Bomber jacket outfits can be as smart or as casual as you please and we have a few key ideas to keep your bomber style bang up to date.

Oversize is one of the season's big fashion stories and oversized silk or nylon bombers are no exception. Think a few sizes bigger than you'd usually wear and, if you dare, go for day-glo colours.

Original air force bomber jackets, after all, had a bright orange lining so that pilots could be seen and rescued if they had the misfortune to crash. Today's designers have been playing with fabrics and fitted velvet bombers were big news on the catwalks. Elegant quilted leather is the luxury bomber look of the season adding a deluxe feel to this classic jacket.

Think you can't wear a bomber with high heels or boots? Think again. Go monochrome for a smart night out with a black loose-fit T-shirt under a quilted leather bomber teamed with a knee-length black pencil skirt and heels to add further attitude.

A black silk bomber makes for a perfect cocktail piece over a favourite party dress in a solid primary colour with knee-high black boots. Trust us, you'll knock 'em dead.

What the designers are calling "athleisure" really is the biggest trend of this season. Think anything sporty and you're right there.

Bombers are ideal to achieve this look. Team a bomber in athletic fleece with a white mesh T-shirt and black sweatpants finished with minimalist white trainers for a relaxed take on this sporty trend. Grey leggings work perfectly with a tailored black silk bomber over a grey sweat tank top. Now get out there and play!

The key with a bomber, as we've said, is its versatility. Once it's in your wardrobe, it's going to be right out again more times than you'd expect. The heritage of the bomber jacket always adds an edge to the simplest shopping outfit. Whether you're choosing oversized or tailored, team your bomber casually with your skinny jeans and a blouse and you'll see what we mean. Street cred? Done!