The Super Bowl halftime show was a lesson in dad dressing

The halftime show is usually an oasis of glamour in the sweat-soaked Super Bowl but this year’s electric performance ditched high fashion for a masterclass in dad dressing.

Sole female performer Mary J Blige was serving sparkle in the bodysuit uniform established by past performers Beyoncé, Lady Gaga and Shakira, but Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, Dr Dre, 50 Cent and Snoop Dogg changed tack, offering style lessons to the everyman.

Eminem’s signature hoodie was an obvious nod to the street but Dr Dre’s panelled black leather bomber jacket, made it clear that this eclectic posse was dressed to impress the 50-something set rather than disenchanted teens.

The most colourful father was Snoop Dogg in a bold blue bandana print tracksuit with yellow stripes, accessorised with gold chains, sunglasses, a microphone and white Converse sneakers with yellow laces.

There was a generous splash of showmanship with the top-to-toe print in the colours of the LA Rams but Snoop Dogg was dressing for comfort, looking ready to relax in a reclining chair after the show. The colours may have been crazy uncle, but the conservative fit, steering clear of oversized and on-trend silhouettes was 100 per cent dad.

The ensemble that was easiest to adapt for dads around the world came from Dr Dre, who has the most experience in this territory as the father of seven children. Leaving Snoop Dogg to dominate in colour, Dr Dre followed the Melbourne rule of dressing committing to black, right down to his high-top sneakers.

The lesson to take from Dr Dre is that black should never be basic, creating visual interest with the mix of leather and wool in his bomber jacket and fitted jeans. It was classic bordering on conservative.

“It’s important to play with texture when wearing a monotone palette and using timeless materials such as leather can also elevate the look,” said Brian Huynh founder and creative director of Melbourne menswear brand Mndatory. Having created a popular leather puffer jacket that costs $2190, Huynh supports the use of top quality materials.