08. Father’s Day

31st July 2019

What to wear on Father’s Day as the daughter

Father’s Day is a celebration honouring fathers and fatherhood, paternal bonds and the influence of fathers in society. This celebration is held on the third Sunday of June in the United Kingdom which typically means sports games, outdoor activities, or in my case- al fresco dining, courtesy of the summer weather.

Although I have never had a strong father presence for most of my life, I felt it was still an essential day to include in my Spring/Summer 31 dress series. Whilst I may have little experience with celebrating fatherhood, I do have a good understanding on how this day is typically spent. Moreover, during my childhood, I had a wonderful grandfather whom I loved dearly. My family would always enjoy a decedent meal together and he would purchase a beautiful, luxurious dress for my sister and me to wear. As a result, my personal father’s day attire is inspired by my own childhood experiences with a high-class lunch theme. However, I am aware that this day is completely open to interpretation with a wide range of events taking place. Therefore, I have ensured to include generic sartorial advice that can be implemented into various settings

Here is how to keep your ensemble appropriate and practical for Father’s Day.

The vibe– Casual, daytime, modest.

Father’s typically enjoy spending their celebrations outdoors at a sports game or sitting under the sun with a pub meal in hand. For this reason, it is recommended that you keep your outfit al fresco appropriate with a summer-proof outfit and avoiding white at all costs.

Keep it environmentally friendly

As with every event-orientated ensemble, it is highly important that you have considered where you are going and what you will be doing. A pair of sky-high heels is only as practical as your environment. Turning up to a football game in a pair of pumps with your father is not recommended and with the stadium steps, it’s a rather dangerous choice. Therefore, ensure you have really thought about your outfit and the choice of event together – not separately.

In relation to my aforementioned father’s day experiences, this isn’t a day I personally celebrate. Consequently, I chose a figurative setting using the events that took place with my grandfather as a child. As I and my family would usually go to an eloquent restaurant for a meal, I used this setting as the inspiration for this post. This beautiful dress from Chi Chi London oozes summer sophistication and paired with my vegan Inyati bag and Chanel-inspired oxford heels, the outfit channels modern elegance, toned down with the straw boater. Collectively, this ensemble achieves the delicate balance of relaxed and polished.

Opt for a bright colour

There’s something that feels entirely different to me in regards to the contrast of Mothers and Father’s day. Whilst Mother’s day oozes opulent elegance and timeless chic, father’s day feels a little more youthful – perhaps it’s because most men are often the ‘playful parent’? As a result, I find myself gravitating towards a more daring colour palette, I usually wouldn’t consider, and injecting colour into my outfit. As Father’s day also falls into the summer season, here in the U.K, the sun is usually shining and I personally find myself subconsciously taking inspiration from the radiant weather forecast. Moreover, as my birthday is around the same time of year and falls on Father’s day every few years, I enjoy contrasting my outfits; injecting more whimsy into my father’s day look and opting for a typical classic look for my own birthday.

If you find yourself utterly perplexed on colour choices, perhaps it would be fun to consider channeling the man of the hour’s personality. If he’s the strong silent type, go for blue. Similarly, if he’s a bubbly, whimsical character a bold hue may be fun to wear for the day.

Stick to Summer Essentials

As father’s often like to be sitting outside a burger shack, indulging in a delicious meal, hopping to the latest sports game or playing it themselves, it is likely that you will be outside for most of the day. Therefore, it is important to focus on self-care and ensure you are incorporating your summer essentials into your outfit. From a pair of finely crafted ballet flats to a straw boater such as the one I am wearing, establish what pieces are going to support you in weathering the outdoors.

Modest is Hottest

This is a no brainer. Regardless of the type of person your father is, wearing a provocative dress isn’t going to get you in the good books. Keep your hemlines at a respectable length and ensure you aren’t revealing too much skin.

Choosing a dress that is versatile and can be easily dressed up or down is highly recommended above all of my suggestions. Sometimes the weather can change or your father’s ideas on how to spend the day. It is important that you are prepared for anything. As a result, I would ensure that your outfit is highly versatile and of course, respecting your father too.

If your attire requires an ensemble that is more toned-down, look to my 31 dress series for more style inspiration