50 Style Tips You Can Learn From Your Dad

Image via Complex Original

As Seen On: Dads Who Refer To Their Feet As "My Dogs"

Your dad has definitely owned more than a few pairs of Nike Waffle Racers or New Balance 574s. Old men love classic running shoes because they balance comfort and athletic style. So do new dads like Josh Madden (above). This nugget of sartorial wisdom will continue to be a good look, especially since New Balances have made a huge comeback over the past couple of years. Just remember, your dad did it first. 

As Seen On: Scottish Grandfathers, Dads Who Love L.L. Bean

Patterns like Fair Isle, which originated in Scotland, have been popping up left and right in some of the latest collections. Dads have liked it for much longer—the sweaters and caps are mainstays for geezers in places like New England and, obviously, Scotland. While the fits have been updated for modern tastes, you're just going to have to accept the fact that your dad thought something was cool before you did.

As Seen On: Chevy Chase in National Lampoon's Vacation, Old Family Photos From Disney World

Back before Instagram, your dad flicked up everything from your first steps to what went down during a family vacation for the family photo album. There was only one filter, and it was dad's eyes. Nowadays smartphones make it easy for anybody to snap a quick photo with the push of a button, but dad had to rely on a camera strap to make sure he'd be ready to capture those Kodak moments. Today, the camera slung around the neck is a sign that you're a grade-A hipster, and you've probably got some sense of style to back it up. You can thank pops for that, too.

As Seen On: Retired Corporate Dads

A suit and tie was a daily uniform for pops while he was raking in the dough at some big bank or federal agency, or whatever it was he did all day between breakfast and dinner. The matching cuff links and tie bar were just his way of showing a little personal style while conforming to the corporate dress code. And if they were monogrammed? That's true attention to detail.

As Seen On: Dads Who Probably Own A Pair of Madras Shorts

The end of spring meant a few things for your father: "summering" in the Hamptons or some equally preppy spot on the Eastern Seaboard, cold Moscow Mules on the deck, Brooks Brothers polo shirts in every color, and penny loafers with no socks. These days, sockless is the only way to go for menswear nerds, and some version of the classic loafer is currently in every cool guy's rotation. Back then, it was because Crocs didn't exist yet, and because dad's Hush Puppies never failed him.

RELATED: 10 Shoes You Should Wear Instead Of Flip-flops

As Seen On: Dads Who Wore Tracksuits

There was a time when it was just plain sad to see a grown man out in public wearing sweatpants—especially when they came with gross crotch stains and Velcro sneakers. But there was another time when your pops rocked them everywhere he went. Sometimes with a matching track jacket! Now, we're not saying you should go all Chas Tenenbaum, but a trim pair of sweatpants and classic sneakers is a look that's definitely making a comeback.

As Seen On: Dads That Loved the '80s A Little Too Much

You know this look. Some call it the Dennis Leary, and some associate it with the guys from Miami Vice. It's since become the de facto uniform of nerds and execs who made their money in the tech realm. Still, if done correctly—well-fitting blazer, simple white T-shirt—it can work whether paired with a suit or a slim-fitting pair of dark jeans. Just ask your dad. He knows.

As Seen On: Fred Sanford, Your Grandpa Who Actually Had A Paper Route

Pay your respect to Fred Sanford and all the other dads out there who made these hats viable—and stylish—headwear options. Even if you don't know what a newsboy is, you need to know this cap. One day you'll have a bald spot to cover, too.

As Seen On: Mr. Clean, Michael Jordan

The worst thing about going bald is trying to pretend is isn't happening. And who embraced baldness with as much swag as MJ did? We’re not sure if losing his hair was a direct result of having kids or gametime pressure, but being the best basketball player in the world and raising a few little duns definitely sounds stressful. The real takeaway here is that he did it with class. No comb-overs, no hair plugs, no gross spray-on solutions.

