If there’s anything the celebrity set has taught us over the past few years, it’s how to style a bomber jacket. Hailey Bieber wears her black leather looks with slouchy denim or leggings, while Kendall Jenner loves a suede bomber jacket alongside tailored trousers. But it’s not just stars who flock to the outerwear. With its comfortable fit and versatile design, the bomber has become the de facto silhouette for cool girls everywhere. So it’s no surprise that it’s a big outerwear trend for fall.
Glamour’s bomber jacket styling wish list
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In fact, the look is nearly inescapable right now. Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Amazon, for example, have a host of styles on offer. A few standout trends on these retailers’ sites that have piqued our interest? Distressed leather and soft suede bomber jackets, as well as quilted designs.
When it comes how to wear bomber jackets for autumn, the sky’s the limit. On the weekends, an oversized bomber jacket, slim-fit tee, and baggy jeans outfit formula is sure to please. At night, try layering an edgy leather bomber jacket over a romantic slip dress—the contrasting silhouettes work surprisingly well together. Finish with kitten heels, and off you go.
What is a bomber jacket, anyway?
Before we dive into bomber jacket outfit ideas, a crash course on the silhouette may come in handy. Originally dubbed flight jackets, bombers were introduced in 1917 by the US Army Aviation Clothing Board to keep pilots warm during World War I.
Ever since its inception, the look has been defined by its front zipper, knit waistband, and fitted cuffs. Over the years, bombers have evolved from a practical piece into a hot-ticket item in the fashion world thanks to revamped looks from designers like Loewe and Saint Laurent.
Are you ready to discover the myriad ways of how to style a bomber jacket? If yes, scroll onward for eight bomber jacket outfits to help get your wheels turning.
1. With a colorful bomber jacket
Black and brown bombers may get all the glory, but why not experiment with a colorful option? Something like the burgundy iteration pictured here will feel right at home with your cold-weather wardrobe. For a fun matchy-matchy outfit, go for printed bottoms in the same palette as your coat. Last but not least, an equally vibrant bag in a different but complimentary hue delivers instant impact. Swap the sandals for boots as the weather gets chillier, and stick to a simple white T-shirt or turtleneck layered underneath to let the rest of this bomber jacket look really shine.
2. With a cropped bomber jacket
This outfit is a master class in unexpected layering. Instead of wearing outsized outerwear over a tight top, try the opposite. A form-fitting or cropped bomber atop a voluminous blouse and/or skirt is a surprisingly intriguing mash-up to consider. Level up the ensemble with equally unexpected accessories such as boots with a colorful sole or cat-eye sunglasses. You’ll turn heads no matter where you go.
3. With a suede bomber jacket
This style of coat has a lot of versatility but, sometimes a simpler outfit really is better. No, you don’t need to reinvent the sartorial wheel when it comes to styling your suede bomber. For a foolproof look you can throw together in two minutes flat, pair the jacket with a printed maxidress and Chelsea boots, loafers, or sandals. Choosing pieces in a similar color scheme—in this case, brown—is the key to keeping everything cohesive. Bookmark this formula for a brisk fall day when a heavy coat isn’t necessary.
4. With a black leather bomber jacket
Black leather bomber jackets are inherently edgy, but that’s not to say you can’t soften up the tough silhouette for a night out. The addition of a ladylike white lace or boho flared midiskirt makes for an eye-popping, compliment-worthy duo. To bring the outfit together, slip into a pair of casual (but fashion-forward) black boots. Don’t forget to toss on some sleek sunnies and gold hoop earrings too.
5. With a varsity-style bomber jacket
A bomber is an excellent layering piece to have in your arsenal. This fashion pro, for example, made the case for wearing a varsity jacket with a hoodie and skirt-over-pants look. (Yes, ICYMI, the masses are once again adopting the early-aughts-inspired styling hack—but not in a Disney Channel type of way.) Emulate the casual outfit by finishing with flat leather boots and minimalist-approved jewelry.
6. With a fitted bomber jacket
A bomber jacket and jeans combo is one you should always keep in your back pocket. Our favorite take on the no-fuss look? Play with proportions by teaming a fitted bomber with wide-leg denim. As exhibited above, the two silhouettes balance one another out quite nicely. On the footwear front, consider heeled booties or white sneakers—this all depends on the direction you want to take the getup in and your personal style.
7. With a casual bomber jacket
Menswear-inspired fashion is here for the long haul. So if you’re seeking fresh ways to style your tie, button-down, and trousers, we recommend adding a bomber jacket to the look. The silhouette, especially in leather or nylon, lends a cool, laid-back feel to your work wardrobe. Throw a baseball cap and heels into the mix for good measure.
8. With a nylon bomber jacket
Dial up a nylon bomber’s sporty vibe with track pants—a bottom that has dominated street style this past year. From there, dress up the casual look with pointy heeled boots and high-shine statement earrings. This is one of those winning outfit formulas your peers will wish they’d thought of (and will likely copy).
