A Father's Day Gift Guide for Upgrading Your Dad's Style

Since helping him look better is the least you could do, here is A Father's Day Gift Guide for Upgrading Your Dad's Style.

June 12, 2013

Image via Complex Original

Over the years, your dad has probably taught you an incredible amount about the world and groomed you into becoming a successful, thoughtful, and generous man. Even when you completely fucked up, he was there to help you through life's pitfalls and made sure you came out triumphantly on the other side. There's probably very little you could do to repay your dad for all that he's done, but Father's Day affords you an opportunity to help his style from becoming a fossilized replica of what used to be cool.

The style options are boundless, and prices range from dirt cheap to mind-bogglingly expensive. For each item, we included a choice from either end of the monetary spectrum so that no matter where you are financially in life, you can help the steez of the dude who raised you. Since helping him look better is the least you could do, here is A Father's Day Gift Guide for Upgrading Your Dad's Style.

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Boots

Sensible option: Eastland, $115
Splurge option: Oak Street Bootmakers, $326
Why dad needs it: Your father taught you how to be a man, and while you still might be trying to figure it out, at least you know about boots that make you look like you know what you're doing. When he's tromping around the yard or putting in work, make sure his feet are protected and look good while he's doing the manly shit that one day you will be able to do.

Shaving Set

Sensible option: Harry's, $15
Splurge option: The Art of Shaving, $236
Why dad needs it: Unlike your scraggly ass, your father knows the importance of keeping up a clean appearance. But if he's stuck in the past using disposable razors and cheap shaving cream, help him upgrade with a set that'll introduce him to the modern era of grooming. Spend as much or as little as you'd like, but ultimately it's for your benefit. When your girl sees your dad's face, she's imagining what you're going to look like in the future.

Sneakers

Sensible option: Converse, $70
Splurge option: Pierre Hardy, $564
Why dad needs it: When your dad was our age, he had about five options when it came to sneakers. Now it's time for you to impart some wisdom upon him. He may have yelled at you for wasting your time on sneaker blogs before, but it's your time to shine. Whether it's a cheap pair of canvas kicks or a luxury label, get him something that he'll wear until it's time for those old person orthopedic shoes.

Jeans

Sensible option: Levi's, $48
Splurge option: Baldwin Denim, $225
Why dad needs it: They say a broken clock is right twice a day, which means your dad's old lightwash jeans are back on-trend again. Celebrate this fact on Father's Day by begrudgingly admitting to your dad that he was right—"dad jeans" are cool. These are for the dads who always stuck to their guns and didn't stray from the style path they believed in.

Weekend Bag

Sensible option: Herschel Supply x Stussy, $88
Splurge option: Billykirk, $350
Why dad needs it: You probably can't afford to give your dad a weekend vacay, so give him the means to take more trips when his hard-earned time off comes around. Whether he takes a few days to chill out of town with his homies, or spend a romantic weekend with his lady, get him something he can haul his gear in style, instead of that raggedy bag that's leftover from his vagabond days.

Socks

Sensible option: K. Bell, $5
Splurge option: Alexander McQueen, $80
Why dad needs it: Just because his kicks are stylish doesn't mean that his dogs won't be barking at the end of the day. His sock drawer is already full of calf-length athletic socks with holes in the ankles, so make sure he can stock it with some comfy options that aren't just boring old black and navy. With either color or a dope pattern, your dad can floss down to his toes.

Rain Jacket

Sensible option: L.L. Bean, $40
Splurge option: Norse Projects, $198
Why dad needs it: If your dad was the one who introduced you to the great outdoors, then it's high time you give him something that'll let him continue to enjoy all of nature's splendor, even if the weather turns real shitty. Not that a little rain would ever stop your dad, but now he can stay dry and keep it crispy.

Underwear

Sensible option: Uniqlo, $5
Splurge option: Sunspel, $133
Why dad needs it: If he's made it this far, he's entitled to putter around the house on the weekends and yell at the loud-ass kids on the street from his front steps while in his underwear. It may be embarrassing as hell, but you love him anyway, which is why you should cop him some big boxers that double up as shorts.