As Seen On: Larry King, Dads Who Loved "Wall Street"

Despite their nerdy connotations—thanks to characters like Urkel from Family Matters—there was a time when suspenders were the stuff of serious businessmen. Old-school journalists like Larry King and heartless bankers like Gordon Gekko made them part of their regular uniform, even going so far as having special buttons put into their trousers. When you're that much of a boss, the last thing you need to worry about is a goddamn belt.

As Seen On: Roy Orbison, Corey Hart, Kim Jong Il, Jack Nicholson

This is pretty much an expression that says "I don't give a fuck." Wearing shades indoors is like going out in public wearing slippers. It can be viewed as wildly inappropriate... or incredibly ballsy. However, if you're an old man, you're either showing other people that you don't have time for their bullshit or that your aging eyes are sensitive to light.

As Seen On: Dads Who Practically Live At R.E.I., Dads Who Watched "The Deer Hunter"

When they were introduced, 60/40 parkas were the height of technology—a cotton/nylon blend that was warm and stayed dry and breathable—so you wouldn't overheat climbing up El Capitan. It just so happens that this iconic jacket has become the most stylish outerwear pieces of our time, due to its function and dope retro look. Your pops probably rocked one during his wildman outdoorsy phase in the '70s. Unintentional style at its best.

As Seen On: Boyz II Men, Larry David

Is it casual? Is it formal? Or is it more "fuck it, I just want to be comfortable and do me." That's how you would describe the dad trend of rocking sneakers with dress pants. It was probably created by a father rushing to get his kid to school, only to find his ungrateful spawn had hidden his loafers in an unmarked toybox. Voila: sneakers with dress pants. It's a look that lets people know just how chill you are.

As Seen On: French Dads, Dads Who Played Tennis In The '60s

Don't act like your dad didn't know his labels. Before the rise of Ralph Lauren, the crocodile logo carried a lot of weight at the country club. Pick up where he left off.

As Seen On: Punk Dads, Dads Who've Probably Smoked A Few Doobies In Their Time

You thought he didn't have a little punk rock in him? He wasn't necessarily the first dude to rock this style, but he definitely did it before Yeezy. Whether his pins had to do with military service, political protests, or seminal rock bands, they were cool because they were authentic and meant something. Make sure the same holds true for you.

As Seen On: Every Kid In "The Sandlot" When They Got Old And Boring

Think Tuesday night softball, melting ice cream cones, beer on his breath, and the classic quarter-sleeve baseball tee. Takes you back, doesn't it? Well please feel free to bring it back, because baseball Tees are dope. They're a classic American style staple that any generation can rock with ease.

RELATED: The Coolest Baseball Shirts Available Now

As Seen On: Andre 3000, Dads With English Accents

Your dad is the type to open doors for everyone, say "Bless you" every time someone sneezes, and stand up whenever a lady enters the room. In short, dude's a gentleman. And the distinguished gentlemen of yore rocked proper hats. That's why you see dads of today, like Andre 3000, still keeping it mad civilized with the proper hat.

As Seen On: Dads With Naked Lady Tattoos, Fathers of Anarchy

Bad-assery was your dad's middle name. Before he was pushing a minivan with your snot-nosed ass in the back, he was smooth-sailing around town with mom dukes on the back of a Harley, and head-to-toe biker steez to complete the look. A Schott Perfecto, black riding boots, and worn-to-shit Levi's 501s truly proved how awesome your dad was. To his credit, he kept the gear even though he sold the bike.

As Seen On: Spike Lee, Dads Who Like Poetry

If your dad was into "the arts" back in the day he's probably got a few subtle style cues that you should start picking up on. Round frames may not be your first choice in eyewear, thanks to the current popularity of angular, thick styles, but chances are if they worked for him they'll work for you. After all, dad was a smart dude. Or maybe they just made him seem more astute than he actually was. Either way, he can give you some pointers on how to pick up secretly-hot nerd chicks in college.

