Parliament has departed from a century of tradition and ditched the requirement for neckties. The item of clothing is a symbol of the smartness of another era. It still serves a useful distinguishing role, but it would appear that its day is passing quickly.

Rocking up for my first job those many years ago there was never any question other than that men should wear suits and ties. Waistcoats still found favour then, even in the sweltering non-air conditioned 1980s office environment. The legendary bowler hat had not long disappeared from City streets although long furled black umbrellas still swung elegantly.