The Name’s Kortajarena…

A million hearts have swooned at the sight of a well put together gentleman in a tuxedo. But for every fluttering heart, there’s a Savile Row tailor shuddering over your decision to wear a morning suit to a black-tie event. So let’s cover the bases by way of Jon – all black even down to the shoes? Check. Contrast lapels? Check. Expertly tied bow tie? Check. A virtuous white pocket square to finish it off? You bet.

Mr Potato Head?

Now the tuxedo has stood the test of time since the late 19th century so there is no reason you can’t shake it up a little. But as opposed to throwing some curveball colour in there, may we suggest a change-up accessory, like Kortajarena’s braces, as a preferred route. And then there is the ‘tache. Making a strong comeback thanks to the marvellous version sported by Mission Impossible star Henry Cavill, the best way to grow one is to have a beard first and then shave the sides.

Pretty In Pink

It pays to be color coordinated but an all-pink suit in that shade would be a bit too Barbie boy for anyone who isn’t made from 12 inches of plastic. The shade can swamp pale men, but looks ace with darker skin tones like Kortajarena’s, while it pays to get some contrast elsewhere on the outfit. White and black work best.

A Leopard Can Change Its Spots

Like the leather jacket, leopard print’s outrageousness has a habit of turning the wearer into a rock and roll star (the two can also work together to devastating effect). Here Kortajarena has decided to smarten up the print in a tidy evening jacket, aided by the black contrast lapels and a fit so perfect you wonder if it was made for him (by which we mean it certainly was).

Pyjama Party

Some might say that Kortajarena was aiming for a full break on the trouser hem here and missed. We prefer to think that he’s one of the few people to wear the pyjama trend and not look like an idiot. We could talk trouser hems all day (seriously, give us a wide berth at the pub) but up top things are more traditional. There are no bunches on the shoulders and wearing a grey crew neck under tailoring is the smart way of doing business-casual Fridays without having to resort to chinos.