Not every woman can lay claim to being able to fit into their school uniform more than 50 years after finishing school.
But Queen's High School's first head girl, Margaret Young (nee Dawson), can.
Donning the woollen smock, blazer and hat took the 73-year-old back.
She said it felt wrong to be wearing the uniform without the gloves, the ''Peter Pan'' blouse that went with it, or the proper shoes and socks.
Nonetheless, she provided a glimpse back to life at the school between 1955 and 1959 when she was there.
''It was the most brilliant school, but I hated the uniform. It was the only thing I didn't like.
''It was the colour, it was the serviceability; it did nothing for anybody at all - not like the current uniforms.''
Many of the pupils would roll their smocks up under their belt to raise the hem line, which showed off more of their legs.
''And the naughty girls used to `cowboy' their hats. They used to steam them on the kettle on the coal range and fold the sides up so they looked more funky.
''We had to wear our hats at all times on the street, even when you were going home for lunch or after school.
''And biking in a South Dunedin wind down Bayview Rd, holding on to your hat with one hand and steering with the other'' took great skill, she said.
Mrs Young is one of about 350 former pupils and staff who will attend the school's 60th anniversary on March 20-22.
She is looking forward to catching up with old friends and teachers from the school, and mingling with present pupils and staff.
Anniversary co-ordinator and former pupil (1965-68), teacher (1981-2009) and assistant principal (2001-09) Colleen Lyons said the school had ''a strength of character'' that continued to shine throughout successive generations.
''It is a strength of character that girls can do anything; and once a Queen's girl, always a Queen's girl. It's a motto that we've always had.
''Through love of learning, we learn to live. It comes out all the time.''
Highlights of the anniversary weekend included an assembly on Friday, March 20, in which foundation pupils would join present pupils. On the Saturday, another assembly would be held, and an evening dinner.
On Sunday, staff would gather for lunch, before a public concert featuring two former pupils, opera-singing twins Marla Kavanaugh and Marissa Dikkenburg (both nee Craig).
