The Royal Ascot races, a prestigious event in the British social calendar, feature extravagant hats and formal dress protocols. The event, which dates back to 1711, takes place over five days in June and attracts around 300,000 visitors to Ascot Racecourse, just west of London.

Strict Dress Code

The Royal Enclosure, the most exclusive viewing area, has a strict dress code that includes top hats and waistcoats for gentlemen and hats or headpieces with a base of at least 10 centimeters for ladies. Fascinators are banned in the Royal Enclosure, except for children.

The Queen Anne and Village Enclosures have more relaxed dress codes, while the Windsor Enclosure allows for more casual attire, with the exception of sneakers. Costumes are strictly banned, but attendees can still have fun with creative and elaborate hats.

A History of Extravagant Hats

British socialite Gertrude Shilling, the mother and muse of milliner David Shilling, was known for wearing extravagant hats to the Royal Ascot races. Her hats, which included a five-foot-tall hat in giraffe print and a broad-brimmed orange feathery number, delighted crowds for decades.

The tradition of wearing extravagant hats to the Royal Ascot races continues to this day, with many attendees competing to wear the most creative and elaborate headpieces.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.