Walking my dog, I feel free to wear the most unhinged outfits – and nobody minds

Kate Leaver with Bert, her shih tzu: ‘I see you, my chaotically dressed dog-walking brethren: in pyjamas and ugg boots, in animal onesies, in long socks and sandals, short shorts, disintegrating T-shirts, charity shop jumpers.’ Photograph: Bec Lorrimer/The Guardian

A school friend of mine once told me she wouldn’t go as far as the letterbox outside her home without wearing mascara, lipstick and foundation. My mum used to blow-dry her hair to go grocery shopping.

Recently, I’ve seen more than one glamorous woman on TikTok warn her followers never to go to the gym without wearing makeup and a cute outfit, in case they have to interact with their weights room crush. Any time I see a friend who’s recently given birth, she apologises so profusely for her dark circles and old T-shirt that you’d think she’d committed a minor commonwealth offence. I’ve heard about someone who puts on a full corporate outfit, including high heels, to sit at the kitchen table in her own home to work.