Denim Jacket

Sensible option: River Island, $37
Splurge option: Our Legacy, $245
Why dad needs it: Back in his day, your dad didn't need online stores with hundreds of brands, gigantic sneaker collections, and never lined up for a brand to drop at a store. All he needed to look fresh was his trusty denim jacket. He probably wore it to death or lost it during a wild night of his youth, so pay homage to where you inherited your style be re-upping his denim jacket game.

Watch

Sensible option: Rumba Time, $95
Splurge option: Uniform Wares, $606
Why dad needs it: If your dad taught you the important of punctuality, chivalry, and classic style, then it's time for you to give him a watch that is an update to the heirloom he carries on his wrist. Besides, this might make him one step closer to passing that rare antique timepiece down to you. Just sayin'...

Swim Trunks

Sensible option: Lightning Bolt, $59
Splurge option: Onia, $145
Why dad needs it: No matter how much we love our dads, they'll always find a way to embarrass the shit out of us. And there's no time where this has more potential than at the beach or the pool. Your pops may still be hanging on to his favorite pair of trunks, but as summer gets into full swing, this is one item that definitely needs an upgrade. Cop him a new pair and burn the old ones.

Necktie

Sensible option: The Knottery, $40
Splurge option: Givenchy, $200
Why dad needs it: He's either into #menswear, or he's the type of dude who's willing to suit up to get his family fed without letting a soul-crushing job extinguish his sense of humor. Getting him a light-hearted tie will give a constant reminder of what he's putting in work for, and let him stunt on drab dudes in his office.

Bomber Jacket

Sensible option: Rothco, $35
Splurge option: U Clothing, $458
Why dad needs it: Your dad might think he's a stylish guy, so why not help him out and actually make him look like it? A bomber jacket is hands down the outerwear of choice for cool nights this summer, so get him a piece that'll make him look as cool as you know he really is.

Chinos

Sensible option: Original Penguin, $60
Splurge option: Unis, $198
Why dad needs it: As is their very nature, chinos are for the dad who's comfortable in any setting without trying too hard. He could be chillin' on the golf course with his dudes, or spending time at home with fam. Cop a dusty blue pair of these if your pops is into a diverse range of activities, because these are the only pants he'll need for any of them.

Sweater

Sensible option: Deter, $54
Splurge option: Brooklyn We Go Hard, $186
Why dad needs it: Sorry, dads, but it's time to let go of those threadbare sweaters that still reek of the drugs you did in the '60s, '70s, and '80s. Don't worry, though. An ombre option will let your father showcase that he used to party back in the day (or currently) without sacrificing on style by holding on to what once was.

Shirt

Sensible option: J. Crew, $65
Splurge option: Saint Laurent, $495
Why dad needs it: Up until recently, your dad took the time to clothe you. Well now it's time you teach your dad about the concept of "slim fit" and wean him off the billowing shirts people mistake for the tablecloths whenever he goes out to a restaurant. Also, dads are prone to rocking garishly bright pieces in the hope of appearing stylish. Let him know that a simple, well-cut white shirt will take care of that every time.

Hardbottoms

Sensible option: Hawkings McGill, $59
Splurge option: Grenson, $430
Why dad needs it: If you're proud of your father for all that he's achieved so far, then help him go one step further and stunt on all other dads by winning the footwear game. A pair of rich brown brogue shoes will go with whatever style he rocks on the daily, and will definitely up his steez beyond his peers who will be ashamed of their square-toes shoes and their wack sons.

Sunglasses

Sensible option: Asos, $25
Splurge option: Garrett Leight, $445
Why dad needs it: Since he thinks he's cool, you might as well give him a pair of shades that actually make him look cool instead of the big '70s pornstar style he insists on wearing. He comes from the era when wearing your sunglasses at night was considered the pinnacle of trillness, so remind him that doing so now makes him the biggest douchebag in the room.