There’s nothing more useful than seeing the same item styled lots of different ways.
Well how about 6 different ways on 6 different women?
A few weeks ago, Next gave myself and 5 other bloggers the challenge to style the same jersey bomber jacket, each in our own way. Now I was a bit nervous of the bomber jacket look. It’s right up there with skate shoes, i.e. I need to see more 40+ girls rocking the look before I am convinced there’s a gap in my wardrobe but the challenged was put to me so I accepted!
Here we all are rocking our different looks…
Liz, Fiona, Frances, Myself, Joanna & Michelle
I was responsible for pulling the collage together so after seeing all the girls in their looks, I had a last minute change of heart and went for floral trousers instead of jeans.
Here is my look in more detail..
Grey Jersey Bomber Jacket – c/o Next
Trousers – H&M (AW12 – I actually wore these first on Christmas Day 2012!)
White Top – Warehouse (recent sale purchase)
Necklace – SGS Shop
Black Loafer Pumps – M&S (last week’s sale purchase)
So…what about the bomber. Well, I’m loving the the fact that it’s so comfortable, you can wear it like a cardigan or a sweatshirt all day indoors and out. I’m also liking that it’s casual but not denim so it works with all my jeans…this guarantees it will get lots of wear. That and the fact that it’s grey!
I would say the size 12 I got is a little on the big side for me but I am conscious that it may get smaller with washing and it’s only the arms that feel too big so pushing them up works a treat. I’m also going to take advantage of the bigger fit and try layering it with a denim jacket like Frances did.
And here’s a more casual look from the day before with distressed jeans from Gap, my grey Clarks ankle boots and a jersey top from Heatons in one of my most favourite shades of pink/purple.
I hope you enjoy reading the posts from everyone else – click on their names under the photo to go straight through to their blogs.
Liz, Fiona, Frances, Joanna & Michelle
Thanks to Next for providing this bomber jacket free of charge for the purpose of this review.
All opinions are of course my own 
Ax
It looks brilliant with both the floral trousers and the denim too. It really is very versatile isn’t it. I’m definitely going to take inspiration from the rest of you and steal some style ideas xxx
Thanks Liz – I’ve ordered a striped top just liked yours after seeing your look! It was lovely to work with you on this collaboration, Ax
Loving all the looks, I agree with you, I love seeing everyone’s take on the same jacket
You all look great, the jackets, your trousers and Fiona’s red shoes too…
Thank you Claire – it’s just brilliant seeing so many looks at once, isn’t it? I’m also loving Fiona’s red shoes…need me a pair of red flats I think! Ax
It’s so interesting to see the same jacket styled in so many different ways. Like you I’ve steered clear of the bomber jacket – to be honest, I’m not sure that the style of the collar suits me. But I love the way you’ve all styled it and it is definitely a great alternative to a cardi or sweater. Love the grey shade!
Thanks Helen, I tried to go a bit dressier knowing that I’ve lots of readers who wouldn’t want to only wear it with jeans. I think it will look great with a maxi dress so I’m looking forward to rocking that look soon! Ax
I love both your looks Avril. I wore the 10 and I would say it’s a good healthy generous size 10 and hope that (like yours) it will reduce only ever so slightly once washed.
The colours of the pink t and the layering tshirt with the jeans and boots is gorgeous.
Isn’t it great to see it styled SO differently on such different body shapes.
I will be wearing this A LOT!
Fiona
x
Loving all the looks you created today also Fiona – it looks amazing with the jumpsuit…I need a jumpsuit in my life! Ax
Reminds me of the grey one from last season that I had, lovely on you avril. Ordered a red myself, I hope I like!