As Seen On: Dads Who Had A Band Once

OK, so your dad may be no Lenny Kravitz, but that doesn't mean he never had a little edge to his personal steez. It's worth nothing that dads come in all shapes and sizes. For some, skinny jeans were part of their look long before there was an Urban Outfitters at the local mall. And despite rumors that they lower sperm count, well... you happened, right?

As Seen On: Grandpas Who Smoke Tobacco Out Of Pipes

Your grandfather probably killed it at his annual holiday party in his tweed jacket. And his son probably has a tweed blazer or two somewhere in the closet. They've been a style staple since the 1920s. See if you can inherit one of those hand-me-downs on the early side, take it to your local tailor, and make it a regular part of your fall/winter wardrobe.

As Seen On: Dads Who Kill It When They Dress Up For Church

Before it was cool to rock a fancy pair of hardbottoms with jeans and an Oxford shirt, who had a closet full of them? Yep, your dad. He was able to tell the difference between a wingtip and blucher while you were still pooping your pants. You might want to double check his size, because his closet may contain a pair of Aldens or Allen Edmonds that are worth claiming before he writes his will.

As Seen On: Dads Who Were Gangbangers, Dads Who Like Bruce Springsteen

Truly great dad style is a result of the "function over fashion" mentality. Not to be confused with a silk pocket square, which was meant purely for style, a cotton handkerchief was usually kept in a back pants pocket, and was meant for things like beading sweat off your brow, drying a lady's tears, or wiping baby vomit off your lapel. You know, dad stuff. Kill two birds with one stone and use one as a utilitarian pocket square.

As Seen On: Extremely Punctual, Extremely Rich Dads

This one takes some time. Only a grown man can truly appreciate the beauty of a classic timepiece. That's mostly because only a grown man can afford one. Gold is a bold move, but at this rate it's a better investment than real estate, or, you know, the stock market.

As Seen On: Dads Who Never Left The '80s, Dads Who Never Left The Rave

Your dad was young and foolish once, too, you know. He wanted to stand out in a crowd and one of the best ways he knew how to do it was to be loud; both verbally and fashionably. It obviously worked because he bagged your mom, and now the youth of today are embracing the same obnoxious color palette. Blessing or a curse? Ask your father.

As Seen On: Marvin Gaye, Papa Smurf, Steve Zissou

Not only did Papa Smurf take care of the entire Smurf clan, but he did it whilst styling in a red beanie that marked him as the pack leader. Cop one of your own and take the nautical trend into modern times. You might find yourself leading your very own stylish pack.

As Seen On: Dads With Beards, Dads Who Always Took You Camping 

We take wool socks with vintage hiking boots and camping packs for granted these days, but dads made the hiking look steezy because they lived in what they wore. Before the days of Gore-Tex, they meant the difference between keeping all your phalanges intact or losing them to frostbite. Does it get any realer than that?

As Seen On: Dads With Degrees, Dads Who Never Lost The "Freshman Fifteen"

College is a great learning experience. That's when your dad met your mom, took acid, and learned to play the banjo. Any self-respecting grad has a T-shirt repping their Alma Mater somewhere. Ransack your dad's T-shirt drawer sometime and you may discover some gems—just be sure to get the OK before you start rocking it. This sort of stuff can have plenty of sentimental value attached—especially if there's a sports championship involved.

As Seen On: Veteran Dads, Ex-Hippie Dads, Dads Who Loved "Rambo"

We all know the significance behind the bomber, M-65 and various other military jackets, but do you know that those olive-drab pieces became a style staple way back in the '70s? Utilitarian and versatile, they go with just about anything. Today, you can't go 30 feet without seeing some type of military-style jacket on dads like Robert Geller (above), who are keeping the trend alive.

As Seen On: Mr. Rogers, Dads Who Eat Gravlax

Nothing says dad during the holidays like a chunky cardigan or shawl-collar sweater. Mr. Rogers showed us how it not only kept a shirt and tie classy, but also made a pair of canvas sneakers look real clean. Credit for starting the style goes to Northern Europe, where Scandinavian dads have been wrapping themselves in sweaters to combat the elements for centuries. You can cop modern interpretations from brands like S.N.S. Herning.

