It's easy to see why the ‘90s dad suit comes back around this time every year. The return of all things noughties has inevitably included this menswear staple, which continues to be a go-to silhouette for cool girls looking for an alternative to party dresses this season, so if a sparkly frock isn’t quite your cuppa tea, this trend is for you. Cosy and cool, the hulking shape also means we get to layer up and still look sharp on pretty much any occasion.
Office? Check. Drinks? Check. Sunday roast? Check. In fact, they even work on red carpets, as our favourite celebrities have proven. The best part is, it's one of the easiest looks to replicate and re-wear for all seasons. It's also a universally flattering outfit, no matter your body shape or size. The key is simply finding the cut that suits you.
Hailey Bieber, who recently celebrated her 28th birthday, recently took the dad suit trend quite literally, dressing up her grey, Saint Laurent by Anthony Vacarello set with a polka-dot tie and thin reading glasses, giving off serious Mad Men vibes. She finished off the look with a slick updo and long side fringe.
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Meanwhile, fellow model Kendall Jenner went topless under her dad suit, layering on a giant blazer-coat with protruding shoulders and opted for a Marilyn Monroe 'do to go with the ultra-masculine silhouette. Pro tip, as skilfully demonstrated by both ladies, is to style your looks with super-pointy pumps so that the toes peep out of the baggy trousers to elongate the shape.
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So what exactly constitutes a ‘dad suit’ as opposed to a regular suit? We're talking bulky shoulders that protrude well off the shoulders, long jackets that extend past your hips and matching trousers that pool around the ankles. Of course, there are varying degrees of bagginess you can choose depending on what you're comfortable with.
Personally, I don't love stepping on and muddying my trousers – so I tend to go for barrel-shaped ones instead. But the oversized shape is where the cool factor comes in, so whatever hue or fabric you go for (wool is your best bet for this weather), this trend asks that you go big or go home.
And if the suit-and-tie combo leans a little too costume for you, glam up the look with a sparkly bodysuit or cosy turtleneck instead. Go for giant, vintage jewellery as the finishing touches and watch this super-chic party look come to life.
Shop some of our favourite pieces below:
