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Fashion for fathers: Give dad clothing he'll love

Today Style Editor Bobbie Thomas highlights looks that speaks to dad's sense of style.
/ Source: TODAY contributor

While sons will follow in his footsteps, even daughters hang onto his old sweaters. In honor of Father's Day, we've found fashions that celebrate an unlikely style icon - DAD.  He’s often referred to as the “head of the household,” so why not let his hobbies inspire your gift idea? Beyond the standard socks, ties and money clips, Bobbie Thomas, Today Style Editor and author of the Buzz for In Touch weekly, helps update his wardrobe with styles he'll love to live in.

The All American DadHis Style: If your Pops is an avid sports fan, chances are he's got the jeans and t-shirt look down pat (just like his fastball).  Casual and comfortable, his clothing is meant for living, lounging, and cheering in. And whether it be baseball, basketball, hockey or football -- Dad may jump at the chance to take in a game, but he's also king of the couch. Gift Idea: Old habits are hard to break, and you've discovered Dad is as loyal to his old clothes as he is to his home team.  If you want to convince him to warm up to some new duds, the key is to find items that will feel like they've been in his closest for years. Alternative Apparel offers soft, worn-in items like t-shirts and caps, while The Gap has everything he'll need from faded jeans to shirts with distressed pockets. And for those dads who want a little more polish, they also offer layering pieces that will round out his basic wardrobe.Bobbie's Buzz: Give dad some cool kicks. Ironically, 'old-school' sneakers from Converse are not only fashion forward, but also have a vintage appeal with some styles even featuring frayed edges- minus the locker room eau de parfum.

L/S burnout raglan white t-shirt, $50; Burout t-shirt in wahsed navy, $40, Alternative ApparelShort sleeve multi-plaid shirt, $39.50; Boot fit jeans $59.50; baseball t-shirt $9.99, Gap The Sun & Surf Dad His Style: Whether he's weaving in and out of the ocean's waves, or bumming around on the beach, this Dad is perfectly happy to wear board shorts and go barefoot. He's mastered the laid-back look, and seamlessly transitions from work's two-piece suit to weekend's wetsuit.  Carefree in sprit, he embraces color and bold patterns. You better believe all eyes are on him as he strolls through the sand and sails through life. Gift Idea: Men don't think about bathing suit season the same way women do, but that doesn't mean he couldn't use some new trunks.  Make his day with matching father-son swim shorts.  Hollywood's hottest hunks are turning to classic swimwear brand Vilebrequin to find fun prints, while Old Navy is snagging swimmers by the dozen with their colorful new suits. Bobbie's Buzz: While he certainly won't want the latest neon iPod accessory, a durable "man case" from iMainGo will protect his Ipod from the sun and sand while doubling as a speaker. Ornage t-shirt, $8.50; Swim trunks, $19.50; flip flops $3.50, Old Navy

The City Slicker DadHis Style: A fashion-forward father with flair, this dad is up-to-date on the latest styles.  He’s not afraid to try new trends, and always looks sharp and sophisticated.  Whether he’s heading out for an evening, or strutting down the street on his way to work — he dresses to impress.Gift Idea: Cater to his trendy tastes, with some of the seasons hottest must-haves for men. Italian designer Eredi Pisano' is on the cutting edge with Neopolitan suits, shirts in colors from coral to lavendar, and white-hot linen pants. Paul Frank's retro polos, and aviator sunglasses, like those from Ray Ban or A/X Exchange, are a big style statement this season. Always a classic, an original button-down from Brooks Brothers will never fail and always be welcome. 

Bobbie's Buzz: Hat’s off to dad's Matt Lauer and Al Roker who have shown us how stylish hats can be. Once known for their cowboy hats, Stetson’s sleek Modern Collection offers sharp styles that even Hollywood’s leading men love.

Eredi Pisano' USA 212.418.9630The Great Outdoors Dad
His Style:
It’s time to pack the family into the RV! No, this is not a Chevy Chase movie, he just can’t get enough of Mother Nature. Dad’s idea of “wild life” involves camping, hiking and fishing –  and with his active lifestyle, fashion needs to meet function. The more pockets the better for this outdoor aficionado.Gift Idea: Forgo anything that is polished or perfect, and instead dress dad in comfortable, practical clothing. Patchwork madras shorts from J. Crew, and utility vests like the ones available at DadGear.com will offer double duty for baby or bass fishing. And his idea of a "man bag" ? The backpack. Ful.com has design for every kind of out outing from 'urban' and 'active' to 'travel'.Bobbie’s Buzz: They may be the latest craze for kids, but you might want to consider Crocs for dad. He’s sure to enjoy the simple styling of the plain slip-ons, and the big-foot tracks they’ll leave in his wake.  And as an added bonus -- he may even let the kids go wild with jibbits (snap on critter charms) that will play to his love for the great outdoors.

Broken in no-pocket crewneck tee in surplus, $24.50; Nubuck flip flops $29.50, J.Crew  Gray diaper vest $82, Dad GearFishing vest $14.99, Dick Sporting Goods