Mark Father’s Day with the best in summer menswear. Jaine Blackman picks out top trends for style-hesitant dads and suggests some Oxford outings to match

When it comes to fashion, fathers can be stuck in their wardrobe ways: unlikely to be swayed by the latest catwalk trends and nonplussed by celebrity style icons.

The key concern for most men is comfort. Thankfully, that doesn’t need to be compromised with the new wave of summer trends; the emphasis is on casualwear and low-key looks.

Tap into your father’s style and transform him into Daddy Cool and while you’re at it, why not take him to an Oxford venue which will complement his new look.

VARSITY SPORTS

The perfect match for the sports-obsessive father, joggers, trainers and jerseys are bang on trend this season.

“The sports and varsity trend is key for summer, and the perfect look for your dad to rock a bit of stylish rest and recreation,” says Jonathan Lovett, Burton head of design.

With the World Cup approaching, the football strip is one step too far, but colour blocked tops with contrasting arms means that he can still wear his team colours on his sleeve.

KEY PIECE: A well-fitting pair of grey marl joggers will transform a sofa-surfing slob into an on-trend dad.

Oxford Mail:
Burton grey joggers, £20 (burton.co.uk)

VENUE: Take dad for a pint at the City Arms on Cowley Road, it’s got a special licence to show all the England games live and any others which are broadcast during regular opening hours.

SUMMER TAILORING

Most fathers have an element of tailoring in their wardrobe, but this season it’s time to ditch the black and navy for sorbet-inspired colour.

“Pastels were all over the catwalk for SS14,” Lovett explains. “Break away from classic tailoring and explore with a little colour for a stylish wardrobe update.”

The trick is to keep things casual. He should avoid ties, with shirts buttoned up to the collars, and keep the silhouette more relaxed and informal.

KEY PIECE: A lightweight blazer in a pastel tone will instantly transform a dowdy dad into a dapper dad.

EVENT: How about a punt down the river? Just make sure he doesn’t get his new threads wet.

MOD STYLE

For a fresh new take on smart casual, go back through the decades to the swinging Sixties. Think Beatles timeless style mixed with Liam Gallagher cool.

Lovett advises: “Smarten up the look with button-up shirts and tailored denim with a little casualwear thrown into the mix in the form of a classic parka.”

This is one trend where a buttoned-up shirt or polo works for a dressed-down look. Just steer clear of the accompanying tie.

KEY PIECE: A classic khaki parka is a staple piece for any dad’s wardrobe. Find one versatile and practical enough and it will take him from spring to winter year after year.

Oxford Mail:
Topman khaki lightweight parka, £65 (topman.com)

VENUE: Take Hip Dad to a gig. American alternative rock band Eels are playing at Oxford’s New Theatre on Father’s Day.

COASTAL PREPPY

Pastels and brights might not be your dad’s bag but a nautical-inspired palette is perhaps the most accessible for summer, with flashes of blues and reds.

“For a fresher take on the classic nautical trend, try polos with colour pop strips and bold blue chinos,” suggests Mark Selby, head of buying at BHS.

The nautical trend will take him from lazy day at the beach through to evening BBQ celebration. Just add button-down outerwear or a summer knit when temperatures cool.

KEY PIECE: Add colour to your dad's wardrobe with a classic stripe polo top that will work with chinos, jeans or long shorts.

Oxford Mail:
Jaeger multi-stripe pique polo, £45 (jaeger.co.uk)http://jaeger.co.uk

VENUE: Show off those new threads on a stroll around the lake at Hinksey Park.

TROPICAL FLORALS

Best reserved for non-wallflowers, the Hawaiian shirt is back and it's bolder than ever.

“Whether it’s a Hawaiian palm print shirt or hibiscus patterned shorts, be bright and bold this summer with the season’s hottest tropical trend,” Selby says.

The key to working a vacation-style floral statement piece is to ensure the rest of the outfit is pared-back and understated.

KEY PIECE: The Hawaiian shirt is now a classic must-have. Make it a shirt he can wear at home or on vacation with a slightly more muted palette.

Oxford Mail:
BHS Hawaiian floral print shirt, £20 (bhs.co.uk)

VENUE: If jetting off to exotic climes is out of the question, keep your fingers crossed for fine weather and enjoy Oxford Beach in the Castle Quarter.