Dad style has been pretty much everywhere for the past few years. It started with the return of chunky sneakers. Suddenly, we realized we were all wearing New Balance again. Slowly, it evolved into a broader appreciation for the old band T-shirts, classic-fit blue jeans, baseball caps, braided belts, and more.

So what exactly is dad style? And how can you nail the look for yourself?

Well, it can be hard to pin down, because dad style is a constantly evolving force of nature. What your dad wears today may not reflect the dad uniform of the early 2000s, late ’90s, etc.
Read on to really understand dad style, its finer points, and what’s worth emulating. Or call your dad—later, that is.

Enduring Classics
Most of what we now call dad style is actually classic men’s style pieces that have stood the test of time. Wardrobe staples that have been trusted, versatile, and practical for generations. Here are a few examples to help you see what we mean:

Khakis and Chinos: Originally designed to dress British soldiers, khakis have cemented themselves as a staple in any man’s wardrobe – and this is especially true for dads. They’re very similar to blue jeans in that they go with just about anything, but with a bit more formality.

Oxford Shirt: Button-down shirts aren’t always formal, and the oxford shirt is proof that casual attire can look incredibly smart and put together. The iconic button-down collar is a trademark of classic casual style. Usually made from a thicker, structured, cotton oxford fabric, these shirts pair perfectly with anything and are especially at home with a trusty pair of khakis or chinos.

Blue Jeans: Arguably the most iconic piece of clothing ever created, the dads of decades past have worked hard to make these denim icons what they are today! The most classic blue jeans are also the ones dads usually prefer, from brands like Levi’s , Wrangler , Lee and other denim powerhouses.

Chunky Knit Sweaters: The best dads among us opt for slightly chunkier sweaters. No thin, thin merino knits. Think chunky Shetland wools, lambswool Fair Isle crewnecks, fisherman’s sweaters, cable knits.

Scoop Neck T-Shirts: Until millennials became dads, you wouldn’t see a dad wearing a V-neck T-shirt. The way a classic scoop neck hugs the neck feels incredibly dad-y. Then, when they tuck it into their jeans? That’s a dad vibe, no doubt about it.

Chunky Sneakers: Remember what your old man used to wear when he mowed the lawn? He’s said to be wearing a pair of classic white New Balances. Other classic chunky sneakers could come from brands like ASICS , Saucony or HOKA .

Loafers: When dad wasn’t wearing chunky sneakers, he was probably wearing a pair of old loafers. Beloved for their ability to straddle the lands between formal and casual, loafers are an enduring part of classic men’s style, and therefore dad style.
When Dad Style Suddenly Became Cool

The thing is, dad style can be objectively edgy. Goofy charm is, well, attractive. But the best dad style shows that dad knows how to dress up a bit when he needs to. It all comes down to understanding the classics, beyond the most casual of outfits.

Here are a few easy steps and rules to follow.
Of course, khakis are included. But at their best, they’re not just any pair. They fit snugly in the legs and seat, giving your legs room to breathe. They sit higher at the waist, elongating the profile of your legs. They may even have a few pleats to add visual depth and perhaps a little extra room for thicker thighs.

Those oxford shirts we mentioned earlier? Trust us, they can look pretty cool when styled properly. Again, fit is key here. The ideal oxford shirt is on the thick side and not too tight. First of all, it should be very slightly baggy! When tucked in and rolled up, it creates a perfectly masculine silhouette. Wearing a ribbed tank top? Unbutton a few buttons for extra big dad points.

Add a pair of full-grain leather loafers. Tasseled ones are especially fun and look great with a matching leather belt and watch band.

Heading out to dinner? The versatility of this special dad uniform makes it totally easy to dress it up. All you need is a classic blazer or blazer and you’re set. Opt for an iconic navy blazer with gold buttons for a bit of prep, or maybe a tweed blazer for a little extra texture.

Cool dads know that classic style never goes out of style.
That’s why they’re committed to wearing basic pieces that fit them well and work for a variety of occasions. They refuse to look sloppy, in a relaxed way. They officially know what good tailoring is. In between? They effortlessly combine the two.

Where to Shop Dad Style Basics
So, are you looking to try it out for yourself? We don’t blame you. There’s something special about this whole genre. It’s a gentle throwback to classic menswear, but not so boring that you can’t wear shorts and a T-shirt. But those shorts are definitely going to be awesome.

Here’s where to shop to find the classic pieces for your wardrobe and get more style inspiration.

J.Crew: The kings of mall-ready and, more recently, a return to signature looks. Their current offerings are packed to the brim with dad-essential pieces at a solid value, especially if you shop their frequent sales.

Brooks Brothers: The granddaddy of American tailoring still has plenty to offer for slightly more sophisticated dad-inspired looks. Their Oxford shirts won’t let you down, and they’re also a great choice for a solid blazer.

New Balance: The king of iconic chunky sneakers, New Balance currently has a ton of fashion-forward options in the lifestyle and running shoe categories. Our tip? Go for something neutral, like white, gray, or beige, for maximum versatility. Their limited-edition Made in USA line will make your old man proud, too.

Ralph Lauren: If you want some of the best, most timeless pieces on the market right now, head to Ralph. From great khakis to great oxfords, not to mention gorgeous knits and tailoring, Ralph Lauren is a shortcut to enduring dad style with a dash of flair.

GH Bass: With a wide range of loafers to choose from, you can count on GH Bass for quality. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, they also offer some great boat shoes with a lug sole . That’s hardcore dad mode.

Wrangler: With some of the best value jeans available, you can’t go wrong with Wranglers. Their Cowboy Cut jeans are particularly popular, and with their slightly higher waistline, they definitely give off a dad vibe. In the best way possible, of course.

Levi’s: Arguably the most iconic denim brand of all time, Levi’s is a favorite of just about everyone, including stylish dads. Their 501s are timeless, but if you want our expert advice, opt for their 501 ’93 Straight Fit jeans for a slightly more retro look that your dad would also rock.

Dad Style Continues
From Tom Selleck to Billy Crystal, the dad core has been in the spotlight for longer than you might think. It took a while for everyone to put a name to it.

While the essence of dad style is to pull off classic pieces well, it’s also important to exude good taste and create a sense of confidence and reliability.

Dad style can be chic. It can be understated. But no matter the occasion, it will always be a great source of style inspiration.