When good fashion goes bad.

Now this isn't a slate on a certain item of clothing generally, it's just that it really isn't for me. 

And honest guv, this time it doesn't work.  Not a "well this is something I can't stand, but by the end of the research I'm loving it".  Nope.  This time, it's a big fat no.  I even have the photographic evidence to prove how awful it can be. 

I am talking of.. The Bomber Jacket. 

We all know that I love a jacket and am pretty much partial to any jacket out there.  Or so I thought.... apparently I have been defeated by one.   Dear Bomber Jacket - I apologise profusely but I am not falling for your charms. 

Here is why:-

(by the way - alas, none of these are for sale anymore, this horror having been explored a couple of weeks ago, not that I would advocate any of them anyway!  If you "were" desperate to find out where they're from (?really?!), the answer is the first two beauties are from M&S Limited Edition and the second number is from Dorothy Perkins.)

Feel free to guffaw. 

Now clearly I could have tried on different sizes (even though these are the right size apparently) but even then, it's just a style with which I cannot get to grips.  

Or can I......? 

Right, I do stand by my conviction that they're not for me.  I don't know whether it's to do with being tall and the gathering in at the waist with out of proportion legs out of the bottom making me feel ever so slightly like a lollipop?  Or whether I just have enough jackets that I love and really do not need and cannot justify another style.  Either way I had sworn off them.

But I have managed to find one that actually, I think looks pretty good.  And I think I've managed to suss out the trick to buying one.  It's all in the fabric and the volume.  Less is more.  Thinner, silkier fabrics that drape work best with less gathering, resulting in less volume which means you look less like a Zeppelin about to take off.  Unless that is, of course, the look for which you were aiming.

The one that I found success with was the Kin by John Lewis Quilted Bomber jacket in navy £59

This is in a different league compared to the earlier monstrosities I tried on.  I could honestly wear this and be happy in it.





Which they also do in pale blue which would be lovely for the summer with navys and whites. 

Kin by John Lewis Bomber Jacket £59




So having sussed the ground rules, here is my pick of the High Street which, if this is a look you like, I don't think you can go wrong with. 

Reversible Bomber Jacket  £54.99 from Mango






Tencel is a fabulous floaty fabric which would eliminate the balloon. 

Tencel Bomber Jacket from Mango £59.99



Jigsaw also have a silky number in pale blue £149





And in navy 



Mint Velvet have got the Bomber Jacket totally nailed for their Sports Luxe look. (yes that is a woefully "disappeared up my own fashion backside" saying but it does what it says on the tin) 

Blush Pink Georgette Mix £89



Also gorgeous in the vanilla £89  They have it in black and peach as well online.


They also have a pearl grey one which is totally plain if you'd rather it without the zip/shoulder detailing. 

Mint Velvet Bomber Jacket in Pearl £79







Mint Velvet also do a print one which would add that extra bit of interest (without adding bulk!) to plain Spring/Summer outfits.  And also a great little jacket for throwing on over black for an evening out. 

Ellie Print Quilted Bomber Jacket £99 



Whilst this isn't silky, the fact that it's not too gathered in at the waist band and it doesn't have a round collar but is more of a nod to a blazer lapel means that it fits the bill for me.

Leather collar Bomber Jacket from Mango £59.99



Finishing with another that is your more classic bomber style but with the modern nod to the silky fabric - a fab monochrome addition to bring new life to your old black and white outfits. 

Colorblock Fleur Jacket £69 from Atterley Road




So there we have my thoughts on The Bomber Jacket.  I can see its appeal, I think it works really well for petite figures (oh and that's the other thing - I vaguely feel like an American footballer in drag in the bulkier ones) and on those who are super comfortable in a casual look.  I'm not particularly - my mega dress down look is very formulaic - either jeans and a sweat or jersey drawstrings, sweat top, leather or biker jacket, wedge trainers and hi tops.  

And to be fair, there are only so any "looks" one can adopt.  Whilst I have established I am a schizophrenic dresser, I have more than enough jacket options to parade through so this year, I will pass on the Bomber jacket.  It doesn't happen often but yes, I am not going to be buying something.  Honestly.  I promise....... (still to purchase the Fugly Sandals as well...!) 

Finishing with my outfit from today.  How lovely exactly is the sunshine?!