The bomber jacket is not quite mainstream, but I have a hunch that it will be by Fall. It’s a pretty wearable style that is available in an assortment of cuts, colours, lengths, patterns and fabrications. It’s extremely comfortable, and was one of the jackets at recent runway shows. Alongside moto-style jackets, be prepared to see lots of bombers in retail stores. 

Most bomber jackets are being styled with jeans, shorts, casual pants and dressier trousers. These are natural pairings that work well. But I’m most excited about pairing my lace bomber with frocks. I’ve been neglecting my dresses because I’m on a trouser kick. But as soon as the weather warms up, I’ll be wearing my frocks with a bomber. I’m loving the combination for four reasons:  

1. The boxier proportions feel modern and new.
2. It makes a nice roomy change to the tailored moto and denim jackets that I usually layer over dresses.
3. It’s one way to inject life back into my orphaned frocks. 
4. It’s a great way to dress up the bomber while dressing down the dress. 
5. It effectively de-bombshells a body con dress. 

The photos below show dress and bomber pairings. Bombers are both short and longer. Here are guidelines on how to achieve the look:  

• Straight dresses are an easy pairing because they provide a sleek underlayer for a boxy bomber. 
• If you don’t have a straight “sheath-like” dress, create the same proportions with a pencil skirt and top. 
• Boxy bombers can also work over flared dresses, but you might find that the cropped versions provide more flattering proportions. This is not a strict rule, but probably the right way to go when you’re petite in height. 
• Keep the jacket unzipped because it creates an attractive and often slimming vertical line down the front of the body.
• Scrunch the sleeves for extra structure. It’s amazing how showcasing forearm skin adds a tailored effect to an outfit. 
• By all means pattern mix the bomber and dress. 

For street style inspiration, check out this bomber over a body con sheath, one matched with a flared dress, and another worn with a straight skirt on my Outfits Pinboard.