Dappered | 10 Tips for Staying Stylish If/When You Become a Dad

[Dappered | 10 Tips for Staying Stylish If/When You Become a Dad]() --------------------------------------------------------------- - [10 Tips for Staying Stylish If/When You Become a Dad](#1) - [Banana Republic 52% off Now and Later Sale](#2) - [In Review: The Allen Edmonds Mahogany Leather Bond Street Cap Toe](#3) [10 Tips for Staying Stylish If/When You Become a Dad](r/Dappered/~3/dmcGOdrCOvA/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 25 Aug 2020 03:00 AM PDT Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head [here]( to learn more. About the Author: Ryan N. is a professional web developer for (and alum from) the University of Delaware, who keeps a close shave as to not be confused with his strongly-bearded twin brother. He plays guitar and drums, loves going to concerts with his wife, and loves being a dad. Since becoming the parent of a newborn two years ago, I’ve changed up a lot in my personal style. Your priorities just change. They continue to change. It reframes the importance of some things, along with surfacing the absolute frivolity of others. Stuff that made me used to say “I have to have this,” became, “why did I ever value this?” What follows are both things I’ve learned through experience, as well as things I WISH someone would have told me heading into fatherhood. Some are small picture, some are big picture. And whether you’re a Dad, thinking about becoming one, or have no interest in kids whatsoever… maybe you’ll still find some value here. [Let’s rock and roll](. #1. Stretch is Everything While these ten tips aren’t in any specific order, this honestly is THE first thing that came to my mind when I started writing this post. When you blow out the crotch of your favorite shorts jumping to chase around your little ones (yes, as yours truly did), your next pair will indeed have stretch. And this goes for more than just casual stuff. Stretch is everywhere, and while it can go overboard sometimes, a little goes a long way. At work, at home, being a Dad or out on date night, the stretch-revolution of the last 10 years has been terrific. (Shown above: [The Banana Republic Core Temp Chino]( in Jupiter Grey) #2. Simplicity is Freeing I used to have so many clothes that I wouldn’t have to do laundry except occasionally. Always something new to wear, or an old favorite to uncover. I don’t have time for all that anymore. I streamlined my wardrobe, [stripped out the things I just don’t wear anymore](, and figured out what my personal “uniform” is. Lots of neutrals. Things that can take me from casual to work — my office is (was?) business casual — and back home. I also Marie-Kondo’ed my storage solutions, including uniform hangers in my closet (as shown above) for easy browsing. If you’re bleary-eyed from a midnight feeding, the last thing you need is one more decision to make in the morning. Help future-you out, and thin out your wardrobe before the littles come. #3. Versatility is Key This goes hand-in-hand with simplicity, but versatility is so much more than just going from home to work and back. The ability to wear one piece in multiple outfits, or in multiple levels of formality, just goes a really long way when you want to make as few decisions as possible. I’ve come to appreciate [those pieces that serve double- and triple-duty]( when it comes to pulling their weight, and it helps me keep my outfits fresh with less overall items. I have a ton of neutrals now, which means I can splash in a more colorful piece here and there without overloading my brain. When you’re running out the door trying to find the diaper bag, [that swazer]( you left on your briefcase after work on Friday evening might be exactly what you need to look put-together with a t-shirt and jeans on Saturday afternoon. #4. Embrace Layers. (and keep a change of clothes in your car) Layers don’t just look good, they’re hugely functional. They can help regulate your temperature when a cool summer morning turns boiling, AND when a crisp fall day turns bitter cold after the sun goes down. The other massive benefit to layering? If the kiddo spits up, you can peel off a layer instead of having to sit in a messed shirt for the remainder of your visit to wherever you are. Bonus tip – of course, you should have a change of clothes for the kiddo in their bag, but keep a change of clothes for yourself in the car. You might need