How to Style A Bomber Jacket: 7 Tips From Our Style Panel

With temperatures starting to drop, the search is on for a transitional coat. Good thing it’s Style Panel time because all systems point to finding a reliable bomber jacket. Looks range from bold printed, to classic utility numbers that can be worn day and night. Try flashing out in an embroidered look paired with metallics like Liat Neuman, or keep things clean and simple like Neguine Boustantchi in traditional amy green with suede leggings. Size up for a Rihanna look, or crop it off for something lighter.

Check out these 7 Style Panel-approved tips for wearing a bomber.

Challenge #170: How do you style a bomber jacket?

Jameela Ghann, 25
Calgary | Jam and Tea

When I wear a bomber I am seriously reminded of the 90s. This outfit is what I imagine people my age wore in the 90s. Lots of loud, bright colours, belly shirts, and oversized clothing.

I got this awesome printed bomber jacket on consignment from Joyce’s Closet, and paired it with a floral print crop top and colourful gemstone bracelets. Why not? I figured that I would tone down my bottom half with a pair of black pants and boots that I feel someone who was into grunge in the 90s would wear.

This outfit can easily be modified to make the jacket the star by wearing a solid black top instead.

Jameela’s wearing: Jacket, Joyce’s Closet; Gemstone Bracelets, Alora Boutique; Boots, Target.

Neguine Boustantchi, 23
Toronto | Neguine Boustantchi

Fall is definitely the best time to have fun with layers. I love to style my bomber jacket with dressy pieces underneath for good contrast. For this look, I chose an all black outfit with a classic sleek blazer and over-the-knee boots. The bomber definitely brings it all together nicely, adding a bit of colour and an edgy touch to the look.

Neguine’s wearing: Blazer, Mango; T-shirt, Forever;faux suede leggings, H&M; Over the knee boots, Zara; Bag, Gucci.

Liat Neuman, 39
Toronto | YomanChic

Whether it’s embroidered, oversized, silky or made by velvet, the bomber is my favourite fall piece. The pilot-inspired jacket has been seen everywhere from the runway to the street in many possible versions.

Besides the fact that the bomber is versatile, it also will instantly add an element of cool to any outfit.

With that being said I decided to team my embroidered jacket with a girly accordion pleats skirt and a pair of white shoes.

I love the idea that this look is a balance between soft femininity and sporty edge. Obviously it’s a great way to give a too-girly outfit a bit of sharpness.

Liat’s wearing; Jacket, Zara; Top, Club Monaco; Skirt, Topshop; Shoes, Zara, Bag: Aldo Rise; Choker, Topshop.

Barbara Ann Solomon, 28
Toronto | Barbara Ann’s Style Blog

Bomber coats have been a staple in my closet for as long as I can remember. The varsity aesthetic seemed to come back to me annually, just like all back-to-school essentials. Though this year, there are some definite differences to the classic.

In 2016, I’ve chosen to wear my coats oversized, more like a boyfriend bomber and paired it with tapered denim and a tee, I’ve styled my bomber the “Balenciaga way”-off the shoulders, almost falling off. This “cool girl” styling is perfect for when you want warmth but don’t need to be completely covered up.

Barbara’s wearing: Jacket, Proenza Schouler; T-shirt, Topshop Canada; Pants, Marc Jacobs; Boots, Zara; Frames, Mad In Italy.

Carleton Eckhardt, 30
Toronto | Carleton Eckhardt

I love the versatility of the bomber jacket and how the cut and style adds a fun, casual and sporty element to my outfits. I’ve styled this particular green bomber with my favourite faux leather pants and a cozy sweater for a great day-to-evening look.

Carleton’s wearing: Jacket, Zara; Sweater, Joe Fresh; Pants, Vero Moda; Shoes, Oak+Fort.

Alyssa Beltempo, 30
Ottawa | Ms. Beltempo

As with most trends, I try to find a piece with classic elements to get the most longevity out of it. So when this thrifted leather bomber came into life, I couldn’t wait for the cooler temps to arrive (for once!) and start wearing it. The texture and structure lend a more dressed look, so I paired it down with my favourite jeans, cozy sweater and a vintage fanny pack. This is my favourite way to style it since it adds the perfect touch of edgy androgyny to a simple ensemble.

Alyssa’s wearing: Jacket, Thrifted; Fanny Pack, Thrifted; Sweater, Ca Va de Soi; Jeans, AG; Boots, UGG; Glasses, Jimmy Choo at Merivale Optometric.

Sarmistha Goswami, 35
Ahmedabad, India | Style Over Coffee

A bomber jacket has always been my favourite winter essential and it’s wonderful to see this comfort piece heating up the runway. Although there are a zillion ways to style the new ‘bomber jacket’, I chose to stick to the basics. I paired my bomber jacket with a classic monochrome outfit. The polka dot print in the jacket added a strong graphic touch to the look while the fuchsia nails and ‘cool’ pendant necklace is fun and frivolous. I wanted a smart casual look so I wore ankle boots and a pair of dark wayfarers.

Sarmistha’s Wearing: Jacket ,Only; Top, Alibi Essentials; Jeans, Levi’s; Shoes, Mango; Necklace and Earrings, Local shops.

Mikayla Kuehn, 20
Toronto | MakStyle.ca

I styled this silky pink bomber jacket with a casual white t-shirt and some distressed boyfriend jeans. I paired the look with white Converse to keep it easy and casual enough for the weekend.

Mikayla’s wearing: Jacket, Valfre; T-shirt, Old Navy; Denim, Forever 21; Shoes, Converse.

Krystin Tysire, 22
Vancouver | Girl in Betsey

I love a great bomber, it’s one of my favourite trends this season, it’s super comfortable and elevates an outfit. To keep a bomber from feeling too casual or athletic I pair it with a beautiful statement piece like a stand out bag (mine is Chloé from Lyst) or a printed top. I’m coveting the satin bomber I’m wearing and have paired it with my favourite 70’s style floral blouse and high waisted frayed hem jeans. This outfit works because it mixes relaxed cool with refined for a casual eclectic look.

Krystin’s wearing: Top, Forever 21 from Lyst; Jeans, Forever 21 from Lyst; Bomber, Romwe; Bag, Chloé from Lyst; Shoes, AMIClubwear.

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