Divorce Style Watch: Katie Holmes

It's the divorce heard around the world - and now designers are speculating what new turns Katie Holmes will take in her personal style in her new stage of freedom.

Elle, in their biggest coup this year, actually managed to get Katie on the cover of their August issue, talking about 'unleashing her new sexy side'. It goes on sale just after news of the divorce has broken - and the fashion world will be combing it for hints.

Dressing a newly-divorced star is a big deal. If you think Kate Middleton's dresses sold out at the speed of light, wait and see what happens if Holmes goes out looking like a million post-Scientology bucks.

So what style should Holmes take? She's been looking notoriously unpolished and rundown in recent years, probably partially because of motherhood.

When Britney Spears announced her divorce from Kevin Federline after years of looking dishevelled, she appeared with a sleek new bob haircut and a sophisticated shift dress - and the message was clear. She was a new woman, powerful and in control.

Jennifer Lopez took a slightly different tack, appearing on American Idol in a spangled catsuit with her new dancer toyboy. We can't quite anticipate Holmes taking that route, though we're sure she'd look lovely.

Vanessa Paradis, who wasn't married but has been with Johnny Depp for 14 years nonetheless, showed her fashion cred where it counted - by showing up to her old friend Karl Lagerfeld's Chanel Cruise collection in a custom Picasso-print gown. She showed her independent side - and her supreme chic.

Holmes had a few outings to the major designers' shows, with her own fashion line Holmes & Yang quietly taking off on the side. We're sure they'd love her to show up for some fittings now.

And then, of course, there's the most famous divorcee style of them all - Princess Diana, who showed up at a gala in a thigh-high dress with a split and a train just as Prince Charles revealed he'd had an affair. It was a statement, and she looked sensational.

We're anticipating that Holmes will want to look sexy, mature and in control of her future. No more scraped-back hair and mismatched accessories.

RESCU is hoping for some sleek, confident menswear: Haider Ackermann or a YSL suit. We also want to see her in young, fresh pieces that match her youth - no more covering up. How about some Marc Jacobs or Victoria Beckham?

What do you think Holmes should wear now?

Image: Katie Holmes for InStyle while married to Tom Cruise.