Style Notes: Dadcore, Revisited
& Fine-Whatever Link-Up

In November 2021, I shared my take on the dadcore aesthetic — borrowing cues from the “gentleman-next-door” wardrobes of the past and present, and putting a thrifted twist on them. Now, four years later, I’m revisiting that experiment.

These brown plaid trousers were originally bought along with a pair of solid brown ones as possible options for a style inspiration post I wrote in summer 2021. The solid brown trousers were selected for that post, so the plaid ones were put away to await another idea, which eventually led to the Dadcore post. To be honest, they were already a bit snug at the time and then became simply too snug, leading to them being set aside until recently.  Now they fit again, and that’s gotten me excited about giving them a second try.

This time around, the goal isn’t so much about chasing a trend or recreating the original post. It’s about seeing how a classic piece holds up over time, and how much flexibility it still offers when you approach your closet with curiosity instead of the urge to replace things.

Certain details don’t really go out of style. Good fabric, classic patterns, thoughtful construction — they tend to age better than trends do. And when you build your wardrobe around pieces like that, it becomes easier to remix what you already own rather than starting from scratch.

Look One: Classic Dadcore

This first look stays closest to the original Dadcore idea. Of course, the plaid trousers set the tone, and then everything else builds around that slightly vintage, practical feel. It may not show in the photos, but one of the ‘colors’ in the plaid is actually a gold metallic thread. I’d originally planned to wear a denim shirt, but when I remembered the metallic striped button-down from my fall collection, my choice became obvious. The tan utility-style jacket with attached hood (a thrift store find) harkens back to that long-ago Dadcore look. However, instead of sneakers to finish the look, I opted for loafers.

Look Two: A Softer Version

If the previous look is “Dadcore”, you might say that this one leans a little “Momcore”.  LOL For this second outfit, I opted to explore how the same trousers could shift in mood with a few different choices. I kept the focus on the subtle metallic thread in the plaid and leaned into it more deliberately, pairing the trousers with a shimmery paisley-patterned jacket that brings in warmth and additional texture. This jacket was also a secondhand purchase from several years ago.

The addition of an antique glass beaded necklace and silver loafers introduces a more feminine contrast, but the structure of the jacket and the grounded feel of the trousers keep everything balanced. Nothing here feels overly precious or fussy. It’s simply the same foundation styled to show a different side to the same piece.

That’s what I keep coming back to with pieces like these: they don’t lock you into a single identity or mood. They adapt, depending on what you bring to them.

What I appreciate most about revisiting a look like this is how clearly it shows the value of keeping good pieces around. Trends shift, bodies change, priorities evolve — but a well-made garment with timeless details doesn’t lose its usefulness. It just waits for its next moment.

If you were restyling something from your closet today, what would you reach for first?

Stay well and let’s keep in touch! Subscribe, follow, friend, pin … all options are available. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

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Photo credit: MMPerez

Note: This is an unsponsored post; however, some or all of the links to clothing items are associated with an affiliate program, where I earn a small commission for each click at no additional cost to you.

Now, onto the Fine-Whatever link-up. The featured post from last week’s link-up, Smart Eating Starts Here: Your Brain Is Always Listening, was contributed by Wendy, who pens The Inspired Eater. It’s a thoughtful and approachable take on how mindset can influence the everyday choices we make around food.