it! #5. Say what you will, but Target and Amazon get it done I know, I know. We should all be mindful about how much money we’re throwing at these enormous retail giants (Amazon, Target, Walmart, etc.) And we do shop local when we can. It’s fun shopping local! Yet I’d be willing to bet about 60-70% of my wardrobe right now [is from Target]( and [Amazon](. Because… they have kids stuff there too. And shopping online is just too darn easy (or, necessary with pandemic restrictions). Once you know your fits, you can order online with ease, because you probably ain’t getting to a retail store much when you’re a brand new dad. You also aren’t going to change your shirt for three days at a time some weeks, so you probably shouldn’t go out in public those weeks. Happens to the best of us! This is also a super opportunity to have some fun with your kiddo’s clothing. Lots of kid stores have “dapper” [onesies]( and shirts for your little dudes, complete with [bowties, suspenders](, you name it. And they’re usually super cheap, to boot. #6. Gratitude is Important There’s a lot to do as a new dad. It can seem overwhelming, if you approach it the wrong way. If you say to yourself, “I HAVE to (change diapers, watch this kid 24/7),” then replace it with, “I GET to (help a tiny person that loves me more than anything, provide a safe space for this tiny person as they explore the world),” see how the mindset shifts? It can be easy to get lost if you don’t remember to focus on the positives. It’ll show on your face and elevate your whole appearance. This is something I learned over a little bit of time, and I think most new Dads will too. But picking up on it as soon as you can will make an enormous difference. #7. Self-Care is Vital Obviously, self-care is super important right now for everyone. But when you’re a new parent, it can seem like there’s just not time for you. There is, but you have to be on the lookout for it constantly. Try to keep [your grooming routine](, have your partner cut your hair (or [cut it yourself](). Even a few minutes of meditation a day have helped me a lot in terms of self-care. Make the margin. If you’re not your best you inside, your clothes ain’t gonna change nothin’. Oh, and shower sometimes. #8. Sleep is Essential Another tip that’s an acquired skill, and not something that’s super possible right at the beginning. You won’t get a whole heck or a lot of sleep, but.. take it when you can get it. Nap when they nap. Sleeping in shifts worked wonders for us and let us each get uninterrupted shut-eye. But figure out some kind of plan so that you can recover and be at your best. #9. Fitness is Worth It Yes, it’s a time of little sleep, but if you’re doing your best to stay up on physical fitness, you’ll feel way better when you do get to conk out. As they grow, you want to model strength for them, not move-all-the-weight strength, but consistency and taking care of what you’ve got. Protect the asset. You can’t give your kids everything you have if you don’t fill your own cup to overflowing. #10. Washing Machines are Your Friend Looking back, I was SO worried that kids just threw up all the time, got food (or worse) on you, changing diapers, etc, that I put some of my “nicer” clothes away for a while because I didn’t want anything to happen to them. In my experience, it hasn’t been nearly as messy as I imagined it being, but wipes do come in 800-packs for a reason. Not that you should start to burp your baby in a Brooks Brothers suit, but.. remind yourself that most of your wardrobe is washable. [Get good at doing laundry](. It’s not hard, and once you’re good at the chemistry, the magic of the washing machine will blow your mind. BONUS: Don’t take it all so seriously So, I’ll take the last bullet point here and just say.. you don’t *need* to focus on being stylish if it’s taking up your headspace. The above list is to help you free up the headspace needed to concentrate on your new #1 priority, helping a tiny person do all the things. Have some dang fun with it. Drink it all in, because it flies by. I can’t believe my little dude is running around and chatting up a storm already. So wear the [college hoodie](, go all in [on the fanny pack](, whatever gets it done! Because that’s what’s most important. [Dressing well should be a tool](. It shouldn’t be taken too seriously. There will always be time for a nice