The aviator jacket has been featuring in the top fashion shows, for both men and women’s fashion, since last autumn. The continuing trend for military inspired looks this summer means that the aviator jacket has landed in earnest, and looks set to be a frequent flyer on the top runways for some years to come. With the versatility that every truly classic leather jacket design seems to hold, the aviator jacket continues to lend itself to an increasing variety of new and rediscovered styles this season. An obvious centrepiece of the military look, the aviator jacket can also combine perfectly with a more preppy, light and casual look that is perfect for the warm weather.
Top designers like Paul Smith have continued to feature military inspired looks quite heavily this year, and this must be welcomed by the silent majority of men who like not only minimalist styles, but have limited shopping time. The vintage/ surplus look is both flexible and inexpensive, with the aviator jacket a natural centrepiece for such an ensemble that is not just stylish, but very practical for the British climate.
One of the fresher and stronger trends for this summer is the major comeback of the necktie, various incarnations of which are being heavily pushed in fashion magazines. Just a quick look at Leonardo DiCaprio in the Aviator will show just how well a necktie can be paired with the aviator jacket, an injection of flair to lift the muted slate grey and forest green tones so prevalent in military style apparel. To offset the possibly foppish connotations of the necktie, the whole look can be toughened up with some sturdy army surplus style boots.

On the other hand, the aviator jacket also works well with chinos and loafers. For confirmation of this approach, you need look no further than Tom Cruise in Top Gun. Chinos and loafers can of course form part of a lighter, preppy kind of look, which has been pushed by the likes of Moschino and Vivienne Westwood on the catwalks of late. The American Preppy look allows for garish exploration of colour, as a nice counterpoint to the muted tones of the military look, and a refreshing alternative when the sun is shining.
