For decades, dad’s everywhere have been buying sensible, no-fuss sneakers. Designed with only one thing in mind—function–these shoes, from the likes of New Balance, Asics and Geox come with thick rubber soles, ample arch support and objectively odd color combinations. Yet, somehow over the last few years, the mesh paneling and orthopedic nature made these sneakers appeal to not just corny dads, but actually cool people as well. Noticing the sudden popularity of these relatively mundane sneakers, high-fashion brands took the opportunity to present their own iterations, most notably the Balenciaga Triple S. While the chunky high-fashion dad trend may have fizzled out, another has taken its place—actual dad sneakers. Striking the perfect balance between practicality and irony, geriatric sneakers are ideal for achieving peak dad style. In muted colors these subdued silhouettes work with pretty much anything in your wardrobe, adding an air of nostalgia and nonchalance. Turns out dad was right all this time.

Every dad has that pair of jeans. Worn and washed more times than you could possibly imagine, the color no longer even resembles indigo, closer to sky blue due to however many encounters with bleach. As straight leg as straight leg gets, these Casual Friday specials, slightly shrunken with the Levi’s tag barely attached, could be straight out of Jerry Seinfeld’s closet—which is exactly what makes them so great. Worn with a solid button up or tucked in shirt–great dad’s always tuck in—light wash denim is the ideal complement to your chunky sneakers and spring hues. While dad’s worn-to-death jeans are surprisingly perfect, slim-straight pairs from [A.P.C.] or [Our Legacy] will achieve the same effect, without the unfortunate ankle-bearing length or high-waist cut. When dad kept pulling out that same old beaten pair of jeans, for him it was just casual Friday. Little did he know he was on to something spectacular. Learn from his inadvertent triumphs.

Every other day of the week, dads opt for trousers over denim. Unlike the flat-front silhouettes Dickie’s and streetwear have made you accustomed to, true middle-age men veer towards pleats. Considerably more flattering regardless of weight or stature, pleats allow trousers to beautifully drape and draw attention away from the sharp taper. This wide on top slim on bottom silhouette is not only aesthetically pleasing, it’s wildly comfortable—particularly during summer. While J. Crew and Polo have both pushed out pleated trousers for decades, for a more modern rendition Parisian label Ami has made the style a core part of its permanent collection. For those looking for something more directional, Lemaire’s drawstring pleated trousers (with elasticated waist) are as comfortable as they are good looking. Dad’s figured out decades ago that whether you’re at work or at a barbecue, no one wants fabric glued to their thighs. It’s about time you did the same.

Such a clear example of dad style it has “dad” in its name, the dad cap is widely recognized as a sign of a middle-age aesthete. Unlike your New Era fitted, dad hats are soft and form-fitting—rather than stiff and size specific. Fully adjustable and often made of cloth, these cheap, flimsy head protectors are dad’s go-to when hiking, grocery shopping, mowing the lawn or practically anything else. While traditionally they were freebies from hotels, company retreats or purchases from the alma matter campus store, during the nascent days of Supreme the hats—cheap to produce and easily branded with a logo–were adopted into the streetwear canon. A subtle sign for those in the know, the low key headwear became almost inseparable from the New York streetwear titan. As with most things Supreme, every other label (streetwear or otherwise) followed suit and today everyone from Stray Rats to notorious imitator Demna Gvasalia at Balenciaga makes their own version. Now on the heads of cool guys like Jonah Hill, Shia Labeouf and actual dad Kanye West, these laid back hats are the perfect way of repping your favorite brand without trying too hard. Dad never tries that hard.

Dad’s bulky, square-toe Allen Edmonds loafers were never cool—until they were. Likes all other dad style tropes, decidedly uncool tenets (in this case, square-toed shoes) are suddenly thriving in our “so bad it’s good” time-period. From Gucci bringing back the original 1953 Horsebit design to London’s own Martine Rose presenting backless python square toed loafers in clown-shoe like proportions, the sudden popularity of objectively ugly loafers is unquestionable. This isn’t a case of dad somehow stumbling upon something great out or sheer convenience—in any regard, those old beat up loafers are not good. Rather, given the current fashion climate, those geriatric slip-ons have perhaps their only opportunity to shine. Just like dad, wear them with pride.

While George Costanza may have been a proponent of the overly-stiffed gargantuan trifold, stylish dads everywhere know that the way to go is a sleek bifold or cardholder. From classic Louis Vuitton Epi leather monogram wallets to bold Goyard cardholders, stylish—and affluent–dads everywhere realized long ago that all you really need is room for your ID, a couple credit cards, some cash and maybe a business card. Everything else is superfluous.

Whether your dad is already up on the trend or not, copy your idyllic rich paternal figure by buying a wallet that while lacking actual storage space, more than makes up for it in appearance. Like a luxury watch, a premium wallet makes a statement and, by buying the right one, you convey both taste and class. Avoid embossed leather or anything embroidered. Sleek and simple black leather goes a long way.

Every dad has one of those braided leather belts in the back of their closet. Falling apart and exceedingly difficult to fasten—the metal pin always slips between the braids—the style was a monster hit in the '90s, and despite being undoubtedly unpractical dads everywhere loved them. While we usually tend to avoid recommending inherently impractical accessories, that same sort of craft and design simply for design's sake is exactly what you should be looking for when buying a belt.

Yes, it has a clear purpose, but beyond that, a belt is an accessory, and great ones add a crucial element. So, do yourself a favor and toss out that reversible brown/black belt you bought for college interviews immediately. Think of dads who were the same signature belt day-in and day-out for years on end. Whether its a silver-tipped Western belt or features an ornate buckle, finding a daily driver is a perfect way to cement a signature aesthetic without repeating the same outfit everywhere. A great belt goes a long way.

The older you get, the more you seem to appreciate the little things. A great sweater, beautifully faded jeans and a great pair of socks. While you can simply load up on Nike Dri-Fit—which there is nothing wrong with, by the way—do yourself a favor and invest in some premium knit version instead. Like a sweater for your feet, high-end socks are next level cozy, however due to price point and potential foot sweats tend to get a bad wrap. Stylish dads, however, know what's what. The same dad that wears colorful cashmere socks with his Birkenstocks–the one who still listens to The Grateful Dead and and owns a whole gang of tie-dye–has been up on this trend for years, and the rest of us are finally starting to come around.

Whether it's a subtle diamond pattern or a straight up smiley face on your heel courtesy of Kapital, thick gauge knit socks add an extra level of comfort and pop of color to an otherwise drab fit. Dads always stress how important socks are and looks like they're on to something—aesthetic or otherwise.

A curated lifestyle doesn't stop with your wardrobe. The car you drive, the vacations you take, the places you eat and the items in your home are all a part of your unique point of view. Dads, wise with age, have already realized as opposed to ephemeral fashion, additions to your home, workspace, or even for your car have a much longer shelf life. Consider a tasteful home. The things that truly stand out—furniture, books, tableware—are arguably just as if not more reflective of your taste level than the clothes you wear. Once you hone in on your personal style, the next step is to invest in items that will carry over for years to come. While we're not suggesting you buy an Eames chair just yet, reflecting on your interests then buying pieces for you home accordingly is, in the long run, much more rewarding than a trend-driven fashion purpose.

The best advice? Don't overthink it. Stick to what you know. An Hermès ash tray, a Rizzoli coffee table book or even just a JJJJound mug for your morning cup of coffee. Simple, tactile things that last forever and you enjoy on a daily basis. Clothes are meant to be worn, but objects are meant to be used. Stylish dads understand the difference. It's time you did as well.