3 Reasons Why The Bomber Jacket Deserves A Spot In Your Wardrobe

Take flight with the season’s coolest outerwear piece

Taking cues from the runwayRunwayThe platform or catwalk on which models present a designer's collection to an audience of editors, buyers, and guests. Runway shows establish the creative statement of a season, and Vogue'sGo to Runway Glossary, let’s enter the season strong with this wardrobe staple. The bomber jacket is beloved because of its flattering silhouette and roomy fit for easy maneuverability, whether you’re Tom Cruise behind an F-18 or simply battling surging airports crowds. The style came in a multitude of iterations during the fall-winter runways, ranging from the classic leather and utilitarian nylon, to fun, glamorous renditions that include lace and sequins.  

Runway ready

Nicolas Ghesquière opened his Louis Vuitton fall 2022 ready-to-wear with sumptuous, fully leather number and paired it with wide-leg trousers for that extra stretch. At Loewe, they puffed up the already oversizedOversizedA cut that is intentionally larger and roomier than the body, producing a relaxed, voluminous silhouette. Oversized blazers, shirts, coats, and knits balance comfort with style, and they work especiallyGo to Oversized Glossary silhouette, while Elie Saab showed off dazzling jackets in head-to-toe embroidery, complete with eye-catching hues—perfect for the holiday festivities.  In Milan, Prada’s bold bombers, rendered in the brand’s popular Re-Nylon, went straight to everyone’s wishlist.

Style notes

To match the aviator jacket, one needs to play with proportions. Try pairing one with a sheer tiered skirt from MM6 Maison Margiela or dress it up with shimmery Philipp Plein maxi dress. The footwear of choice? Playful and holiday-ready looks are best paired with sparkly bow pumps from the likes of Mach & Mach, while those looking for prep school cool might want a pair of classic black lace-ups from Alexander McQueen. Oh, and don’t forget to slide in some black leather gloves for an extra statement. 

On the daily, embrace the schoolgirl get-up and pull out a sleek iridescent bomber from Our Legacy or an oversized smooth leather option from Brunello Cucinelli. Bring in some flow and flare into the look with a pleated skirt from Marni or Patou and then ground it with Church’s derbies. 

Here’s how to style your bomber jacket this season:

Work Wear

The bomber’s classic silhouette, especially when done in sumptuous leather, is the perfect topper to a utilitarian-inspired ensemble.

Bombers Away

For a fresh take on the bomber’s military and utilitarian connotations, slip on shine with a jacket surfaced with sequins. Take the wattage even further and pair it with a dress in complementing midnight sparkle.

Puffer Play

Juxtapose an easy, laid-back cool to evening wear with bombers that are part work-wear and part wear-anywhere comfort.

A version of this story originally appeared in Vogue Philippines’ December-January 2023 Issue. Subscribe here.