We all feel it. The air outside is starting to get a nip early in the morning, and you know what that means: it’s layering season! But what to wear? Cardigans come and go, but you can never steer wrong with a leather jacket.

If you’re wanting to spice up your layering game this season, here’s the key: bomber jackets.

Bomber jackets, also called A-2 flight jackets, originated purely from need. Fighter pilots during WWII needed a sustainable jacket to keep them protected from the high-altitude weather, while also being mobile enough to accommodate plane operation.

Insert Leslie Irvin, the man accredited with designing the first sheepskin flight jacket, and the rest is history. Decade after decade the jacket became less about functionality and more about style.

From James Dean to Steve McQueen, the bomber jacket has had many debuts over the years. But the nineties take the cake!

Following a “bring back the 90s” trend, bomber jackets are making a big splash at this year’s fashion week. Balmain, a fashion brand recently made recognizable by the Kardashians and Jenners, featured a line of bomber jackets in their SS14 show. And they completely revitalized it.

Gone are the bulky necklines of classic “flight jackets” from the 1950s. With a slimmer lapel and more lightweight material, bomber jackets have been finding their way into everyone’s closet this year. Today on the runway they’re being adorned with buckles, sequins, eyelets — anything to keep it interesting. They’re the “It Girl” of outerwear!

For day to day, bomber jackets do two things right. First, they give the right amount of slouch with just enough sophistication to keep it classy.

Bombers have a naturally relaxed fit that sends the aura of “effortless cool” we all covet in these cold autumn months. Second, they are versatile. Fashion bloggers from all ends of the style spectrum love bomber jackets because they go with everything. They are easy to dress up or dress down; the choice is yours!

Plus, the variety of styles are endless. Bold prints and metallic hues are always challenging to pull off, but nothing is too much if we’re talking about making a statement. If you’re not the kind of person to let the clothes wear you, fear not.

Textured prints are here to stay! A distressed denim bomber or a tweed texture is all you need to keep up with the trend this fall. Style with your favorite pair of acid-wash denim, joggers, pencil pants or even a plain skirt. The possibilities are limitless.

Visit ASOS and Topshop online to get some high-quality bombers to rock on campus this winter. If you’re looking for a wallet friendly option, Kohl’s and Target always have them for a good price.

Happy shopping!