Extravagant, elaborate and sometimes gravity-defying hats take center stage each summer at Royal Ascot, the 5-day horse racing festival held at Ascot Racecourse in southern England, a venue founded by Queen Anne in 1711. The Royal Ascot is famous for its strict dress code, which famously transforms the Berkshire race grounds into a high-fashion runway. Racegoers — particularly on Ladies’ Day — embrace the opportunity to wear wildly creative headpieces, ranging from towering floral arrangements to sculptural masterpieces. These are the hats that were on display this year.
