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Kathleen Kelly Is My Style Center

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Kathleen Kelly Is My Style Center

By

Holly Rhue

byrdie associate editorial director holly rhue head shotbyrdie associate editorial director holly rhue head shot
Holly Rhue

Holly Rhue is the editorial director for Byrdie, covering all things beauty for the brand. She has 7 years of experience in beauty editorial and has been with Byrdie since 2019.

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Published on November 26, 2025 07:00AM
Meg Ryan playing Kathleen Kelly in You've Got MailMeg Ryan playing Kathleen Kelly in You've Got Mail

Everett Collection / Shutterstock / Byrdie

In today’s trend cycle, it’s not uncommon for me to find myself completely untethered from my personal style. So when I’m spiraling in too many directions, I come back to what I consider the “center” of my style: Meg Ryan’s Pride and Prejudice-devouring character in You’ve Got Mail. Kathleen Kelly’s neutral knits, scholastic layering, and simplistic Upper West Side way of dressing is the heartbeat of my wardrobe—when I feel the most myself.

The Kathleen Kelly approach is particularly relevant when I think about getting dressed for the holidays… at home. What does one wear for pumpkin pie in the living room or dodging hometown acquaintances at the local grocery store? For me, it’s all about Kathleen Kelly as my style center. Keep reading to see how I’m evoking the ’90s bookshop-owner’s utterly New York style this holiday season.

01of 07

Lazy Cardigans

Meg Ryan wearing a cardigan and a closeup of a similar cardigan outfitMeg Ryan wearing a cardigan and a closeup of a similar cardigan outfit

Alamy / Holly Rhue

Besides the omnipresent will-they-won’t-they trope, cardigans are one of the core through lines in You’ve Got Mail. The key to the Kathleen Kelly look is to leave yours unbuttoned with a crisp white tee—like you just threw it on as you walked out of our Upper West Side apartment. These are a staple in my wardrobe year-round; I opt for lighter fabrics like cotton during the spring and warmer knits (like cashmere) during the fall and winter. For a little intrigue, try adding a colorful triangle scarf to spice things up.

Shop The Look

  • A plain longsleeve cardigan with buttonsA plain longsleeve cardigan with buttons

    Jenni Kayne

  • A knitted cardigan sweater with button closure and long sleevesA knitted cardigan sweater with button closure and long sleeves

    Aritzia

  • A ribbed buttonup sweater being modeled with light trousersA ribbed buttonup sweater being modeled with light trousers

    Quince

02of 07

Short-Sleeved Sweaters

Meg Ryan on the left with a shortsleeve sweater working on a laptop comparison to a similar modern scene on the right with another personMeg Ryan on the left with a shortsleeve sweater working on a laptop comparison to a similar modern scene on the right with another person

The short-sleeved sweater is, in my humble opinion, the most underrated article of clothing. It’s what I reach for when I’m caught in a spiral of wardrobe fatigue and nothing feels quite right. With a pair of baggy trousers or well-tailored jeans, it’s as easy as throwing on a t-shirt—but all the more polished.

Shop The Look

  • Shortsleeve knitted sweater on a white backgroundShortsleeve knitted sweater on a white background

    Abercrombie

  • Shortsleeve sweater made of a soft textured fabricShortsleeve sweater made of a soft textured fabric

    Doen

  • Shortsleeve knit sweater with a ribbed hem frontfacing viewShortsleeve knit sweater with a ribbed hem frontfacing view

    Zara

03of 07

Contrast Collar

Meg Ryan wearing a collared outfit on the left and a similarly dressed person on the right seated indoorsMeg Ryan wearing a collared outfit on the left and a similarly dressed person on the right seated indoors

Alamy / Holly Rhue

Give me a starched button-down with a razor-sharp collar any day of the week. For that stiff collar and relaxed sleeves look that says I’m well-read, I go for men’s shirts from Brooks Brothers. Pair it with a black sweater vest, and you’re living your wildest indie bookstore-owner dreams.

