As kids, we often bragged about our dads having big muscles and being strong and capable of anything. We thought our dads were superstars. After all, anything Dad said he could do, he did. And now that you’re a father, you know the great feeling of knowing that your children view you as their hero.
One of the greatest joys of being a father is providing a child with a solid social and emotional foundation. However, detailed lessons about fashion and style aren’t always at the top of Dad’s list of priorities. Kids often learn about fashion on TV or from their favorite celebrities. That’s why it’s important to know which tips you need to pass on to your children.
Invest in a Great Suit
This advice is important, whether you’re raising boys or girls. A tailored business suit gives a professional and polished appearance, and will definitely come in handy when you’re children are old enough to start applying for jobs. Suits are also go-to outfits for occasions like church services, funerals, and professional networking events. A suit made of quality material will last for years and is a sign of great taste.
Match Your Accessories
It’s also important to teach your son (and daughter) that their accessories should be coordinated. This is especially important when wearing an outfit or suit that is all one color. A black suit matched with black shoes and a black belt, or a navy suit paired with a brown belt and shoes is a fashion must. It’s a style rule that should always be followed.
Keep Dress Shoes Shiny
A great suit isn’t complete without a stellar pair of shoes. Help your children pick out dress shoes made from sturdy and long-lasting material, and remind them to shine their shoes each time they wear them. This may not seem like a big deal, but shiny, like-new shoes make a big difference when it comes to adding refined style and a finishing touch to an outfit. Dress shoes can also be worn with jeans and a blazer or slacks, depending on the occasion.
Socks Are Important
For girls, socks or stockings and shoes should match in order to make the legs appear longer. However, when you’re giving sock-related fashion advice to your son, be sure to emphasize that his socks shouldn’t match his dress shoes. The socks can match a tie or handkerchief, but not the shoes. The socks can be a solid color, or have a subtle pattern to show a little personality.
Find the Perfect Pair of Jeans
Now that you’ve covered the professional dress code, set the fashion example for your kids by helping them find the perfect pair of jeans. Denim that fits well can be worn with both casual and dressy shirts, and is ideal for every season. Make sure that you’ve got a few pairs of quality jeans in your wardrobe, so you can pass this lesson on to your children without having to say much.
Handkerchiefs Should Always Be Silk
Make sure your son knows that he should wear a handkerchief with his suit. He should also know that the handkerchief should be made of silk. This simple touch is both elegant and sophisticated and easily helps to pull a professional or semi-formal look together. Plus, silk is the perfect material for dabbing one’s brow, or wiping the tears of a lady during a wedding or funeral. So, in essence, you’re also teaching your son to be a gentleman.
Have a Tailor On Speed Dial
We’re pretty sure you’ve reiterated to your children that wearing clothes that fit is one of the best ways for people to take them seriously. However, it’s also important to invest in a great tailor. Even when you purchase clothing that is technically in your size, you may still need to have your clothing tailored so that is fits your body well. Your children should know that there’s nothing wrong with putting some customized touches on their clothing. This shows a sense of individuality and is yet another mark of great taste.
These are just a few examples of the ways you can pass the right fashion rules onto your kids. When you and your children dress well, you’ll be passing on a style legacy you can be proud of.