With many of us thinking about our dads this month, there's no better way to express our appreciation than to send the special men in our lives a fashionable gift. Or better yet, how about taking them shopping? However you choose to show your admiration, here are some style dos and don'ts to remember:

—Do a closet check. If you buy your dad a new polo shirt every Father's Day, take a few minutes and peruse his closet or just think about the last time you actually saw him wear one of those knit shirts that just keeps on giving year after year. I've actually experienced this "do" with my own husband, when I helped him clean out his closet one summer and he kept putting all the polo shirts I had given him over the years in the "donate" pile. Lightbulb moment.

—Don't ignore size. It's a fashion fact that many men only buy clothes when they absolutely have to. Online shopping may have made this somewhat easier, but size still matters. A personal tailor may be your best bet. Often it's years before a suit is replaced, and let's face it, most of us gain a little weight here and there over time. This Father's Day, my husband is getting fitted for a new tuxedo because the last time he suited up for a formal affair, let's just say he was sucking his stomach in for most of the evening.

—Do mix it up. One of the fastest ways to update any guy's wardrobe is to mix patterns — take a bold geometric patterned tie and pair it with a subtle pinstriped suit, for example. Or team a small paisley print tie with a checked shirt. This may require some help from your favorite men's retailer. But even online menswear stores and blogs frequently provide "how-tos." There are also lots of ways to chat online with personal stylists. Take advantage of this fashion advice. Trunkclub.com will even ship "boxes" of merchandise handpicked by stylists. Check it out.

—Don't be afraid of color. Navy, gray and brown may be most men's go-to wardrobe neutrals, but adding a pop of the season's freshest colors in a shirt, T-shirt or even a tie will always update the basics. This year, the navy and light grays are still warm-weather favorites, but green is the fashion color of the summer, in everything from olive drab to emerald.

—Do experiment with trends. OK, it's time to push that man in your life a little. You're giving the gift, right? So put some fashion into his wardrobe. He may not be a candidate for short shorts or distressed jeans, but retro "grandfather" style is back and more fun than ever. Think '50s printed Cuban shirts, white chinos, knee-length Bermuda shorts, lightweight anoraks and bomber jackets...even overalls.

—Don't forget accessories. It's the little things that often make a big difference. If your Dad's been scooting around the pool in plastic slides, then get him into a pair of leather sandals. Update that messenger bag or old briefcase with a high-style backpack, complete with lots of metal hardware. Or get him into the fitness game with a new "Blaze" by Fitbit complete with GPS. And he can always use a new "baseball" cap right? Just make sure he doesn't wear it backwards!

—Do remember gift certificates. If you're not sure what to give that special guy, you can always get him a gift certificate to his favorite store or online retailer...but better yet, give him the gift of your time, and plan a shopping trip for the two of you. You'll be surprised when you learn he didn't really want another polo shirt anyway.

To find out more about Sharon Mosley, and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.