Forget the Dresses, These Magnificent Hats Are the Best Part About Royal Ascot
Royal Ascot might be about the horse races, but the real show starts with the fashion. Every year, we get excited for the royals and celebrities who show up in their best attire. The dress code is strict: ladies are required to wear hemlines below the knee, color-coordinating outfits are a must, and hats are absolutely nonnegotiable. But who doesn't love an excuse for fancy dress? And sometimes the best creativity happens between the lines — or in this case, between the lanes.
This year, Ascot welcomes the queen, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie of York, among other royals. Although Duchess Meghan and Prince Harry won't be attending the festivities, we're certain that the incredible fashion and accessories will keep our spirits up. The queen and Duchess Kate looked adorable (and polished) in matching powder blue ensembles; Kate opted for an Elie Saab Resort 2019 dress with sheer sleeves, a pussy bow, and a matching hat. Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie also went for the serene color in more lively hues of periwinkle and cyan.
Ahead are the most impressive hats showcased at this year's Royal Ascot — if only we could dress up every day.
Demi Moore at Royal Ascot
Queen Elizabeth II at Royal Ascot
Autumn Phillips at Royal Ascot
Ladies' Day at Royal Ascot
Valerie Stark at Royal Ascot
Sarah, Duchess of York at Royal Ascot
Francesca Cumani at Royal Ascot
Ladies' Day at Royal Ascot
Rosie Tapner at Royal Ascot
A guest at Royal Ascot
Charlotte Hawkins at Royal Ascot
Valerie Stark at Royal Ascot
Autumn Phillips at Royal Ascot
Queen Elizabeth II at Royal Ascot
Natalie Dormer at Royal Ascot
Natalie Dormer at Royal Ascot
A view of Dormer's fascinator from the side.
Princess Eugenie of York at Royal Ascot
Queen Elizabeth II at Royal Ascot
Zara Tindall at Royal Ascot
Abbey Clancy at Royal Ascot
Victoria Pendleton at Royal Ascot
Anne, Princess Royal at Royal Ascot
Francesca Cumani at Royal Ascot
Charlotte Hawkins at Royal Ascot
Ladies Day at Royal Ascot
Queen Elizabeth II at Royal Ascot
Sabrina Percy at Royal Ascot
Wearing Suzannah and Emily London
Liam Payne at Royal Ascot
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall at Royal Ascot
Maya Jama at Royal Ascot
Lin Chi-ling at Royal Ascot
Isabell Kristensen at Royal Ascot
Marissa Montgomery at Royal Ascot
Isabel Getty at Royal Ascot
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, at Royal Ascot
Viscountess Emma Weymouth and Lady Kitty Spencer at Royal Ascot
Georgia Fowler at Royal Ascot
Queen Elizabeth II at Royal Ascot
Princess Eugenie of York at Royal Ascot
Princess Beatrice of York at Royal Ascot
Wearing a hat by Bundle MacLaren.