Finally! Katie Holmes Explains Suri's Coat Aversion, Reveals Whose Career She Covets

Mrs. Tom Cruise sits down with InStyle, answers criticism over daughter's wardrobe choices and reveals her love of Renée Zellweger

By Gina Serpe Jul 12, 2011 12:00 PMTags
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Call off the parenting police, it's not her fault!

Though Katie Holmes has taken more than her fair share of heat for Suri's style (high heels on a five-year-old?), there's been one lingering sartorial choice that's risen above all others as the bête noir of the overly concerned masses: namely, Suri's aversion to wearing coats, jackets or outerwear of any kind, even in the face of plunging temperatures.

And while it's not such an issue these days (hello, summer!), Katie has finally stepped up to explain what's behind her daughter's distaste of the seemingly necessary garment.

InStyle's August cover girl sat down with the magazine and, among other questions, was asked to describe a particularly humbling mom moment.

"Recently, Suri and I were taking a walk and a fight got started because it was cold outside and she didn't want to wear her coat," Holmes explained. "My philosophy is, well, fine, because after a block of walking you're going to ask me for your coat. So the pictures of her [without a coat in cold weather] are sort of embarrassing, but I said, 'Suri, I'll take the hit. Just put it on when you get cold.'"

At last! Another mystery of the ages solved. Of course, leave it to the paparazzi to snap their photos in the one block Suri chooses to go coatless, unleashing the online trolls on her parenting skills. Not that Katie isn't used to the chatter by now.

"It's a constant battle. Whenever I think, oh good, it's calmed down, another false story comes out. I feel like I'm constantly saying, 'No, no, I'm actually this way!' I try not to go on the Internet that much because who needs to hear comments? But I do know what's being said: I am briefed."

In which case, she must be aware that there are those counting down the days until Suri becomes a big sister.

"I don't feel pressure to do that," she said of expanding her brood. "We already have a very big family: a full household with cousins who are over a lot, and she has her friends. My biggest thing is making sure she's fully taken care of and doing well."

For now, Katie is focusing on her family and career, though is quick to admit her admiration for other actresses.

So who tops Holmes' list? Well, a couple of former costars of hubby Tom Cruise for starters.

"I love Renée [Zellweger], she can do no wrong in my eyes. I relate to every character she embodies, because she has no pretense. I also love Amy Adams: She's so kind and talented, and whenever I watch her I think, I want to be her friend—I've seen Enchanted many times with my daughter. Meryl Streep, of course. And I love what Cate Blanchett brings to every movie she does."

Stars appreciating quality work? She really is just like us!