I remember the last time bomber jackets were on the first page of the style agenda. It was 2013, Gucci had just made a momentous comeback, and its silky, embroidered-back bomber jacket was a hot-ticket item. Everyone wanted to own one, but few managed to get their hands on one. So cue a slew of more affordable homages. Topshop's best-selling take was even worn by Olivia Palermo, fashion's darling at the time.
In the years since, however, bomber jackets, although they never went out of style altogether, were kind of forgotten about. In their place, we gravitated towards blazers (both of the leather and woollen varieties) and puffers, with The Frankie Shop's Ripstop quilted jacket reigning supreme for the past couple of autumns. So you can imagine my delight and surprise when bomber jackets began cropping up in the latest designer collections—Givenchy, Stine Goya, Loewe and so many more—feeling fresh and highly covetable once more.
Givenchy was one of the many designers that showcased bomber jackets in their S/S 23 collections.
The noteworthiest change of the bomber jacket 2.0 is that slinky textures are largely out—more minimal, oversized iterations in sludgy colour palettes are in. And you know what? That seems to be a recurring theme when it comes to styling them, too. Early bomber jacket adopters have been pairing their cover-ups with generally understated outfits. Of course, jeans make for a pretty seamless off-duty pairing. While the current mood may be simple, it's also incredibly chic, as the following outfits prove.
If you've been wondering what to wear with bomber jackets to make them feel current, the below looks make it so easy. Scroll on to see the eight pieces fashion people are wearing with their bomber jackets, bringing them up to date in the process.
1. Directional Jeans
Style Notes: Bomber jackets and jeans go hand in hand, but why not tick off two trends in one with a pair of of-the-moment strides? While classic jeans will always serve you well (and are an integral part of many of the looks in my edit), try adding some of 2023's trending jeans styles—say, a split-hem pair—into your outfit equation for even more fashion kudos.
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A modern classic.
So many outfit formulas call for a plain white tee.
Made from reclaimed cotton.
2. Slip Skirts
Style Notes: While jeans and trousers are the cornerstone of many of my favourite bomber-jacket outfits, I wanted to show you just how good they look with skirts, too. I turned to Anouk, who has styled her on-trend leather bomber with a silky slip skirt. How chic is this combo?
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This H&M version is so good.
With brighter days just around the corner, we're turning back to classic linens.
An easy piece to dress up or down.
3. Loose Layers
Style Notes: Playing with oversized proportions is turning into something of a sport for fashion people this year. Make like Hannah, and pair a roomy bomber with an untucked cotton shirt and some wide-leg trousers or cargos if you want to be really on trend.
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Size up for an extra oversized fit.
Every great wardrobe has a crisp white shirt.
These come in five chic shades.
4. Chunky Knitwear
Style Notes: As someone who's always cold, I have a pretty decent collection of chunky knits. The only downside to their thickness? I struggle to find jackets to wear over the top of them. At least, I did—now, thanks to the bounty of oversized bomber jackets out there, I can wear them without feeling like the Michelin Man.
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When it comes to bomber jackets, the bigger the better.
This cosy roll neck comes in size 6 to 24.
We hear great things about Agolde denim.
5. Elevated Handbags
Style Notes: Part of the bomber jacket's appeal is its boyishness, but some of the best outfits I see always play on style contrasts. Take Amaka's ensemble; I love how she's added a fancy Chanel bag to her bomber-jacket-and-jeans 'fit for an unexpected twist.
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This lighter hue adds a fresh take for spring.
We often turn to Vestiaire Collective to snap up pre-loved pieces.
The washed grey adds a relaxed feel that perfectly contrasts the fancy bag.
6. Knitted Dresses
Style Notes: If, like me, you wear your fair share of dresses, rest assured they work just as well with bombers as they do any other jacket style—if not more so. I enjoy how Karina has matched her oversized bomber with a fitted knit dress to create a cool silhouette. Me? I'd finish with some heeled boots.
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Marks & Spencer has some real gems right now.
Another hero piece from the high-street.
Beautiful.
7. Baseball Caps
Style Notes: Lean into the bomber jacket's inherent low-key vibe by pairing it with a baseball cap, which is prime fashion-girl currency right now.
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An easy favourite.
This cool leather track jacket is sure to garner it's own cult following.
A timeless cut.
8. Leather Trousers
Style Notes: We've talked a lot about how bomber jackets (particularly leather ones) and jeans go so well together, so why not flip your fabrics around? Try a denim bomber with leather trousers for a look that feels different but sticks to the same tried-and-tested principles as the standout looks above.
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This went straight on my wish-list.
These come in various lengths to allow you to find the perfect fit.
Complete the look with trainers for an off-duty look.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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