As Seen On: Grunge Dads, Dads Who've Actually Chopped Down A Tree, Earl Sinclair

Before the grunge movement claimed ownership, reptilian Earl Sinclair of Dinosaurs was a pioneer of lumberjack style. In his classic buffalo plaid shirt, he channeled a fall shirting mainstay that lasts into winter. Known for its warmth and ability to layer with just about anything come cold weather, it's a staple of the working man's wardrobe. Earl wore a flannel as part of his gig literally pushing trees for the WESAYSO Corporation. Millions of years later, the hard-working style still isn't extinct.

As Seen On: Mr. T, Snoop Dogg, Creepy Uncles With Cuban Links

OK, so your dad (probably) wasn't Snoop D-O Double G, but that doesn't mean he didn't have a chain game of his own. It's probably a thin chain with a cross, a star of David, or a shark tooth dangling at the end. There's nothing wrong with chains, or necklaces of any kind, but in general, subtler is better. Did dad rock a rosary because of his beliefs or dog tags for sentimental reasons? That's real style right there. If you're dead set on copping a serious chain, do the research beforehand, and use discretion: will you be embarrassed to rock this in ten years, or when you've got kids of your own?

As Seen On: Martin Van Buren, Mike Brady, Dads With Face Tattoos

Dad definitely experimented with a few styles in his day—Like the sideburns he had in the '70s. Are they all relevant today? Not really, but at least he had the courage to try new things. Just remember, unlike faux hawks and crazy mustaches, face tattoos are permanent.

As Seen On: Dads With Hairy Legs

Jorts! That's right. Your dad did it first. It's not recommended to show that much thigh, but hey, whatever you're most comfortable with. The real gem here is why spend money on things you can make yourself? Recycle that pair of jeans you never wear and make them into jorts.

As Seen On: Dads Who Sold Used Cars, Dads Who've Had The Same Barber For 50 Years

The side part haircut of the first half of the 20th century was an all-American dad staple. Eventually the scruffy look took over, but clean cuts and shaved faces like Don Draper's never fully went away. Cop a can of pomade and give it a shot. If you can keep a straight face when you look in the mirror, it's safe to go outside.

As Seen On: Dads Who Tell You To "Pull Their Finger"

Dads love jokes. They love jokes so much they will literally wear them. In fact, dads probably make up about 90% of all slogan T-shirt sales (rough estimate). Salute pops next time you pull on the YOLO T-shirt you bought on the boardwalk this summer. 

RELATED: The 50 Funniest Slogan T-Shirts

As seen on: Tim "The Tool Man" Taylor, Dads With "Personality"

Before dressing nice became the new dressing normal, neckwear was the only way most older dudes could express their personal style. And express it they did. The Hill-Side and General Knot & Co. ties on today's youth were inspired by the Tim “The Tool Man” Taylor staples of yore, as the funky tie was a huge part of this dad’s everyday wardrobe. Taking a normal outfit and spicing it up with some abstract neckwear is the name of the game.

As Seen On: Hippie Dads, Dads Who Once Had A Skateboard Or Surfboard

Sneakers were made for sports—until pops started rocking his Chucks with cuffed denim and white Tees around town like a G. On the left coast, dads wore Vans 'cause they looked like sneakers. Without all those fashion-forward fathers, these casual canvas kicks wouldn't have ever made it off the courts and into skateparks and rock shows all over the place.

As seen on: Dads Circa 1979, John Lennon, Actually Canadian Dads

You walk a fine line in the “Canadian Tux,” but dads constantly pulled it off back in the day with no qualms. If you’re bold enough to try the denim-on-denim look, just take a glance back at pops’ steez to see how it’s done: two different shades of blue, and an all-over slim fit.

As seen on: David Beckham, Dads With A Rap Sheet, Dads Who Were Sailors

Tattoos are a cultural phenomenon today. Everyone wants to cover their arms with ink, so when dads like David Beckham are sitting courtside with his kids looking like he just got out the clink, sons everywhere rejoice in his inked awesomeness. If dad's got a bunch of 'em, that means he can't yell at you for getting one, right?

