It’s time to change it for something more fashionable

There’s no need to drag the late Queen into this as we don’t need to become a republic to move forward. We can let Prince Harry’s Spare and Prince Andrew’s activities do the hard work there.

Here are the designs that should join the Aboriginal flag in offering future Australians stylish inspiration.

Japan

Dots are big this season. Huge. Louis Vuitton has released a polka dot collection of accessories with Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama that look like expensive measles.

With its white background and rising sun, the Japanese flag is easier to interpret than most Comme des Garçons shows, using minimalist design for maximum effect. The flag’s status only became official in 1999.

Estonia

There’s something soothing about the blue, black and white tricolour of the Estonian flag, which became the country’s official symbol following its independence in 1918.

Blue represents the reflection of the sky, lakes and sea, black stands for the soil and white signals an aspiration towards light and purity. It’s as classic as a denim jacket with a black T-shirt and white jeans.

Nepal

Break out of the rectangular box by following the lead of Nepal, the only country with an original silhouette this season.

The double pennant design unfurls easily in a slight breeze, perfect for display in our capital, as Canberra is Australia’s least windy city.

Barbados

Just try looking at this flag with a trident and not picturing a dripping wet Jason Momoa from Aquaman. Sold.

Friesland

In the flag deep cuts you will find this endearing emblem from Friesland, a province of the Netherlands.

The seven red blobs are not hearts but water lilies, representing medieval sea territories from the Middle Ages. Official instructions for use of the flag decree that the pompeblêdden (water lilies) must not be heart-shaped, but we still love them.

The flag was officially approved in 1897, first used by the provincial government in 1927 and can now be found on the friendliest-looking football jersey for Sportclub Heerenveen.

Sutherland

After a judging panel selected a flag with communist overtones, featuring the red and gold colours associated with the Earls of Sutherland since the 12th Century and an eagle, for this Scottish county a second public vote was held.

Overlaid Saltire and Nordic crosses from Viking history create a striking star, symbolising a rising sun. Classic white with a pop of colour always works.

Antwerp

Sticking with provinces, in 1997 Antwerp in fashion-forward Belgium adopted this cheery patchwork, reminiscent of designer Jeremy Scott’s work for Moschino. Their tricolour red, white and yellow flag was dropped because it was not immediately recognisable. Sound familiar?

Sicily

Now this flag looks like a good time with its medusa head above three flailing legs. It could be used as an episode guide for the sex-positive White Lotus. Just add a pair of thongs and Australians could get on board.

Genovia

There’s nothing beautiful about this lime, white and pale blue colour arrangement but people love it because it belongs to the fictional country to be ruled by Anne Hathaway’s character in The Princess Diaries. Perhaps we should ask Elvis creative Catherine Martin to whip up our next flag?

Make the most of your health, relationships, fitness and nutrition with our Live Well newsletter. Get it in your inbox every Monday.