Back to black: your gentlemanly eveningwear edit
Perennially tricky to master, evening wear traditionally comes in two camps: understated or peacock-proud. tip the sartorial scales and pair classics with quirky accessories for a look that ticks all the boxes
Dinner Jacket
Build an elegant eveningwear outfit around Thom Sweeney’s black cotton-velvet tuxedo jacket – not only will it look smart with a crisp white shirt, the subtle sheen of the fabric is practically made for photocalls. It has a full smooth satin lining and functioning buttoned cuffs.
Read More: Your Ultimate Guide to Savile Row
Black Cotton-Velvet Tuxedo Jacket, £1,500, Thom Sweeney, mrporter.com
Patek Philippe Nautilus
Introduced by Patek Philippe in 1976 and designed by the late Gerald Genta, the Nautilus is one of the world’s most iconic watches. This 1997 example has a case size of 33m, so will slip subtly and elegantly under your shirt sleeve.
Ref. 3800, £34,999, xupes.com
Velvet Bow Tie
What takes a man from hero-to-zero with one glance? A pre-tied bow tie – there’s simply no excuse in this day and age of YouTube tutorials. Turnbull and Asser makes a fine bow tie, and this one is hand-sewn in Kent with cotton and velvet weave.
Read More: Your Ultimate Guide to Savile Row
£90, Turnbull & Asser, therake.com
Tartan Trousers
While we are partial to a classic dinner suit ensemble, there are occasions when you can deviate from tradition. Tartan trousers, or trews, are a good bet – just keep the colours muted in order not to look like a court jester.
Hockliff Tartan Suit Trousers, £350, newandlingwood.com
Rhino Cufflinks
Twenty per cent of the sale of Grant MacDonald’s solid silver, wildlife-inspired cufflinks goes towards Tusk, a charity that supports conservation initiatives throughout Africa, such as the anti-poaching Mali Elephant Project.
Kunene Rhino cufflinks, £220, grantmacdonald.com
La Reina Cigars
Hand rolled in the legendary El Laguito cigar factory, the home of Cohiba, these Laguito No.1 vitola cigars come in a limited-edition box of 24. These rare and sought-after smokes were the personal favourite of Fidel Castro.
El Rey del Mundo La Reina, £888 for a box of 24, davidofflondon.com
Patent Loafers
When occasion calls for a dinner jacket, these Sagans in patent leather are the perfect companion. The elegant gloss adds instant formality to your look. Handcrafted, these loafers are hand-stretched to eschew the usual wear-in period.
Sagan Classic Plain, £430, baudoinandlange.com
