Things My Dad Taught Me About Fashion

Father’s Day is only a few days away and I want to take this time to look back at all the fashion advice that my dad has given me throughout the years.

All shoes are created equal, all you need is a pair of black and brown shoes.

“No dad, I can’t possibly have only two pairs of shoes. I need a variety of colors and styles.”

When my dad sees me wearing high heels, he used to tell me they weren’t good for my back.

“But Dad, they’re cute!”

It doesn’t matter, they’ll mess up your back and they’re not good for your feet.

“But Dad, they’re cute!”

Back when I was still in high school I remember asking my dad for clothes and telling him what kind I wanted. He would say: “If someone doesn’t like what you’re wearing tell them to buy you what they want you to wear.”

When I wanted name brand clothes, he used to ask me why did I want to walk around wearing someone else’s name on me.

“Because dad, I like the clothes.”

Needless to say, I got my designer wear (but it did come with a lecture).

One time while I was still in high school, I told my dad I needed some new clothes, so he gave me $100.00. I’m thinking, what can I possibly get for $100 bucks. I mean guess jeans (the in jeans at the time, am I telling my age?) alone was about that much. But, I made it work and was able to buy a few tops and pants. But give me $100 bucks now, knowing what I know about style, I could pull at least three looks out that $100.00.

I remember telling my dad I wanted a Louis Vuitton bag and he told me he’d take me to Kmart so I can get a purse.

“Dad, it’s not the same!”

It’s better and you can get a few different colors.

“It’s never the same!”

When I became obsessed with Thrifting, my dad took me to a bunch of different thrift stores. I found some of the cutest things when I was with him. He also gave me a vintage Gucci watch that he found at a thrift store.

As a kid, my dad used to do my hair, he would press and oil my scalp. It was so healthy until I got older and decided to get a perm. BIG MISTAKE! He did warn me, but of course, I didn’t listen.

When I was in college, I told my dad I wanted to be a fashion designer, he bought me my first sewing machine. When my dress form broke, I brought it to him and he made it as good as new.

It may not have seemed like it when I was younger, but it turns out my dad was right, don’t dress to fit in, dress for yourself. If someone has a problem with your clothes, they’re more than welcome to buy you what they think you should wear. So dress the way you want, because truth is, people are always going to have something to say.

My dad may not have Tim Gunn’s sense of style, but he did teach me to dress for myself, despite what everyone else is wearing! I can honestly say, that through it all my dad has always been there and not just offering me his fashion advice.

What fashion advice has your father ever given you?

Happy Father’s Day!

♥