How the Most Stylish Dads We Know Got Their Kids Back-to-School Ready

From vintage shopping to desiging their own sweaters, here’s how the most stylish dads we know got their kids ready for a new school year.

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By Gear Patrol

Published September 14, 2018

Updated August 25, 2022

Being a parent is an indescribably difficult job that has reduced more than one man to a nervous, sweaty mess. But the most stylish dads we know are anything but, and they seemed to have brought the same rigor to getting their kids to go back to school that they bring to shooting amazing portraits, designing great clothing collections, and editing books and magazines. Below, how these guys got their kids ready to go back to school.

Billy Reid

Fashion designer and father of three

What sites or stores do your kids go to for school supplies and why?
My girls love Poshmark, Target, Madewell and Zara. They both have great style and love to discover cool finds on websites and in stores. My son is an athlete and shops at Dicks, Kith and eBay. My kids and their friends also like a lot of the pieces I created for my fall 2018 collection. The jeans, knits and jackets are the most popular this fall.

What’s on your kid’s back-to-school shopping list this year and why?
This year I have a daughter who is moving into the freshman dorm, so we’re shopping for a lot of dorm stuff. That’s a whole world of set up. I also have a daughter who is moving from a dorm into a house, so for her, it’s all about setting up a household. For my son, who is entering high school, he just wants cool shoes and jeans. This is turning out to be an expensive year.

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Peacock Cardigan by Billy Reid $345

Matt Hranek

Writer, traveler, and father of one

Do you have any purchases you’ve made year after year? What is it, and why?
High school gear for Clara is more about style than practicality, but we still put the pressure on her for function. This year it’s Carhartt WIP for fall and new North Face puffers for winter. [She’ll wear] Sorel’s for heavy snow days or Nike Air Force 1s for light days.

What are you inspired by this year for back-to-school shopping either in trends or from a functionality standpoint?
Clara says she is inspired mostly by vintage trends during the ’80s and ’90s. On her list this year are a new pair of slip-on checkered Vans, and a couple pairs of Dickies. She is obsessed with hoodies and gets most of hers from Tyler, the Creator’s brand GOLF, Champion and a skate brand called Stray Rats.

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Checkerboard Slip-On by Vans $50

Todd Snyder

Fashion designer, tailgater, and father of two

What websites or stores are you go-to for back-to-school supplies and why?
Amazon and Staples for the basics, but I am obsessed with Muji and have passed that obsession onto my daughters. My youngest is an artist and she loves going to the art stores in NYC. Blick has the best items.

How has shopping with your daughters changed as they’ve gotten older?
I have always enjoyed shopping with my girls. Their favorite places are Brandy Melville and American Eagle. As they have gotten older, their knowledge of sneakers has surpassed my own. I now find myself at Kith and Nike. I’ve even purchased Gucci sneakers for them. I’m just grateful their sizes haven’t been changing so fast!

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.38mm Pens by Muji $14

Gabe Sullivan

Photographer, director, and father of one

What’s something you find yourself buying year after year?
We’re currently on our third Patagonia Down Sweater Jacket. It’s a staple piece during fall and winter for those chilly post-surf mornings and ski getaways in the mountains. And it especially comes in handy while visiting family near the Finger Lakes in upstate New York during the winter holidays.

What’s on your back-to-school shopping list this year and why?
A pair of Birkenstock Bartlett shoes. Legendary Birkenstock comfort combined with an understated style sensibility? Too good to be true? We’ll soon find out.