As seen on: Scott Disick, Dads Who Go To Italian Menswear Tradeshows

Cool or uncool? Not to be confused with the very uncool “mom jeans,” light distressed denim has been in and out of fashion circles over the last couple of decades. But make no mistake, pops started this trend before he created you. The trend has also been big with old stylish Italian guys that frequent menswear meccas like the tradeshow Pitti Uomo, often pairing them with expensive sportcoats. Today, stylish dads like Scott Disick-Kardashian have no problem rocking them proudly.

RELATED: The 10 Most Stylish Celebrity Douchebags

As seen on: Al Bundy, Dads Who Were Once Quarterbacks

Dad was once a high school football star. You know: all-district, championship game-winning drive, with all the cheerleaders on his nuts after the game. He was way better than you at sports and the varsity jacket he earned proves it... But that doesn't mean the one you bought from a store looks any less cool.

RELATED: Celebrities Wearing Varsity Jackets

As seen on: Marvin Gaye, Dads With Barbers On Vacation

Facial hair wasn’t just the stylish thing to do back in the day. It was a way of life embraced by dads all across America. There was no primping to make it look slightly disheveled. It was straight up IDGAF scruff, and your mom loved it. Marvin Gaye perfected this look and, truthfully, your mom loved that, too.

As Seen On: Bill Cosby, The Notorious B.I.G.

Would colorful, vibrant sweaters be where they are today in the style realm without their forefather, Bill Cosby? Maybe, maybe not, but you can’t deny that The Cos made these knitted wonders a dad style staple—and you can still find them in some of our favorite menswear collections today. Coincidence? We think not.

RELATED: Drake Vs. The World: Who Has The Best Sweaters?

As seen on: JFK, Dads With Aviators Given To Them... By The Air Force

Tortoise-shell frames are Classic Americana at its best. If JFK did it, it's a safe bet that you should too. Resist the urge to rock the fluorescent yellow mirror-tint shades and don something with a little class. Even sturdy aviators from brands like Randolph Engineering will do the trick, as they've been standard issue for real pilots (and real dads) for decades.

As seen on: President Obama, Dads With Huge Dry Cleaning Bills

Often, the dudes who know how to rock a suit best have been doing it the longest. For dads who get up every morning and put a suit on before they go to work, they just aren't as comfortable in anything else, and it shows. Not that you should hang up the jeans and sneakers for a more presidential look, just saying there will come a time when you need to rock a suit, and you should be following the right example. Thanks, dad.

RELATED: Interactive Infographic: How To Buy A Suit

As Seen On: Dads Who Just Got Off Work, Bruce Springsteen

Probably considered one of the most classic casual looks known to man, all variations of the plain white Tee have been executed by dads. Tucked in, left hanging, long, short, with or without a pocket—the possibilities are endless.

As Seen On: N.W.A, Dads Who Coach Little League

Snapbacks are back. But you can thank dad for making them cool the first time around. Way back when New Eras were non-existent, the best way to represent your favorite team—major, minor, or little league—was to rock a snapback cap. Their recent resurgence is largely due to the vintage greatness of your pops' era.

As Seen On: Trad Dads, Dads Who Hate Denim

You know that saying “these aren’t your dad's pants?” Well, khaki chinos are—and you should be damn proud of it. Especially since dads like this one made the look casually cool. You should thank your dad for paving the way so that an old-man staple of yesteryear could become a supreme style staple of today.

RELATED: The Coolest Chinos Available Now

As Seen On: Dads Who Know What State Hyannis Port Is In

Dads of the world took them from the high seas and made them a staple of poolside BBQ style. Deck shoes always toed the line between classy loafer and casual slip-on. Next time you throw on your Topsiders to walk around the city, give a nod to pops for starting the trend. 

RELATED: The Coolest Boat Shoes Available Now