I’ve invested in every key jacket trend – from suede jackets to funnel necks – but some of the best bomber jackets combine the best aspects of all of them.
Beloved across the decades for their unique, yet flattering, silhouette and range of stylistic opportunities, the humble bomber manages to make any outfit look and feel cool, which, in turn, has earned the respect from fashion’s chicest names. Everyone including Rihanna, Beyoncé and Gigi Hadid has worn one, and so many designers have included bomber jacket iterations in their shows, across all seasons, throughout the years.
Because that’s one of the most loveable things about this jacket style, it’s one that – with some clever styling – can be worn throughout winter over knitwear and through to spring over floaty dresses.
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Max Mara went for a khaki, fuzzy iteration worn monochromatic with a matchy-matchy roll neck knit (essential at this time of year), knit skirt and tights. And as we all know, a top-to-toe tonal look will always look polished to perfection. The key styling hack to take from this actually wearable runway look? The fact it’s zipped up to the top.
Next up, we have Prada, who put a sugary sweet pastel pink version on the runway with a brown top, a knee-length pencil skirt and heels. Basically an easy outfit you could wear for party season, and through to next year.
Jackets worn as tops have defined the year so far, so if you haven’t already, then try it out. Trust me, it’s the easiest way to get dressed when you don’t even have to care about what to wear underneath your jacket (tip: make it thermals). See how Glamour‘s Commerce Writer Shani Cohen styles hers below:
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romina introini
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ASOS DESIGN Collared Button Up Shirt Jacket
Versatility is what makes bomber jackets so appealing. Whether you give them a streetwear edge by wearing with wide-leg jeans and fashion trainers or keep them classy with a Hailey Bieber-approved mini skirt, loafers and socks. The styling potential is endless with these jackets that have been around for years, and they’re getting their well-deserved time to shine once again this winter.
Why are jackets called bombers? What is a bomber jacket?
Originally known as flight jackets, bomber jackets were created as menswear by the U.S. military’s Army Aviation Clothing Board in 1917 to keep WWI pilots warm in the open-air cockpits of the early fighter (or ‘bomber’) planes. Since the second World War and their rising popularity throughout the ’50s and ’60s, thanks to Marlon Brando and James Dean, they’ve evolved to become something of a perennial staple for the masses.
Their key details tend to include (but aren’t limited to) a knitted hem and cuffs, a collarless neckline, padded frame, press-stud pockets and a zip fastening. Recent catwalks have adapted the classic formula, though, with the bomber jackets we all know and love now in leather and suede or fuzzy styles with faux fur collars.