LIFE & STYLE

Bombs Away

Today may be a little warm, but this morning’s news told me that cold temperatures are in the (very) near future. I know you obvi can’t see me, but just trust. I’m jumping with joy. The golden days of layering are finally here! Every year as winter rolls around, all the fashion magazines and store advertisements rave about layering. It’s with good reason my friends. Mixing and matching different items in your wardrobe means endless outfit opportunities! It also means being forever cozy. No complaints here. When you’re layering pieces, you’re obviously covering others, but that doesn’t mean you have to hide your personal style. It’s all about making a statement, and this winter, I’m making mine with bombers.

The bomber jacket is a classic style for both guys and gals. They keep you warm without compromising your #look. From satin to (faux) fur, bombers come in about a million different styles. Okay, maybe that was a little bit of an exaggeration, but still, there are tons of different kinds, and I’m gonna break down a few of my favorites to share with you.

The Simple Bomber

This bomber is the throw-on-with-anything bomber. It makes a statement, but keeps things neutral. Paired with jeans, it adds a military vibe. Draped over your shoulder, it says that you keep things simple, but clearly know what's in. Everyone, step aside, the new Kim Kardashian has arrived. Just kidding...but forreal. Does anyone have a trust fund that they would like to entrust in me? I wouldn't normally take style tips from the heiress, but the draped jacket is my go-to. Sorry mom, I know you hate it. 

Typically, these bombers are olive green or black, but don't be afraid to play with color. You can still keep it chic and simple AND have a fun statement color. Try burgundy or blue. Mine is a cool teal/navy combination. Lean in close. I have a secret. This bomber is actually a men's bomber! I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Shopping in the men's section is fun! Just because it say's men's on the tag doesn't mean you can't totally rock it. Chances are, you can, and probably way better than most guys. 

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I promise it has a teal hue. You just can't tell in these pics. Oh, and btw, my Grandpa built that car. Yeah, he's pretty badass. 

I promise it has a teal hue. You just can't tell in these pics. Oh, and btw, my Grandpa built that car. Yeah, he's pretty badass. 

Get your own staple bomber by clicking on the pictures below!

The Satin Embroidered Bomber

That's a mouthful, but #issalook. You would be lying to me if you told me that you haven't seen at least 3 people wearing embroidered bombers this season. There's a reason why they've been so popular--because they're beautiful. Duh!

The satin really adds a luxury feel to any look, while the embroidery creates a sense of uniqueness. These pieces are meant to stand out! Even though you don't have to, I suggest pairing them with neutral pieces. Make the whole look about your bomber. Btw, neutral doesn't mean boring. You can wear all black without looking boring. For example, I love to wear mine with my black lace dress. It's neutral enough that my bomber is the shining (literally) star, but shows that I love to have fun with my look. 

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Shout out to @_dotmo for thinking I looked rad enough to submit my style to WGSN. 

Shout out to @_dotmo for thinking I looked rad enough to submit my style to WGSN. 

Now, I don't typically give into fads, and while I am definitely, willingly giving into this one, there are still anti-fad tips to shop by. Embroidery is okay. Applique is okay. BUT, pretty please try to find some that don't look like the rest. I'm so tired of seeing the same red roses and carnations on every piece of embroidered clothing, from shoes (sorry Gucci), to jeans, to bombers. So, with that being said, try to find something a little different. Here are a few options to help start with your search. 

The Professional Bomber

Yes! You can wear a bomber and still look professional! The professional bomber is an office friendly, neutral piece that adds a bit of an edge to a pencil skirt, or black slacks. Everyone in the office is used to seeing some kind of variation of the blazer (read this piece that I wrote about blazers!), and while I'm definitely not knocking on the blazer (because I love me some blazers), there's no harm in switching it up a bit. The professional bomber does not have to be solid! In fact, I suggest that you stay away from solids all together in this category. Have fun with it. Offices are already boring. Don't let your style fall victim to the vibe. 

Just because I'm calling this style of bomber the "professional" bomber, doesn't mean it has to be just that. On the weekends, throw it on with some boyfriend jeans, a tee, and some sneakers. Or for a casual brunch with friends, wear it like I did, with high-waisted jeans, combat boots, and a turtleneck. 

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From far away, this blazer just looks gray, but up close you can see the check detail, and even a little pop of purple! Did you see that I matched my nails? It's all in the small details my friends. 

From far away, this blazer just looks gray, but up close you can see the check detail, and even a little pop of purple! Did you see that I matched my nails? It's all in the small details my friends. 

Be the office's cool girl by getting your own professional bomber!

The (Faux) Fur Bomber

This one is by far my favorite version of the bomber. The (faux) fur bomber is for the most daring fashionista. This bomber is truly a standout piece. Here is where I am really going to encourage you to get as funky as you possibly can. It's (faux) fur damnit! It's already crazy, so why not go all out?! Pick a bold color, or pattern, and wear that baby confidently. Even though this is the most outrageous version (that I mentioned) of the bomber, it's actually the easiest to wear. Throw it on with jeans, a tee, and sneaks, with a dress and heels, or even throw it on with a turtleneck and skirt. Just be prepared for everyone to pet you. It will happen. There's no avoiding it. 

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Don't you just want to touch it? I know you do...

Don't you just want to touch it? I know you do...

Have I convinced you to get a (faux) fur bomber yet? If not, maybe these ones will change that...

It looks like you have lots of shopping to do! I'm going to leave you to that. Comment below, and let me know which style of bomber is your personal fave!

 

xoxo, 

Zoey Leigh