Oslo's men's boutique knows what dads want for Father's Day

Before my father retired, he was a lawyer on Wall Street, and his impeccable daily uniform featured an abundance of beautiful suits and amazing ties. But his off-duty clothes? Look out. The man in black socks and shorts you saw in television ads? He was real. Many dads, it seems, don't do dress-down very well.

Thankfully, men -- and the wives and kids who love them -- have Queen Anne men's boutique Oslo's. Owner John McDowell is one of those guys who is genetically coded to understand and appreciate great style. And he's happy to help even the most fashion-phobic fathers find their way. I visited him recently to find out what he recommends giving local dads for Father's Day.

According to McDowell, a Tailorbyrd shirt ($98) is a perfect choice for any gent who wants to inject a little bit of style into his summer game. The shirts are crisp and tailored, but relax easily and come in a variety of handsome florals and retro patterns. The subtle contrasting collar and cuff detail confidently whisper, "Yeah, I look good, but showing off is strictly for amateurs."

Golf wear is always a great choice for your Tiger wannabe. Check out stylish golf duds that are anything but (duds, that is), from C-BUK, the new golf collection ($70-$80) from Seattle's own Cutter & Buck. Cut from dry-release microblend performance fabric, these functional knits work hard on the course, yet the styling is more "club" than "club house."

Oslo's can help virtually any man move his fashion dial. If the dad on your list is the quintessential T-shirt kind of guy, then gift him the quintessential T-shirt. James Perse's short-sleeved tee ($45) is the kind James Dean would covet, with a comfortable, easy fit, yet masterfully crafted to retain its shape after multiple washings. Be advised: Once he drifts into one of these tees, his three-pack-wrapped-in-plastic days are over.

A fun tie is a traditional Father's Day favorite and Lee Allison ties ($90) put a spin on the classics, with cheeky sayings sewn inside the lining. A couple of pairs of wild, colorful socks ($25-$30) are also a great way to encourage Pops to go a little nuts -- in a discreet way.

But maybe you want Dad to get in on the fun, with a shopping trip to Oslo's. In that case, a gift certificate is the perfect choice. Oslo's also offers a full complement of gentlemen's grooming services on site. Make it a boys' day with the shop's Father/Son Haircut special ($50), or help Dad face the day with a fresh outlook with an Aromatherapy Skin Treatment ($50). Last but not least, you can spoil him with a Royal Shave ($50). After all, he's the king ... for a day.

From June 12 to 15, Oslo's will supply felt and sequins so kids can make a stylish Best Dad Award for Father's Day.

Copyright © The Seattle Times Company