We all know the stereotype, dads don’t know how to dress themselves. Well, there is less truth to them not knowing how to dress and more with the focus shifting from themselves to their families. They don’t have time to worry about how they’re dressed. They are worried about how they will provide for and protect the ones in their lives who depend on them. So, you can change their image by replacing their tucked-in polos, jorts, and lawn-mowing white sneakers. You can elevate their wardrobes with just one of these simple but elegant additions to offset their lack of focus. And maybe, just maybe, you can reignite the stylish gent that landed your mother in the first place.
Stylish shirts
Linen shirt from Thomas Pink
Thomas Pink is a part of the British sartorial explosion here across the pond. The English gentleman is one of the premier looks the stylish man is going for, and their linen shirts have been some of the best on the market this season. Pick one up and have your dad look fresh for his summer get-togethers.
Workwear shirt from Taylor Stitch
Last fall, I became obsessed with the workwear look. Part of it had to do with Brad Pitt working his photoshoot with the fresh buzzcut and rugged appearance. Part of it was the mix of textures and colors. Taylor Stitch was my go-to and still is. It will always be the place I go to, so hook your dad up with a workwear shirt from TS and change how he views his workwear.
Stylish pants
Jeans from DUER
Speaking of obsessed, your dad and I will likely share the same obsession with being able to move freely. That is why I love DUER. Whether you get one of their flagship denim looks with the gusset to keep from ripping the crotch or their stretch fabrics built for movement and “getting sh*t done” for the DUERs, you can’t go wrong with upping your dad’s denim game.
Linen pants from Percival
The 70s silhouettes are back. And that means your dad will likely feel right at home in the looser fit linen pants from Percival. I have personally tested these out, and they are by far my favorite pants of the season. Go ahead and get them along with the linen shirts above, and you will have him comfy standing at the grill in the back yard this summer.
Stylish jackets
Jardigan from Buck Mason
Speaking of obsessed, I also fell hard for the jardigan last year. I travel a great deal and have rules for traveling. One of them is that I take a jardigan with me everywhere I go. Not only can I wear it for a dinner out and remain comfortable, but I also love wearing it for coffee every morning and keep my routine. A cardigan cut like a sports coat? Your dad will love it.
Denim jacket from Fabletics
This season, I started buying into the denim jacket trend. Whether I am wearing it with a tee or pairing it with a similar color jean and wearing a quasi-suit set with a knit tie, it is one of the most versatile looks of the year. Your dad will remember when they were all the rage before, and you won’t have to teach him to wear it.
Stylish shoes
Floral dress shoes from TAFT
I joke about the New Balance sneaks your dad wears. But the truth is, they are more stylish now than they used to be. The youngins have been wearing them more often (rebelling from the plain whites that were so popular for years). But your dad does still need to dress up, and giving him something with a bit of personality from TAFT is a great way to do it.
Chelsea boots from Bruno Magli
Flamboyant dress shoes too much for dad? I get it. Instead, go for the chelsea boot from Bruno Magli. The chelsea is the perfect replacement for the sneaker because it can be dressed up with a suit or those linen pants from above, or dressed down with a pair of jeans or chinos. They can be the simple no-thought shoe for your pops.
Stylish suits
Linen suit from Black Tux
You wanna know why dads don’t typically like dressing up? Because he traditionally doesn’t wear what he likes. He wears what your mom likes. For years, we have been the guys who simply go from mom to girlfriend to wife, dressing like their Ken doll. From now on, let him dress in a suit he actually likes. One that breathes and will make him happy to dress up.
Pinstripe from Hockerty
Wanna get him a suit he will remember? Simple. Go for the classic 80s power suit. The pinstriped double-breast you and he watched Leo wear on The Wolf of Wall Street is the perfect way to dress him up and give him that nostalgic feel. If he wants to make adjustments, simple enough; Hockerty has a stellar custom program, so he can dress for himself.
Stylish accessories
Trilby hat from Southern Gents
Maybe not your dad, as much as your grandpa remembers the days when they didn’t leave the house without a hat. But the days are returning, as wild hats and classic looks are making a comeback on the streets. That is why this addition from Southern Gents can take his new look to the peak of style simply by tossing it on on the way out the door.
Watch from Citizen
Finally, no look is complete without a great watch. There are a dozen watchmakers in every direction, but my favorite will always be Citizen. Sitting at the crossroads of luxury timepieces that will last for decades and accessibility that you and your dad are both comfortable with, Citizen is the best addition to a collection out there. It also might be a bit selfish, as watches make great heirlooms.
Father’s Day is right around the corner, and you’d better get cracking if you want to get him something that means a great deal to him. Anything on this list will elevate his look and his confidence.