suit. ff/Dappered?a=dmcGOdrCOvA:qKacdXhVuQE:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=dmcGOdrCOvA:qKacdXhVuQE:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=dmcGOdrCOvA:qKacdXhVuQE:gIN9vFwOqvQ [Banana Republic 52% off Now and Later Sale](r/Dappered/~3/namWVEJf68g/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 24 Aug 2020 09:43 AM PDT Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head [here]( to learn more. [B.R.: 40% + extra 20% off (total = 52% off) (expires today, 8/24)]( Sneaky BR. Very Sneaky. This is a one day sale, and it’s a bit of a quiet one. BR’s been running 40% off for a few days now, and they sent out their daily email saying as much… but then adding “oh yeah, plus an additional 20% is coming off too.” The math says that’s 52% off. Which is better than their friends and family events. And some (not a ton) new fall stuff has just dropped too. So yes, some old favorites and some warm weather items (since it’s still, y’know, hot) are below, as are a few new tempting fall goods from BR. Off we go with the picks. Exclusions apply of course, but items below are up for the deal. [Hinto Italian Leather Bluchers – $76.32]( ($158) Sometimes you just want a super simple, incredibly versatile, blucher (not oxford) shoe that you can wear with just about everything. I’m pretty sure that welt is fake, but it’s great looking all the same. [Corduroy Puffer Vest – $81.12]( ($169) 100% fall. Autumn-y as autumn gets. All you need is some spiked apple cider. Good grief some of us are suckers for fall. [Responsible Merino V-Neck Sweater – $33.36]( ($69.50) Responsible? Just an empty buzz word? Actually, [perhaps it actually has some meaning behind it](. 100% extra fine merino wool here. [Water-Resistant Field Jacket – $109.92]( ($229) [BR Water-Resistant Field Jacket]( Has a matte cotton look and feel to it, although it’s a cotton/nylon blend for water resistance. A medium on my 5’10” / 195 lb frame is just on the edge between perfect and a little snug. But it’s a keeper. This kinda looks bad-ass. Like, [007 kinda bad ass](. Okay, not the same. But close! [Core Temp Chinos – $47.04]( ($98) Listen. I know you hear a LOT about these things. But BR does a lot of things right, and these are at the top of the list. Perfect with everything from a t-shirt and sneakers, to a sportcoat and suede boots. Frankly, these are the best all-around chinos out there. [Bonobos is in the conversation](, [as is Lululemon](1100l8fEx/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fshop.lululemon.com%2Fsearch%3FNtt%3Dwarpstreme%2520men%2527s%2520pants), but BR’s core temp balances quality, wearability, comfort, and price. Lightweight, breathable, and absurdly comfortable. [Full review here](. [Burgundy Corduroy Trucker Jacket – $71.52]( ($149) Early shout for best casual jacket of the year? Maybe? [Slim Dark Rinse Japanese Traveler Jean – $57.12](//bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=5389&vid=1&pid=130452002) ($119) [B.R. Slim Dark Rinse Japanese Traveler Jean](//bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=5389&vid=1&pid=130452002) C’mon jeans season. Hurry up. Let’s do this. The legend. After over one THOUSAND reviews on the BR site, these things still have a 4.6 out of 5 star rating. [Full review here](. [Hadley Italian Leather Brogue – $75.84]( ($158) [BR Hadley Oxford]( Inexpensive brogue bluchers. Are they gonna be the nicest shoes you ever buy? Probably not. Are they gonna look pretty darn good and can you wear the heck out of them without being overly worried about messing them up? You bet. Three colors to pick from. [Floral Wool Pocket Square – $14.60]( ($29.50) Floral prints (both micro and BIG) have gotten popular. But if your style leans a little more quiet and simple, a little floral can go a long way. So? Pocket square! Just a bit sticking out of the breast pocket of a suit or sportcoat jacket, and you’re golden. Wool fabric here, which is much more toned down than a silk. [Extra Fine Merino Waffle Sweater – $42.96]( ($89.50) A new arrival and has been getting excluded as of late. But fall’s a comin’. A 100% extra fine merino wool, and BR knows what they’re doing when it comes to merino. [Nicklas Suede Sneaker – $71.04]( ($148) Some suede. Some smooth leather. All in a rich brown. [Water-Resistant Field Jacket – $109.92]( ($229) [BR Water Resistant Field Jacket]( Perfect for walking the dog, or taking a stroll with your S/O, or pushing your kids around in a stroller. The navy