You’re right Hollie – it’s exactly like that biker one from last year! Must have a look back to see your outfits with it for more inspiration, Ax
Love the Bomber jacket with the floral trousers and the beautiful necklace, it looks fab on you, super stylish and such a great, edgier alternative to a cardigan. xx
I like how you’ve worded that Frances – an edgy cardigan! It’s going to get so much wear…might have to invest in the red after seeing your outfit…LOVE it with the denim jacket underneath. Ax
You have hit the nail on the head Avril……this jacket is a fab alternative to a denim jacket! It is so versatile! It is so great to see how eveyone has styled their’s…..I really look forward to seeing it more on these ladies over the coming weeks so I can steal everyone’s else style ;0) xx
And much more comfy than a denim jacket too! I can’t wait to wear it with a maxi dress like you have…and with harem pants as well. I’m definitely taking it to New York with me – will be perfect on the flight over! Ax
Love how you’ve teamed it with the printed trousers Avril, it looks fab & it’s great to see everyone’s different interpretations too.
Jane xx
My Midlife Fashion
Thanks Jane – it’s great how independently, we’ve gone for different looks. Such a great wee jacket, Ax
You’ve hit the nail on the head – it will be so comfy to wear as a cardigan or a jacket and that’s really important if something is going to work for you. I was just saying on Frances’ post that I actually have a similar one from last year as well so I dug it out today after seeing all of your posts.
What’s nice about this is that it has shades of the bomber without going full on with the look which might scare some people but because there are no contrast sleeves and fancy logos on it. Good call on the grey though I did think you might have gone with the red. It’s always good to surprise!
I know – I did dither over the red but we had 3 reds and 2 greys and the OCD streak in me decided to go for the grey to balance things up! lol.. but I was also a bit scared of the look and I knew that the grey would be easier to pull off. But I’m converted..mainly because it’s not got the logos and different arms etc..you know me too well! Loving wearing it in the office these cooler days…it’s so cosy but not naff like a hoodie! Ax
Glad you had the change of heart, the jacket looks great with the floral trousers. Loving the necklace too, overall a great look, I’d happily take you to lunch wearing that xx
You can take me to lunch ANY time! I think the trousers are a bit marmite but I love them as they are not what you’d immediately think of putting with such a casual jacket. Thanks lovely, Ax
I love bombers jackets & this one is just great! I love how you’ve all styled it in your own ways but all look totally fabulous! xx
Thank you Andrea…it’s great that even though we sometimes get accused of copying each other, we all actually have quite a different sense of style. It’s why I love reading all these blogs, including yours! Ax
I LOVE the lilac top with it!! They really are versatile aren’t they – the weight of it is perfect for the spring and summer too…thrilled with mine! xx
Oh I love all your looks J! It’s great with the denim shorts especially…so great doing this collab…roll on the next one! Ax
What a great post and I love all the style options. Not familiar with Next (in Canada) but going to check them out now that I’ve seen this post…oh and going to check everyone else’s post too.
Thank you Iva! You guys *need* a Next over in Canada – it’s a great store! Ax
It does look really comfortable and easy to style. I could see it becoming quite the go-to for heading on a run out. I like it with the floral trousers and commend your braveness with that choice! Really lovely with the casual jeans, making me wish I wore jeans lol great post – off to check out everyone else now. Love these styles of posts xx
I needed to shake it up a bit…when I saw 4 photos with jeans, I thought I better put a bit more thought into this! Though realistically, it will be worn with jeans going forward…wearing it almost every day here and it’s keeping me cosy in the office as I work! Thanks for dropping by Sera, Ax
I love this post, so great to see how you’ve all styled it. Love yours Avril with the floral trousers – it will go with so many things.
Abbi x
Thank you Abbi! It’s great to see different styles on different shapes. Really helps people to visualise how it will fit in their wardrobe. Hope you’re keeping well lovely – I’m well overdue a catch up with your blog..heading over there now! Ax
You all look so different Avril, what a great challenge. I can’t decide which colour I like the best as you all look great x
Thanks Donna – we’re all SO very different! Though I did look alot like Michelle in my first lot of photos…lol! Great minds and all that! Ax
I think it works for all of you really, really well. I love the way you have styled it. H xx
Thanks Helen – I love seeing how everyone styled theirs. All so different! Ax
Like the Gap jeans look. Don’t think the jacket does the floral jeans any favours.
It’s a safe option with the jeans – I just really wanted to try something a bit different that people wouldn’t have immediately thought of! x