A racehorse wearing the world’s first ever Ladies’ Day horse hat in 2011 for a bit of filly fashion. Cow PR Via Getty Images
It’s a summer Friday, so you’re probably plotting what you’re going to eat for lunch (not a sad salad), thinking of ways to escape the heat (and not exclusively the Hamptons) and plotting the perfect outfit. If you’re heading to the beach, you’ll need a hat. And we’d like to present the following options from the Royal Ascot.
The five-day horse race features Queen Elizbeth in her best lime green zoot suit and cameos from celebrities and lesser royals who must adhere to the strict dress code, which Meghan Markle already broke. Women must cover their shoulders and heads, while men wear top hats and tails. The royal family uses this momentous occasion to show off their best headwear—Princess Eugenie premiered a particularly chic chapeau.
Of course, this year’s race showcased major standouts, including full-blown ’90s butterfly clips and halos of flowers, but the past Royal Ascot races held their own, with racehorses wearing My Fair Lady feathers and ladies holding miniature soccer fields atop their heads.
Behold, a sampling of the most elaborate, intricate and enormous Royal Ascot headpieces. Hopefully, Prince William will also gain a little inspiration and consider procuring one of his own.
The bigger the hat, the closer to heaven. Hulton Archive/Getty Images
An iconic 1969 look from Gertrude Shilling, who became famous for her yearly hat selection, which racegoers eagerly awaited. In recent years, many of the hats have gotten smaller, but feathers remain always on-trend.
A black and white ’80s aesthetic. Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Mick Jagger’s ex-wife, Jerry Hall, attending the Royal Ascot with model Marie Helvin in 1982. They opted for an entirely ’90s black and white aesthetic. Now, the looks are far more colorful, with plenty of pastel florals.
An England supporter with a hat in the shape of a mini football pitch during Ladies Day. Scott Barbour/Getty Images
In 2004, a mini soccer field appeared on the third day of the Royal Ascot. The sports fan paired the small field with a hot pink suit.
A 2004 Royal Ascot ensemble. Scott Barbour/Getty Images
It’s like spin art if you only used the pink ink.
Happy Ladies Day, everyone. Julian Herbert/Getty Images
In 2005, the Ladies Day was more floral than ever. Who needs a hat when you can simply place an enormous blossom on your head?
An elaborate 2007 look for the Royal Ascot. Chris Jackson/Getty Images
In 2007, this woman wore a hat that looks like a cross between the inflatable dancer tube people found at car dealerships and what happens when someone tents their house for termites.
The Royal Ascot is the best time to debut matching horse hats. Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Another iconic 2007 look, courtesy of these horses that look like Cinderella characters. Unfortunately, it’s more than likely these ladies weren’t able to re-wear these elaborate equestrian creations.
She’s ready to go down the rabbit hole. Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
An Alice in Wonderland moment from 2011, which marked the 300th anniversary of the annual event. It has been held at the Berkshire course since 1711.
A true look. Leon Neal/Getty Images
When one butterfly is not enough, you emerge from the chrysalis.
Queen Elizabeth arrives in the royal procession thanks to a horse-drawn carriage. Daniel Leal-Olivas/Getty Images
No one loves anything as much as Queen Elizabeth loves lime green. On day four of this year’s Royal Ascot, she looked like she was on her way to a Lilly Pulitzer store in Palm Beach, pearls included.
