crop Kick Pants

$80 at Gap.com

Shoppers are obsessed with Gap’s ponte pants for two big reasons. One is that leg-elongating flare, a silhouette that’s easy to dress up and universally flattering. The second is the style’s stretchy material. So, not only are the pants “as comfortable, if not more so, than leggings,” but they also look “extremely polished.”

DKNY Tie-Front Twill Pants

$99 at Nordstrom

While red might be the most popular pop of color among celebrities, it’s far from the only one. If blue is more your speed, consider this style from DKNY. The tie at the waist, front pleats, and beautiful draping make these easy to dress up, but they’re also great for making your favorite everyday staples like a T-shirt and sneakers feel less casual.

Banana Republic Factory Sculpted Bootcut Pants

$100 $48 at Banana Republic

I’m all for introducing spring colors to a winter wardrobe, which is why I’m eyeing these lilac pants from Banana Republic’s factory store. The sunny shade is the perfect contrast to winter’s classic black coats and boots, and it effortlessly transitions into spring. It’s a style you’ll wear now through May. 

Bold pants are the key to making basic sweaters, tees, and winter jackets feel fresh. Below, shop even more of the pop-of-color pants I’m eyeing.

Btfbm Wide-Leg Pants

$41 $39 at Amazon

Maeve the Colette Cropped Wide-Leg Pants

$120 at Anthropologie

Maeve Tapered Puddle Trousers

$148 at Anthropologie