It is a hoary old question that still crops up and which we have ruled on before.  Yes, indeed Brown is OK for Town.  Quite how it ever came to be regarded as strictly informal we are at a loss to explain.  The first modern short-cut suit jackets were all in Brown tweed, being based on 'The Tweedsie',an informal ensemble first worn by Prince Albert and male members of the Royal Family at their relaxed Scottish holiday home of Balmoral Castle.  The short jacket was brought to  town as a new style - and in brown. There are many fine formal suitings in the current bunches in all kinds of brown tones.  And Brown may also be worn with Black, as long as it is a clear style statement.

Something of a 1940s revival is reported by top house, Hield.  Their new collection features a number of retro designs from the 40s, which are fairly colourful.  "We found that colour was strong then," says director Samer Chamsi-Pasha, "with ground effects of mid-blues, as well as the traditional greys and navys, and some aqua decorative effects." The cloth world has to be ahead of the game and if they are seeing a 40s look coming through expect to see this carried into styling too.  That means a softer, draped look, wider lapels and pleated trousers.