You know, for all the debates surrounding what constitutes a lounge suit and what doesn’t, the answer seems to be a lot less complicated than you might think.

One or two buttons? Slim cut or baggy? Waistcoat or no waistcoat? How many vents?

Forget all that stuff and get comfortable. Because after a lengthy investigation followed by an even more lengthy forum, the consensus among the fashionistas we approached is that a lounge suit is just like any other suit, only more casual.

You don’t need a tie, the colour is up to you (within reason) and light coloured shoes are fine (go crazy with no socks if you like). Because the rule is that there are no specific rules, only that you cover the ‘smart casual’ requirements and look relatively comfy in the process.

Don’t push it, the dungarees and sports jacket ensemble will fall way short, and your black jeans and collar-lifted polo are equally inappropriate.

But an open white shirt under a fawn two piece will get you through the celebrations in style, without ever making you feel like a sack of spuds tied up in the middle.

Here are a few other ideas to keep you looking windswept and interesting, thanks to AG Clothing. If you need any more pointers you can drop into an AG Clothing outlet, or visit www.agclothing.com.

	Fabric Its important to buy a slim shape suit. This mould gives you a slim silhouette and is a modern and flattering shape. Fine wool is always a good fabric for all seasons as it drapes the body and is long lasting.
	Colour Light suits are great fun for summer and fantasic for the Spring Racing Carnival. However, buying a suit that is an in-between colour, such as a light grey or blue, will be more transeasonal and therefore more practical.
	Buttons The number of buttons for jackets will vary with different styles, but the rule is  two buttons for business or day suits and one button for formal.
	Fit Sleeve length should be just above the crease of the thumb. Pant length should be just touching the top of the shoe heel. Shoulders seam should be flush at the edge of shoulder. Suit jacket lenght should always be in porportion with body lenght and gives you a good overall balance.
	Alterations AG pin all garments in store and follow thru all alterations.  Tailoring really finishes the look of the outfit, so do what it takes to make the suit perfect for your body type. .
	Lapels Narrow lapel is the new look.  This can be with pick stitching on the edge or basic. Peak lapel looks great for business but it still should be narrow.
	Vents Arthur Galan AG suit jackets are all two vents.  This is a modern look and help shape the jacket from a construction point of view
	Pants Skinny/narrow leg is the look its a very fifties influnce.  We also sell a good business pant and thats a straight leg for the office but NO wider.
	Purpose Guys really want to buy a suit that covers ALL occations. The best thing to do is buy the slim suit jacket and always buy both the straight leg and narrow leg pant. That way you have two pairs of pants to give you different looks and longevity.
	Quality Quality come first when buying a suit. As men dont buy may suits a season its important to buy a reputable brand such as AG, that is known for quality and design.