The Dad Look: How To Dress Like A DILF
Dress Like A DILF You may already know that your grandfather is very well-known right now. Since Balenciaga put real dads and their real kids on the catwalk, there’s been a new fashion group called the DILF.
You were wrong if you thought the word meant something else. We believe that DILF stands for “Dads In Latest Fashions.” Okay, I think you might be having trouble with the word “latest.” The kinds we’re talking about have been around for 25 years: stonewashed jeans that are too big on the waist, intelligent coats, dad caps, and more. That makes me wonder how dads, who used to be linked to the wrong clothes and a dumpy look, have become cool.
Some people say that the Dress Like A DILF look came about because young adults who don’t have a lot of money wanted the security their dads had when they were kids, with their big houses, nice cars, and retirement savings. Dull things are now things that people want.
That might be true, but there are also better reasons. In her writing and styling, Jess Punter says, “Fashion goes and away.” Styles and shapes from the early 1990s came back in style with the dad trend. It also works well and feels good. Dads dress to do their jobs, not to look good. They like outdoor brands like Patagonia and The North Face because their eco-friendly clothes make the people who wear them look more awake. Patagonia sued the Trump administration for making US national parks smaller.
Also, a Dress Like A DILF just because it’s not cool. If everyone were fantastic, it wouldn’t be a turn. James Lawrence oversees men’s fashion at ASOS and says this trend is “pointing the finger at fashion.” “Have fun with it, and don’t take it too seriously.”
Ultimately, the DILF style is a mix of different types that make it stand out. Lawrence adds, “It’s made a great way of clashing styles from different genres together and making them all work.” Dads: Dads don’t have time to think about putting together clothes that match; dads are the ones who know how to dress well, not Steve McQueen.
Key Pieces From The DILF Trend
Dad Cap
Simple cotton-twill baseball caps became very popular a couple of years ago, and you could see them everywhere at peewee games. This is where the dad style got its start.
They’ve been a staple of streetwear for a long time because they’re cheap and easy to brand. But when Balenciaga made its version with the house’s name on it and sold it for $285, it seemed like an odd fashion must-have. Dad style at its best.
Dad Jeans
You can look like a dad in loose, pleated pants, but high-waisted, straight-legged dad jeans are the best because they combine the durability of denim with the comfort of joggers and allow you to bend over and sit down, which is very important when you have kids.
Levi’s 501s are the only jeans you need. They’re everyday jeans for regular guys. Also, don’t bring your raw blue jeans here; if they’re not stonewashed, they won’t wash.
Chunky Trainers
Lawrence from ASOS says, “The chunky trainer is definitely the shoe of the season. It Dress Like A DILF embodies ‘dad style’ for how ugly it is and how it’s worn with everything.”
Again, high-fashion brands like Balenciaga have their versions that people want, like the Triple S (which probably means “Sell like shit off a shovel”). Get something like a New Balance 990 instead, which will look more like a dad shoe and won’t cost you an excellent $800.
Technical Jacket
“An oversized tech jacket is also important because it gives the anti-fashion look a “trainspotter” vibe,” says Lawrence. “Like your dad’s favorite jacket, wear it over everything from suits to sportswear.”
Supreme and The North Face often work together. The North Face makes the stylish Nuptse. Helly Hansen is also coming back, making people who remember it for the first time feel old.
Half-Zip Fleece
This and the fake sweater are tied for first place. The only thing that is good for Dress Like A DILF. It’s been unloved on the racks at hiking shops because of this, which is a shame because it’s warm without being too bulky. It’s perfect for layering under your technical jacket and can also be worn as outerwear (though not waterproof) on days when the weather isn’t quite right. It’s a good thing to get ripped off this time.
How To Dress Like A DILF
Look To Jerry And The Tastemakers
Punter says, “Watch old episodes of Seinfeld to get style ideas.” The show is on Amazon Prime. The famous comedian in question in his prime in the 1990s, dressed in loose jackets, loose shirts tucked into stonewashed jeans, and chunky Nikes, looked like he was straight out of the Balenciaga runway. All he needs is a child.
Wait for George Costanza or Cosmo Kramer, who wears many flowery Cuban collar shirts. They are surprisingly sexy.
Weigh Up The Situation
If you’ve gained weight because of being a pitiful baby or middle-aged spread, following the Balenciaga trend will significantly help you. “As with all fashion trends, dad style looks best on tall, lean men,” says Punter. Slim dads were cast in fashion shows for a reason.
“Unfortunately, if you have a dadbod, you won’t be able to pull it off. Man rolls and boobs are too real.” You might want to do some pull-ups when you go to the gym next time.
Don’t Kid Yourself
This brings us to the critical point: as seen on the runway, the DILF look is not at all for dads. It’s “elevated” pieces from brands like Balenciaga that make a fashion statement, not everyday clothes from the grocery store, says Punter. “If you are a real dad, I also think you shouldn’t spend £700 on trainers because you need to feed your kids.” Lawrence from ASOS says, “Don’t do it if you are a dad.”
FAQs
1. What does DILF stand for in fashion?
DILF in fashion refers to “Dads In Latest Fashions,” celebrating dad-inspired styles with a twist of irony, combining comfort and nostalgic ‘90s fashion elements.
2. What are the key pieces in the DILF look?
Essential items include dad caps, stonewashed high-waisted jeans, chunky trainers, oversized technical jackets, and half-zip fleeces. These pieces bring practicality, comfort, and a nod to vintage dad style.
3. Why is the dad look trendy?
The DILF look has become fashionable as people embrace anti-fashion, celebrating styles prioritizing comfort over convention. This trend’s popularity may also reflect nostalgia for the simplicity and stability of ‘90s suburban dads.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the DILF trend is a fun and easygoing way to dress. It combines old dad clothes from the 1990s with a modern anti-fashion vibe. You can look stylish and useful with items like dad hats, stonewashed jeans, chunky sneakers, and tech coats that are too big on you. Whether you’re a fashionista or a dad, the DILF style is flexible enough to fit a wide range of budgets and lifestyles while still offering comfort and ease of coolness. Feel good about the look, and remember that it’s all about adding your own style and comedy to it.