Election guru Steve Kornacki changes up internet-famous khakis look for election night 2024

Steve Kornacki warned us.

NBC and MSNBC's national political correspondent, in an interview with USA TODAY last week, had said that he may or may not wear his famed khakis, referring to himself as an "undecided voter."

"Some voters are undecided in the presidential race, and I guess I'm kind of undecided," Kornacki had told USA TODAY. "I'm not exactly what you call a fashion forward person. I've never had to give too much thought to my wardrobe."

Kornacki appeared on MSNBC's election coverage Tuesday evening wearing darker colored pants, a change from his signature Gap khaki pants look that went viral on social media amid his near 'round the clock election analysis during the 2020 presidential election. The white button-down shirt and tie, however, were still part of 2024's look.

The 45-year-old had said "he truly did not get" the frenzy over his choice of outfit during the last election cycle.

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"I was amused by the interest," Kornacki said. "I never really understood it. It's not like I had (a) lifelong attachment to these pants. They were just what I happened to be wearing that day."

Previously:Will the 'khakis' be making a comeback this Election Day? Steve Kornacki says 'we'll see'

Craig Melvin of the Today show, in a post on X, said they were "caffeinating and hydrating him," and "making sure he’s eating." Kornacki earlier told USA TODAY that he prefers to not eat during election reporting because it makes him sluggish and "takes the edge away."

Referring to him as a "national treasure," Melvin said Kornacki "is rested and eager for his quadrennial Super Bowl."

Kornacki recalled that his producer came to him a few days after the election and asked him what brand of pants he had worn on-air, leaving him slightly bewildered.

"Maybe I'll wear it, maybe I'll wear something else," Kornacki said when asked if he plans on donning them this time. "We'll see what spirit moves me."

The khakis and Kornacki's enthusiasm over the election results also earned him the nicknames of "Chartthrob" and "Map daddy."

On which one he preferred between the two, he laughs: "Option C, neither. I take it in good spirit, but I'm a little self-conscious about (the) attention."

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.