THE JOURNAL

MR PORTER is all about placing the latest menswear trends in context – style over fashion, if you will. That is why we are buzzing to introduce our Ways To Wear series, which spotlights key pieces and slots them into ready-made outfits. Some men make styling look easy, but knowing which shirt to pair with which shoes is an art form – a literal career, in fact. And why should you stress over how to wear floral print or distressed denim when our fashion editors have outfit ideas coming out of their ears?
Which brings us to our first item: the bomber jacket. This season, there is an embarrassment of lightweight bombers in every hue and fabric. Below, we have picked out three that you can wear for work, the weekend and after hours. And we suggest what to wear with each one, so all you have to do is add to bag.
01.
The weekend bomber

Menswear pedants will argue that, technically, this AMIRI jacket falls under the “varsity” category, but you can’t blame us for including it. Thanks to the combination of intricate embroidery and a minimalist colourway, it is the sort of essential you can casually throw on over anything but still look like you’ve given it some thought.
Lean into the athletic undertones by teaming it with sporty dad sneakers, a Gallery Dept. T-shirt and half-zip jersey. You get the idea. Balancing it all out with Adish’s tailored chinos will inject the right amount of sophistication and nicely mirror the neutral tones of those New Balances.
A great outfit should include an element of the unexpected. Here, LOEWE’s tangerine tote bag adds a bright burst of colour, while the distressed leather lends it an unpretentious quality. Finish everything off with some silver jewellery by Ellie Mercer and Tom Wood for an overall result that feels complete and considered, yet no less laid-back.
02.
The office bomber

A blazer might still be the workwear uniform of choice in the corporate realm, but if your nine-to-five permits you to wear whatever you like, a tailored jacket reads a touch too stuffy. This sumptuous TOM FORD bomber is a suitable work-appropriate alternative. It is cut for a flattering fit, is made from supple full-grain leather and is an investment that you can treasure for a lifetime.
This is an elevated piece, but pairing it with semi-smart clothes will show you mean business. UMIT BENAN B+’s top-stitched denim shirt strikes that ideal balance of refined and pared back that is perfect for more relaxed workplaces. Brioni’s tapered trousers in brilliant white will lift those darker tones for spring.
You could easily get away with your everyday sneakers here, but if you’re hoping to impress in the office, slip on a pair of Manolo Blahnik’s timeless penny loafers. Finally, a sleek leather portfolio, a pair of tortoiseshell glasses and, if you are one for the finer details, Bell & Ross’ copper-dial watch will echo those rich brown tones and land you top marks with colleagues and clients.
03.
The evening bomber

This spring, Dries Van Noten is coaxing us into leopard print with a bomber that is sure to turn heads. If you are bold enough to give this statement-making jacket a go, what should you wear with it?
The rest of your outfit should complement rather than compete with the jacket, so choose a pared-back palette that won’t detract from the star of the show. May we suggest SAINT LAURENT’s elegant silk-chiffon black shirt, contrasted with a white cotton tank, and Gucci’s grey wool trousers?
Lift the whole ensemble with a solid gold chain by Pearls Before Swine and Cartier’s classic Ballon Bleu watch. Bottega Veneta’s subtly on-trend intrecciato messenger bag and Gucci’s backless loafers will ensure you are the best-dressed man of the evening.