Bombers ahoy

Hats off to the military! They definitely know how to look good. Male fashion owes a lot to the men in uniform—from camouflage jackets to fatigues to the navy blazer to aviator sunglasses. Now add to that list the bomber jacket. Originally worn as short but warm jackets by aviators, the rugged bomber is now a fixture in every Fall collection. Their versatility has increased as designs have become more streamlined. The bomber can now be worn with a tie instead of a blazer. We bring you a planeload of looks for this winter.

Colour contrast
A simple way to get a great look is to contrast the colours of the clothes you’re wearing. In this look, a classic bomber is teamed with a steel grey shirt and striped tie. The contrasting colours add depth, and the glasses add a dose of pilot chic.

He’s wearing:
Jacket from Tommy Hilfiger for Rs 7,495
Shirt from H2O for Rs 1,750 Tie from H2O for Rs 1,650
Trousers from Canali for Rs 21,000 Belt from Esprit for Rs 1,800
Sunglasses from Ermenegildo Zegna for Rs 11,000

The reversible bomber
Many styles of bombers—though not all—are reversibles. This effectively makes them two jackets for the price of one, and gives you multiple options. If you’re wearing it casually, but not too casually, then team it with a khaki shirt—checked or plain—and some cool shades, and you get this dressed down look. To get a smart formal look, just flip the jacket over and wear it with a tie.

He’s wearing:
Jacket from Canali for Rs 35,000
Shirt from Lacoste for Rs 3,450
Tie from Esprit for Rs 2,500
Trousers from Esprit for Rs 2,800

He’s wearing:
Jacket from Canali for Rs 35,000
Shirt from Esprit for Rs 3,200
Trousers from Lacoste for Rs 5,250
Belt from Esprit for Rs 1,800
Shoes from Da Milano for Rs 8,995

The leather bomber
If you don’t fancy patterns on your jacket, you could always go for a plain leather bomber. But first, a word about the welt around the waist—when buying a bomber, make sure that the welt isn’t too tight. If it is, then zipping up the jacket might give you an unflattering “balloon” effect.

He’s wearing:
Jacket from Hugo Boss for Rs 1,29,100
Trousers from Esprit for Rs 2,800
Sunglasses from Ermenegildo Zegna for Rs 11,000

There’s hardly anything sexier than a fitted leather bomber. Cropped jackets ending at your waist give just the right definition. Leather bombers come in various styles—like this one (left) modelled on a motorcycle jacket. Wear it with jeans or wear it with trousers, this one is sure to turn heads.

He’s wearing:
Jacket from Cue for Rs 11,500
Trousers from Esprit for Rs 2,800

The slim look
Wear a fitted turtleneck vest and skinny jeans and top it off with a pair of canvas shoes. Voila! you’re a Mod.

He’s wearing:
Suede jacket from Da Milano for Rs 8,980
Vest fromTommy Hilfiger for Rs 3,995
Jeans from Cue for Rs 3,550

The original MA-1 nylon jackets—which inspired the bomber—came in green. But now they come in a wider colour palette and in a wide range of fabrics. This suede jacket is a prime example of a bomber re-designed to give you a slimmer look. Coupled with a skinny tie, a smart checked shirt and fitted trousers, this is an unbeatable look.

He’s wearing:
Suede jacket from Da Milano for Rs 8,980
Shirt from H20 for Rs 2,450
Tie from H20 for Rs 1,650
Trousers from FCUK for Rs 4,695
Belt from Esprit for Rs 990
Shoes from Lacoste for Rs 7,500

The preppy look
To get a great silhouette and a layered look, wear your bomber with a cardigan and tie. The jacket keeps the wind chill down while the cardigan keeps you warm. The preppy look is all the rage this season and with this jacket you can’t go wrong.

He’s wearing:
Jacket from Esprit for Rs 4,500
Shirt from H2O for Rs 2,250
Tie from Cue for Rs 1,650
Cardigan from Hugo Boss for Rs 17,850
Denim from FCUK for Rs 4,695
Sunglasses from Ermenegildo Zegna for Rs 11,000
Shoes from Lacoste for Rs 7,500

Simplicity
While dressing up—or down—pay attention to your silhouette. Unless the jacket fits you really well, avoid baggy bombers at all cost. Fitted jackets work very well, and you don’t look fat with the jacket zipped up. Simplicity is everything. When in doubt, go for a simple, elegant jacket, a classic white shirt and layer it with a sweater. Easy.

He’s wearing:
Jacket from FCUK for Rs 5,295
Shirt from Esprit for Rs 2,800
Sweater from Esprit for Rs 4,000
Trousers from Esprit for Rs 2,800
Shoes from Lacoste for Rs 6,550
Sunglasses from Ermenegildo Zegna for Rs 11,000