Aviator Jacket Outfits for Women: 6 Fall and Winter Looks
An aviator jacket is the cold-weather leather jacket that does the most work: a wide collar, a warm build and a shape that sits comfortably over knits. These aviator jacket outfits for women show how to wear one with jeans, dresses and boots this fall and winter, and how to keep the proportions right whether your jacket is cropped or hip length.
Quick answer: For the easiest aviator jacket outfits for women, wear the jacket with slim or straight jeans, a fitted knit and ankle or knee boots. Balance the collar and volume with a streamlined bottom half, choose cropped styles for high-rise trousers and dresses, and hip-length styles for the coldest days and longer sweaters.
What is a women's aviator jacket?
The aviator grew out of the heavy flight jackets made for bomber crews in the 1930s, who flew at high altitude in bitterly cold, unpressurized aircraft. The B-3, introduced in 1934, set the template: a warmly lined body, a wide collar that could be strapped closed and a short, roomy cut.
Today's women's versions keep the spirit but come in lighter, more wearable cuts. You will see shearling-collared styles, jackets with a belted collar that fastens at the neck, blouson aviators that gather into a fitted waistband, and cropped versions that end at the waist. If you are unsure how an aviator differs from a classic bomber, our guide to aviator vs bomber jackets explains it.
What are the best aviator jacket outfits for women this fall and winter?
1. Straight jeans, a turtleneck and ankle boots
The classic. A fine turtleneck in cream, camel or black, mid-wash straight jeans and leather ankle boots let the collar be the focal point. It works with every aviator style and every jacket color.
2. A sweater dress and knee-high boots
A ribbed knit or sweater dress that ends at the knee, plus tall boots, is warm and polished. A cropped aviator shows off the waist; a hip-length one makes the outfit feel cozy and relaxed.
3. A slip or midi dress for contrast
Pairing a rugged jacket with a fluid satin or floral midi dress is one of the most flattering ways to wear an aviator. Add a fine knit underneath on cold days and finish with lug-sole boots. For more ideas, see our guide to wearing a leather jacket with a dress.
4. Wide-leg trousers and a fitted knit
Wide-leg trousers need a jacket that stops at the natural waist, so this is the moment for a cropped or blouson aviator. Tuck in a fitted knit and wear heeled boots or loafers to keep the line long.
5. Slim trousers and a chunky sweater
On the coldest days, a chunky knit under a hip-length aviator with slim black trousers or leggings and flat boots keeps you warm without losing shape. One bulky layer is enough, so keep the bottom half narrow.
6. Tonal neutrals
A brown suede aviator with cream, oatmeal and camel layers looks soft and expensive. A black leather aviator with charcoal and black does the same in a sharper key. Keep accessories in the same family.
Three aviator styles that cover these outfits, from soft brown suede to a sleek black cropped cut:
Women's Brown Suede Shearling Aviator Jacket
Women's Black Lambskin Aviator Jacket with Belted Collar
Women's Black Lambskin Cropped Aviator Jacket
Cropped or hip length: which aviator suits your outfits?
Length changes everything about how an aviator wears, so think about the bottoms you live in.
- Cropped aviators end at or just above the waist. They are best with high-rise jeans, wide-leg trousers, midi skirts and dresses, and they suit petite frames because they show more leg. Our cropped leather jacket outfits guide has more pairings.
- Hip-length aviators cover more of the body and feel warmer. They work with straight jeans, slim trousers and longer sweaters, and they are the better choice if you walk or commute in the cold.
- Blouson aviators sit in between: the body is roomy, but the gathered waistband pulls it in, so they look neat with almost any bottom.
If a sweater shows below the hem, let it peek out by an inch or two at most, or tuck it in front.
How do you balance the volume of an aviator jacket?
- Keep the bottom half streamlined. Slim or straight jeans, fitted trousers and sleek boots balance a big collar.
- Choose one statement texture. Let the collar do the talking and skip a bulky scarf when it is buttoned or strapped up.
- Wear the collar two ways. Open and folded back looks relaxed; closed at the neck looks sharper and keeps out wind.
- Pick a crossbody bag rather than a large shoulder bag that crushes the collar.
Which aviator jacket color is easiest to wear?
- Black is the sleekest and easiest to dress up. It looks sharp with charcoal, gray, cream and every shade of denim, and it hides wear well on daily commutes.
- Brown, especially in suede, feels warmer and softer. It shines with cream, camel, olive and rust, and it suits relaxed weekend outfits and countryside walks.
- Tan and lighter browns brighten dark winter outfits, but show marks sooner, so they suit occasional wear more than a daily commute.
If this is your only cold-weather jacket, black is the safest bet. If you already own a black leather jacket, a brown aviator adds more variety to your wardrobe.
Which boots and shoes go with an aviator jacket?
Boots are the natural partner. Lug-sole or heeled ankle boots, knee-high riding boots and lace-up combat boots all suit the jacket's rugged roots. Chelsea boots are a sleek option with trousers, and clean white sneakers work for relaxed weekends. Skip delicate sandals and very thin-soled flats, which look too light under a heavy jacket.
How do you care for an aviator jacket?
Treat suede and smooth leather a little differently. Brush suede with a soft suede brush to lift the nap and keep it out of heavy rain; our guide on how to clean a suede jacket covers spots and stains. Wipe smooth leather with a soft cloth and condition it occasionally. If the collar gets wet, blot it, then let the jacket dry naturally away from radiators and direct heat.
Between seasons, hang it on a wide, shaped hanger in a breathable cover and keep it out of direct sunlight.
FAQ
Are aviator jackets warm enough for winter?
Most are warmer than a standard leather jacket thanks to the wide collar and heavier build. How warm depends on the lining and length, so layer a knit underneath for freezing days.
Should a women's aviator jacket be fitted or oversized?
Aim for room to layer a sweater without the shoulders slipping off. It should feel relaxed, not borrowed, with sleeves ending around the wrist bone.
Can you wear an aviator jacket with a dress?
Yes. Knit, slip and midi dresses all work, and the contrast between a rugged jacket and a soft dress is a big part of the appeal. Add boots to tie it together.
Can petite women wear an aviator jacket?
Yes. Choose a cropped or blouson style that ends at the waist, keep the collar open to lengthen the neckline, and pair it with high-rise jeans or trousers and a slight heel or platform boot.
What colors go with a brown suede aviator?
Cream, camel, oatmeal, olive, rust and denim blue look best. Black works too, but softer neutrals bring out the warmth of brown suede.
Choose one of these aviator jacket outfits for women and build your fall and winter wardrobe around it. Browse our shearling jackets or the full range of women's bomber jackets, each made by hand from genuine leather in our workshop.