THE PILLARS OF POLITE SOCIETY

THE COUPLE Kate Middleton and Prince William. They never put a foot wrong and always smile and fulfil their duties. They also get points for having met as fellow students at university, not drunk in a nightclub.

THE FILM La La Land. No raunchy sex or sordid characters, just lashings of optimism and demure twirling. Who else noticed the lukewarm reaction among millennials to the recent Bridget Jones film? Bridget is not an icon in these newly decorous times.

THE LABELS Modesty dressing trumps flesh-baring these days: see the classic designs of Erdem, Victoria Beckham and Emilia Wickstead. Minis and low-cut tops are out. Wide-leg trousers, midi-dresses and pencil skirts are in.

THE ICONS Clever actresses such as Emma Watson (left) and Emma Stone. They take on weighty roles, rarely – if ever – have their personal lives in the press, and don’t talk about their relationships, which have a fairly low turnover rate. They never dress inappropriately and they speak up for women’s issues. You would describe them as talented and pretty before calling them sexy.

THE TV SHOWS Period dramas from The Crown to Victoria reflect a harking back to more demure times. The excellence of streamed television today has contributed hugely to the preference for decorous evenings in over nights out partying.

THE MUSIC Pop music is out. Millennials would far rather listen to mind-enhancing podcasts.