Now I know it’s not exactly ground-breaking news to say the nineties are experiencing a resurgence right now. But, can we all just take a moment to appreciate the direction it has taken in the past year—that’s right, I’m talking about the daggy ‘dad’ trend.
At the forefront of this trend are celebs like ASAP Rocky, Hailey Baldwin, Justin Bieber, Bella Hadid and of course, the whole-Kardashian-Jenner clan. Favouring functionality and comfort above all else, this is a trend we can really get behind.
The style itself takes notes from our very own dads in all their daggy glory, alongside icons like Joey Tribbiani, Heath Ledger, Michael Hutchence and Home Improvement’s Tim Allen.
Starting from the top and working our way down, here are 9 style classics we stole from our dads.
The Baseball Cap
This is a crucial element of the look. Wearing a baseball cap says “paparazzi, please” whilst also masking the fact you haven’t washed your hair in three days.
Alternatively, elevate your look by wearing it backwards. That tells people you’re far too cool for functionality.
Brands: New Era, Calvin Klein, Nike
Where to buy: JD Sports, ASOS, The Iconic
Our picks: Calvin Klein Washed Denim Cap, Balenciaga Cap, New Era 9forty NY Cap
The Bad Vacation Shirt
Whether you’re going for a Fear and Loathing look, or “I’d rather be BBQing”, the oversized printed shirt look is classic.
Wear it either open and over a tee, buttoned halfway up, or buttoned all the way up.
Brands: Double Rainbouu, Balenciaga, Paul Smith, Gucci, Insight
Where to buy: Slam Jam Socialism, General Pants, ZARA
Our picks: Double Rainbouu Fast Paradise Hawaiian Shirt, Flame Joker Button Up, Striped Flowing Shirt
The Flanno
Honestly, I thought this trend was gone for good, and was more than ok with that.
Aside from Khloe Kardashian who has been wearing the flanno ‘round the waist look for quite some time, I thought everybody else had also moved on. Then, I saw Burberry’s Spring/Summer 2018 collection and I’ve since converted.
Like the vacay shirt, wear it open over a graphic tee for a more badass look or tuck it in with some jeans and leather boots to smarten that baby up. Either way, you’re bound to have a good time.
Brands: Burberry, Rollas, RVCA
Where to buy: Burberry, ZARA, Rollas
Our picks: Burberry Check Cotton Flannel Shirt, Rollas Tradie Check Shirt, Off-White Red & Black Flannel Quote Shirt
Beyond Baggy Jeans
It seems the days of super skinny jeans may well be behind us, and TBH I’m not even mad about it. Time to swap out those calf constrictors for a looser variety.
Depending on your body shape, you can opt for a straighter leg or go full ham and get a blown out baggy leg.
For women with curves, I’d suggest going something high waisted to synch your waist in and give you an hourglass shape. Otherwise, you can do the whole oversized look and wear them off your hips like Hailey Baldwin in the pic above. Then choose to either roll them up and pair with a sneaker, or keep them long and have them scrunched up around your ankle.
Brands: Levi’s, Assembly Label, Neuw
Where to buy: Urban Outfitters, Service Denim Store, ASOS
Our picks: Assembly Label High Waist Rigid Jeans, Neuw Serge Straight Jeans, Dr Denim Nora
Denim Dungarees
There’s nothing more freeing than wearing some baggy overalls.
Apart from being a really great trans-seasonal outfit, you get to feel like a giant kid. I would 10/10 recommend, especially when paired with a bright crop or tee underneath and some sneakers.
Brands: Dickies, Rollas, Tommy Hilfiger
Where to buy: Glue Store, General Pants, Retro Star
Our picks: Dickies Bib Overalls, Rollas Trade Overalls, Dangerfield Unicycle Dungarees
Cargo Pants
There is nothing more exciting in life than putting on something and finding out it has pockets.
Well, imagine putting on cargo pants and suddenly having like six of them. There’s even one dedicated for knives, which is slightly concerning. Either go crazy and pair a hoodie with it for a washed up-chic look or chuck a baby tee (for the ladies) or an oversized tee.
Brands: I AM GIA, Balenciaga, Acne
Where to buy: Tiger Mist, I AM GIA, Ssense
Our picks: Balenciaga Camo Cargo Pants, Valentino Multicolor Camou Shuffle Cargo Pants, I AM GIA Halo Pant
The Chunky Sneaker
I don’t know about you guys, but since we saw the introduction of chunky ‘ugly’ sneakers earlier this year, I’ve been wearing the Jerry Seinfeld joggers and jeans look.
Besides being good to look at, chunky sneakers are also incredibly comfy. All that back support, it’s like you’re wearing orthopaedics. While I tend to steer towards blindingly white sneakers, any colour will do. And remember, the chunkier the better.
Here are another five of our top picks this season.
Brands: New Balance, Adidas, Fila, Nike, Balenciaga
Where to buy: JD Sports, Balenciaga, General Pants
Our picks: New Balance 608s, Fila Disruptors, Adidas Falcons, Nike M2K Tekno, Balenciaga Triple S
The Bum Bag
Ok, I don’t care what you say, unless you’ve tried the bum bag you can’t knock it. Its convenience completely outweighs its wanky-ness.
You don’t have to spend heaps to get one either. I got mine at my local cheap store for $7, and the chunkiness really gives it that extra dorky-dad aesthetic. No regrets.
Brands: Nike, Gucci, Crumpler
Where to buy: ASOS, The Iconic, Crumpler
Our picks: Kappa Red Bum Bag, Missguided Faux Leather Bum Bag, Louis Vuitton Monogram Bum Bag
Teeny Tiny Sunnies
It only took me being called Trinity one hundred times when I wore my tiny black sunnies to finally watch The Matrix, and let me tell you, if this trend makes me half as badass as her, I’m all here for it.
Just as the sun is getting bigger and brighter, our sunnies are shrinking smaller and smaller. Made popular by the supermodel army and ultimate brat pack Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid, Hailey Baldwin and Gigi Hadid, the trend has since taken over the internet and our life, and we’re totally ok with it.
Brands: Poppy Lissiman, Le Specs, Quay
Where to buy: ASOS, PrettyLittleThing, Urban Outfitters
Our picks: Chi Chi by Poppy Lissiman, Red Small Ellipse Oval Retro Sunglasses, ASOS small cat eye
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Image credit: Getty Images | Barry Brecheisen