Walking to the tube this morning, I passed a woman in a crisp white shirt, black v-neck tank top, neat black trousers and shiny (but not patent) black brogues. The outfit was great, but there was also a certain elegant insouciance in the way she held herself and I think that was what made me notice her.

As I got closer, I saw a flash of metal, as of a badge, and realised she was a policewoman. “How funny”, I thought, “that it’s possible to make a police uniform look so chic, just by wearing it well.”

Then I got even closer, and realised that (a) it wasn’t a police uniform, it was a school uniform, and (b) she was about fourteen. Don’t tell anyone, I’m a bit embarrassed.