If you haven’t leaned into the dadcore aesthetic yet, it might just be your moment. July is for backyard BBQs, beach trips, and other summer activities, so having an easy, breezy dad-inspired uniform will make getting ready much easier, so you can stay on the move.
Just think of a stereotypical dad outfit. A simple top, like an old band tee or a collared shirt, is the focal point. (Bonus points if it’s vintage, whether it’s scoped out from your favorite thrift store or a hand-me-down.) Pair it with some baggy bottoms—denim, khaki, or cargo. You can go for traditional pants or shorts, or add your own flair with a trendy skirt.
Luckily, the dadcore aesthetic has been adopted by some of the hottest celebrities, so there’s plenty of inspiration out there. Hudson Williams even brought the look to Paris during Fashion Week. His simple graphic tee and baggy jeans combo was complete with chunky New Balance sneakers.
Earlier this summer, Ayo Edebiri did her take on dadcore with a baggy shirt and trousers. She opted for flip flops that gave the look a more casual, laid-back vibe and accessorized with a fluffy clutch for a spunky twist. Milly Alcock went with the quintessential jorts and striped shirt combo and upped the ante with her signature oversized sunglasses—dramatically large sunglasses tend to be a fan-favorite among dads as well. She paired the look with a red slouchy bag and kitten heels for a trendy pop of color.
In late July, Zendaya took the dadcore look to the red carpet in her own way. She opted for an oversized graphic t-shirt worn like a dress for the Spider-Man: Brand New Day photocall. And on July 4 weekend, Dua Lipa was out and about in New York City with a slouchy white top, denim shorts, ballet flats, and a backwards baseball hat, another dad essential.
This trend has been a long time coming. We saw celebs like Hailey Bieber and Trinity Rodman previously step out in dad-like looks in the winter, proving that this aesthetic can give you outfit formulas for any season.
But the summertime lets this trend live to its full potential. Adopt it for all your summer hangs, and then transition the pieces into your back-to-school wardrobe come September. So if you’re feeling fatherly, check out our picks below.
