It's Official: Bomber Jackets Are Back—8 Ways Fashion People Style Theirs

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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 story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.

Next Up, Spring/Summer 2023 Fashion Trends: 21 Expert-Approved Looks You Need to See