Even With Fashion, Father Knows Best : Though you never wanted to listen, Dad could be right--especially about comb-overs and Old Spice.

It’s been a long time since I tried to get past Dad with my face caked in black eyeliner and black lipstick in a pathetic attempt to imitate Madonna’s “Like a Virgin” phase. Longer still since the two of us argued the merits of a second ear pierce (oh, how times have changed!), and the practicality of stiletto sandals like the ones Olivia Newton-John wore for the final number in the film “Grease.”

After years of consideration, it’s confession time. Dad was right. None of those looks were appropriate for me, and I’m glad he let me know it.

Dad and my sense of style go way back. He was the one to take me for my first bowl haircut at his barbershop, to fasten the buckles on my signature red Mary Jane shoes and to give me a classic string of Tiffany pearls on the day I graduated from high school.

An investment banker, he set an example of style to which I hold all other men to this day. So naturally, I bristle at the slightest departure from my father’s classic look. Here are some tips on men’s style my dad passed on to me.

* A bald head is better than a comb-over or a toupee. Just look at chic baldies Michael Jordan and “NYPD Blue” director Paris Barclay.

* A man with a lot of hair should not let it reach bouffant proportions unless he is a television news anchor or a Kennedy.

* Shirts that are too tight around the belly are unflattering. Seek out full-cut shirts.

* T-shirts with pictures and logos on them are not acceptable for all informal occasions. Try a polo shirt with a collar instead.

* Nobody likes to see dads in running shorts too short. Hello, Bill Clinton thighs! And even for exercising, tanks are unappealing.

* Dressing in the same drab colored sweater and shirt all the time is OK for Mr. Rogers, but dads who want to be hip can brighten up a dark suit with a new shirt in tropical-colored pink, orange or yellow.

* Ties should not be too thin or too wide for the current look.

* Unkempt nails look just as unsightly on men as on women. Get regular manicures (or give yourself one).

* A rubber band does not a wallet make. Try a monogrammed money clip and a credit card holder.

* Girls swoon when men have a handkerchief to offer them. That tiny piece of cloth makes a wonderful prop.

* A rented tuxedo doesn’t look half as bad if you buy your own tie, cummerbund and jewelry (and jewelry for men means a set of cuff links and studs; OK, possibly an earring).

* Under no circumstances may black socks be worn with shorts. Go sockless or wear white socks. And remember, threadbare socks are gross.

* Pant legs should always fully cover socks (no high waters, please!).

* Swimsuits can become outdated. Those still wearing navy blue trunks from 1957 might want to try an aloha number.

* Old Spice is just that. Old.

To my Dad’s style guidelines, I’d add a tip from the late fashion maven Diana Vreeland, who said, “The only real elegance is in the mind; if you’ve got that, the rest comes from it.”

Booth Moore can be reached by e-mail at booth.moore@latimes.com.