color and the dark hardware gives it a pretty sleek look. Pockets. Many pockets. [Bombay Suede Belt – $19.67 – $28.56]( ($59.50) [BR Bombay Suede Belt]( The 40% + extra 20% seems to work on many a sale item as well? Works on the olive belt here. [Supima Cotton Cardigan  – $61.92]( ($129) Chunky shawl collar cardigan season(s) is (are) almost here! And that burnt orange option looks terrific. [Slim Traveler Pant – $47.04]( ($98.50) [Banana Republic Slim Traveler Pant]( Usually excluded from regular, run of the mill, 40% off promos. But not here. 4.7/5 stars after almost 1700 reviews. They’re a jean style chino made with some sort of high-recovery Italian stretch cotton. So, comfort of your favorite pair of jeans, only in chino like colors & finish. Lots of colors to pick from. Also offered in [Athletic Tapered]( and [Skinny](. [Full review here](. [Water-Resistant Quilted Vest – $71.04]( ($148) This year’s water-resistant quilted vest from BR. Looks to be a little less puffy than the competition? Which is good! There’s only so much puffer one can take. Avoids the all-poly life preserver look. [Organic Cotton Crew-Neck Sweater – $33.36]( ($69.50) A late summer sweater that can absolutely do some work in the fall and winter. A lighter, more weathered and heathered look here/ Also shown at the very top of the post in the pink option. [Wool-Blend Trucker Jacket – $81.12]( ($169) Certainly too warm to wear this now, but, if you get over excited about fall (look, some of us do), it might be something to scout out now. [Slim Pique Blazer – $95.04]( ($198) [BR Slim Pique Blazer]( Sweet. Swazer. Action. Pique knit, so it’s got a bit of texture to it. All cotton. Wear the heck out of it. Would look good with jeans in the coming months. [Athletic Tapered Heathered Traveler Pants – $47.04]( ($98) A favorite of our guy Jason. Shown above is an older “light toffee” shade that’s no longer available, but, the “camel” color that is available should fit in just fine. Style scenario that pic was pulled from [can be found here](. [Slim Traveler Chino – $52.32]( ($109) [BR Slim Traveler Chino]( Newish. A slightly dressier version of their enormously popular 5-pocket traveler pant. This time, cut in a business-ready chino. 98% cotton and 2% stretch. Enormously well reviewed just like the more casual Traveler 5-pocket. [Nicklas Leather Sneakers – $66.24]( ($138) [BR Nicklas Leather Sneaker]( Everybody needs a pair of clean, white leather sneakers. These just happen to be less expensive than most. Nice blue heel tab. Only logo appears to be a subtle, tonal, stamped “Banana Republic” on the tongue. [Luxe Touch SLIM Fit]( or [Regular Fit Solid Polos – $21.36]( ($44.50) [BR Luxe Touch Polos]( A super well loved basic. Size shown above is a large slim on 5’10” / 195. Some have reported noticeable shrinkage with these things, but I haven’t experienced that myself. You might though. [Supima Cable-Knit Sweater – $47.20]( ($98.50) It’s too early for fishermen’s sweaters, right? Tee-la-dee, [how long have we been on this rock]( Still haven’t seen it. Need to see it. *FOGHORN BLASTS* [Italian Leather Belt – $28.56]( ($59.50) [BR Italian Leather Belt]( Almost 150 reviews, and 4.5/5 stars. Think of it as a nicer, slightly dressier version of the GAP basic belts. [Performance Stretch Wool Slim Dress Pant – $56.64]( ($118) [BR Stretch Wool Dress Pants]( Extraordinarily well reviewed. BR’s stand alone wool dress pant. 99% wool and 1% elastane. Great for the office great for anywhere! They look good with sneakers! (See above.) [Don’t-Sweat-It Button Up Polo – $28.56]( ($59.50) [WHO WANTS TO GO BOWLING](? The 52% off everything, no BR Merch exclusions quiet-deal (no code needed) ends today, 8/24. ff/Dappered?a=namWVEJf68g:yIvuI52FYPI:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=namWVEJf68g:yIvuI52FYPI:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=namWVEJf68g:yIvuI52FYPI:gIN9vFwOqvQ [In Review: The Allen Edmonds Mahogany Leather Bond Street Cap Toe](r/Dappered/~3/euROtvvlBqs/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 24 Aug 2020 08:00 AM PDT Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head [here]( to learn more. [Allen Edmonds Bond Street Cap Toe Oxford in Mahogany – $199.97]( ($425) NOTE: Allen Edmonds ran an extra 30% off sale items deal [last week](, which dropped these to $140. Yes, $140 for made in Port Washington Wisconsin, recraftable, classic cap-toe oxfords. Many of us decided