Shop The Look

  • Longsleeve buttonup dress shirt minimalist embroidered logoLongsleeve buttonup dress shirt minimalist embroidered logo

    Brooks Brothers

  • Sleeveless knit vest simple design crew neck flat laidSleeveless knit vest simple design crew neck flat laid

    J Crew

  • A pair of cufflinks designed to resemble New York City MetroCardsA pair of cufflinks designed to resemble New York City MetroCards

    Tokens & Icons

04of 07

Coat Is Outfit

Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan on the left woman in a coat outside on the rightTom Hanks and Meg Ryan on the left woman in a coat outside on the right

Alamy / Holly Rhue

When in doubt, a slouchy coat can double as a full outfit. Whenever I’m making those unexpected holiday runs to the grocery store or grabbing that last-minute gift, my Sandro Paris Long Wool Coat never fails me. Over a sweater or a hoodie and jeans, it makes me look like the ~mysterious~ New Yorker I strive to be when I’m sauntering around my hometown. If you see me, just don’t forget to say happy Thanksgiving back á la Joe Fox.

Shop The Look

  • A long doublebreasted coat with a classic collar and pocketsA long doublebreasted coat with a classic collar and pockets

    Sandro Paris

  • A woman modeling a coat with large buttons and decorative trimA woman modeling a coat with large buttons and decorative trim

    Quince

  • A person wearing a long coat with a wide collar and lapelA person wearing a long coat with a wide collar and lapel

    Asos

05of 07

Mock Necks Forever

Meg Ryan on the left another individual wearing sunglasses on the rightMeg Ryan on the left another individual wearing sunglasses on the right

Alamy / Holly Rhue

Kathleen Kelly wears perhaps her best look when she discovers Joe Fox (Tom Hanks) is a caviar-thieving, big-box-store executive. The power clash occurs, of course, while Ryan is wearing the most perfect power LBD with a ’90s mock neck. I bring this look to everyday in the form of a mock neck sweater (in shades of charcoal and black). Then, I can dress it up with a skirt, tights, and square-toed boots when I’m feeling dressy (or tone it down with trousers when I’m not).

Shop The Look

  • A ribbed mockneck shortsleeve top displayed on a white backgroundA ribbed mockneck shortsleeve top displayed on a white background

    Lands’ End

  • A shortsleeve black sweater by MadewellA shortsleeve black sweater by Madewell

    Madewell

  • Person wearing a shortsleeve mock neck top with a fitted stylePerson wearing a shortsleeve mock neck top with a fitted style

    Anne Klein

06of 07

Classic Pajamas

Meg Ryan in striped pajamas beside a similar scene of someone wearing pajamas holding a book and a mugMeg Ryan in striped pajamas beside a similar scene of someone wearing pajamas holding a book and a mug

Alamy / Holly Rhue

2025 was my year of investing in elevated—but cozy—matching PJ sets. I am simply not willing to sacrifice comfort in the evening hours, but there’s something about coordinating pajamas that just feel like such an investment in myself. Kathleen Kelly started it, and I’ve fully stolen her look with this stripey set from Petite Plume.

Shop The Look

  • Striped pajama set with a longsleeve top and matching bottomsStriped pajama set with a longsleeve top and matching bottoms

    Petite Plume

  • White socks with TNA printed on the toes displayed on feetWhite socks with TNA printed on the toes displayed on feet

    Aritzia

  • Closeup of a person wearing a striped buttonup shirtCloseup of a person wearing a striped buttonup shirt

    Eberjey

07of 07

City Stompers

Meg Ryan holding a pumpkin while walking on a sidewalk a separate image shows feet in loafers on a bench outdoorsMeg Ryan holding a pumpkin while walking on a sidewalk a separate image shows feet in loafers on a bench outdoors

Alamy / Holly Rhue

Carrie Bradshaw fans need not apply. People who can traverse the subway stairs and curbside puddles of New York in heels have my utmost respect—but I’ve chosen to pursue the Kathleen Kelly method when it comes to footwear. As a starting requirement, you’ll need a well-worn pair of mules or loafers (think old New York). I recently purchased these suede, espresso-brown loafers from Madewell on a whim and have been pleasantly surprised by the comfort and quality. Even on first wear (albeit with socks), I didn’t experience any rubbing, blisters, or achy arches.

Shop The Look

  • Person wearing jeans and brown loafersPerson wearing jeans and brown loafers

    Madewell

  • A leather loafer with decorative detail on the upperA leather loafer with decorative detail on the upper

    Miu Miu

  • Side view of a blockheeled mule shoeSide view of a blockheeled mule shoe

    DSW

Read more:
  • Style
  • What to Wear

Source URL: https://www.byrdie.com/meg-ryan-youve-got-mail-outfits-11856108

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