I’d like to dedicate this post to all YLF fathers and in particular to my dearest Dad who happens to be visiting right now. Papa, as I call him, is 76 and manages to fly out to Seattle twice a year from his home in the Netherlands where he lives on his own. He doesn’t have computer access back home so he’s going to get a real kick out of seeing this post today.

Papa is the opposite of my Mum when it comes to style and fashion. He loathes shopping for clothes and shoes and considers it punishment when he has to update his wardrobe. (Being a little colour blind doesn’t help). But my Mum set a high style standard and would not tolerate sloppy dressing, so Papa relied heavily on her to ensure that he was well turned out at all times. When Mama was still alive, I remember Papa asking her the same question every morning as he stood in front of his closet: “Wat moet ik aantrekken?”, which translated from Dutch means “what should I wear?”.

These days Papa has to get it right on his own. With a little help from you know who, he’s managed extremely well over the last nine years and I’m proud that my Dad has not let himself go. As a tribute to his late wife and a sign of self respect, Papa is well groomed, well put together and stylish every day.

His day to day uniform consists of nice jeans, cords or wool pants with tucked-in button down shirt, cashmere pullover, belt and leather shoes. When it gets colder he adds a trench, leather jacket or wool coat with scarf, gloves, umbrella and tweed hat. When it’s hot, he substitutes the jeans for tailored bermuda shorts and slip-on mule sandals. Papa finishes off his look with great classic specs or hip sunglasses, along with his wedding ring and gold watch. He also keeps his hair and beard super short and his hands immaculately buffed. Brilliant.

Thank you Papa for paying attention to your wardrobe and daily dressing routine. You are proof that style is achievable at any age. Yvonne watches over you from her fluffy white cloud and totally approves of your dress sense. You look fab.

Over to you ladies. Let’s hear about your Dad’s style. Are you planning any style and fashion related gifts for Sunday?

(1) This picture was taken over three years ago when my best friend Lori and I went to visit my father in the Netherlands. He’s wearing his favourite suede jacket, navy scarf and gloves, giving us a heartfelt smile. (2) Papa with me and my brother Hugo in 1971. Nylon polo shirt, checked pants and of-that-fashion-moment specs. Fabulous. (3) My Mum used to say that it was Papa’s sports car that got her hooked. Here he is cruising along Hong Kong’s coastline after a hard day’s work in 1961. The top is down and the sassy sunglasses are out. Uber cool. Happy Father’s Day everyone!

You desperately want to renew your style. Ideally, you would purchase the best set of bras, and then cover each wardrobe category so that you have a range of complete, current and fabulous outfits to wear each day. But that’s not possible because you have budget constraints. Now what?

The answer is to take a gradual approach that respects your budget. To build your confidence and motivation, start by changing three things that will have a powerful visual effect: your hair, your shoes and your handbag.

1. Re-evaluate your hairstyle: It’s true: your hair can make or break your look. Kendall Farr’s suggestion of getting your hair style sorted BEFORE you assess your wardrobe is one I have begun to introduce to my clientele. Your hair is the first accessory to change when you’re stuck in a style rut because it creates a big impact. Take advantage of that power and get right to it.
2. Update your footwear: Shoes are usually expensive and hard to purchase when money is tight. But if you don’t have fussy feet, you can get perfectly fine footwear at places like Target, JC Penny, TJMaxx and Payless. If your feet require better-end shoes, scout the sales and check out bargain sites like smartbargains.com and 6pm.com. And don’t forget the option of thrift stores either. Purchase two versatile pairs of peds that you can wear right away.
3. Sport a fab handbag: You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on a handbag. H&M and discount stores offer super selections and you’re bound to find a bag you love for $25.

This is not a complete renewal, but by giving attention to these three areas of your style, you’ll look and feel better right away. A visual and motivating change that can tide you over.

The right bra is the next essential step, because you can’t judge fit unless your foundation garments are correct. Purchase one great bra if that’s all you can afford. If at all possible, get a professional fitting.

After that you can gradually add items as your budget permits. Identify the most important everyday clothing needs that you need to refresh. It might be a pair of jeans or slacks, or an assortment of tops and a jacket. Or perhaps a couple of easy frocks that you can dress up or down. Watch the sales for these items.

With your hairstyle, handbag and shoes in place it will be easier to have the patience to slowly and selectively build up the right wardrobe pieces. Before you know it, dressing each morning will be a pleasure, not a chore.

Huaraches are Mexican sandals with many narrow, interwoven straps. Over the past few seasons designers have incorporated the distinctive and interesting huarache strappy effect into modern sandals. You’ll see huarache design details on anything from mules and gladiators, to stacked heels, peep-toes and wedges. The overall look of the shoe is casual but the heeled versions look a little dressier.

They will work well if you have an earthy, bohemian and informal edge to your style. That’s not my look, which is why they’re not for me. Plus, multiple narrow strappy detailing on shoes is usually uncomfortable. But they can certainly be cute as part of the right boho ensemble.

There are several father’s day sales that are worth a look:

• Boden: 20% off plus Free Shipping and Free Returns through June 21.
• Macy’s: Save 20-50% through June 17.
• Saks Fifth Avenue: Up to 55% off until early July.
• Lucky Brand Jeans: $10 off Mens tops until June 21. And 15% off online on June 17 only.

Another one to note for the blokes is the Nordstrom Men’s Half Yearly Sale, which starts this Friday, June 19.