to give them a go at that price. Read on to find out if it was worth it. I think if one were to speak in the language of memes, [this would pretty much sum it up](. But it feels here, like there should be… words. So yeah. Let’s words. The leather just ain’t the same. [Allen Edmonds Mahogany Leather Bond Street Cap Toe men's shoe]( These things are full of contradictions. Weirdly smooth leather. Yet to call it “plasticky” would be unfair. They’re too flexible/pliable. The Bond Street cap toe in Mahogany was [featured]( a few [times]( here on Dappered over the last week or so, especially when they went from $199 to $140. What a deal, right? But this almost glass smooth, semi-glossy leather upper is not what many of us were expecting. They are, to a seasoned Allen Edmonds customer, kinda sorta starting to look like cheap corrected-grain department store shoes. And bad experiences with those cheap shoes is precisely what sent a lot of us running into the arms of a heritage footwear maker like Allen Edmonds. So is the Bond Street in Mahogany a $400 pair of shoes? No. Are they $199 shoes? Depends, but probably not. Are they $140 shoes? They just might be. For the right guy and the right demo. [Allen Edmonds Mahogany Leather Bond Street Cap Toe men's shoe]( Still recraftable. Still made in Port Washington WI. Allen Edmonds appears to have been going for something and someone pretty specific here. What they failed to do was clue their long-time customer base in on what they were doing. And thus, a swing and a miss for most. But here’s an attempt at some critical thinking, and perhaps explaining, just who these super smooth oxfords are supposed to be for… [Allen Edmonds Mahogany Leather Bond Street Cap Toe men's shoe]( The “mahogany” leather seems like its been processed purposefully to be soft and smooth. But to long time AE fans, it’s a little too “perfect”. Unless it’s pure cost-cutting (which it could be, who knows), I’m thinking these shoes were created for a younger customer in mind. Someone who would look at classic Allen Edmonds leathers like Walnut, Oxblood, Chili, etc… and think they look… dull. Someone who would pick up a thick-leather pair of dress shoes with a traditional Goodyear welt and think “holy crap, these are not [my Ultraboosts]( who wears these cement blocks on their feet??” Someone who would think about the task [of shining and conditioning shoes]( not as a methodical bit of zen, but instead as a pure chore. “Cool shoes should have some real shine, right?” Not always. Unless they’re these. And then they do. [Allen Edmonds Mahogany Leather Bond Street Cap Toe men's shoe]( Non-skid rubber “pods” for traction. Not sure why the right side is listing hard off center. Whoops? Here’s a convoluted metaphor (simile? analogy?)… The mahogany leather on the Bond street is like cooking with a non stick pan. It’s smooth. It’s low maintenance. It’s modern. It also just doesn’t have the character or flavor that comes with an old-school pan ([cast iron perhaps?]() and a bit of olive oil. [Allen Edmonds Mahogany Leather Bond Street Cap Toe men's shoe] Almost glass smooth, uniform in appearance leather. Also, notice the exposed lightish gray “stitch leather HERE” guide line at the throat,where the vamp sweeps up and over the lacing panels. Another whoops. Fit feels pretty true. I’m not personally feeling that wider toe box they speak of, but I’m not crushed or cramped either. My normally 10.5 D feet took to the 10.5 in the Bond Street quite well. If you want a simple cap toe in a deep, reddish brown hue, go with the Park Avenue in burnished chili. [Those are currently on sale for $237 during the Nordstrom anniversary sale](. You can expect the leather on the Park Ave. to be the regular, thicker, deeper looking stuff, which should also hold conditioning/shoe creme much better compared to the basically non-porous Bond street. And now if you’ll excuse me, [I have a pan to season](. [Allen Edmonds Mahogany Leather Bond Street Cap Toe men's shoe]( ff/Dappered?a=euROtvvlBqs:ZTVmDVzThUM:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=euROtvvlBqs:ZTVmDVzThUM:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=euROtvvlBqs:ZTVmDVzThUM:gIN9vFwOqvQ You are subscribed to email updates from [Dappered Style Mail](). To stop receiving these emails, you may [unsubscribe now](. Email delivery powered by Google Google, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, United States