One of the most famous racing days in the entire world has to be Ladies Royal Ascot. This day is not just about horse racing but really fashion and above all else, yep you’ve got it, hats. I sometimes think they should call this day “hat day”. These creations are phenomonal.
It must, however, be remembered that even in the very early days of racing at ascot there were displays of “high fashion”. The race goers normally consisted of the higher English Nobles and not only dressed accordingly but also dined on banquets fit for a “king”. Even then the racing was a sumptuous occasion.
It is not that easy to exactly pinpoint when the third day of the races became “Ladies Royal Ascot” or Ladies Day. History seems to point to the fact that the third day of the races became the most popular one, especially with females, who then brought with them the fashion and hats.
Along the years Ladies Day became a firm favourite at Royal Ascot and the even the gentleman had the dress code of full morning suits. Ladies were expected to wear clothes that did not show all their midriff nor their bare shoulders. Although today there are no strict requirements for the Silver Ring Enclosure you will see that Ladies use this day to really “dress up” and wear hats they would never wear anywhere else.
Ladies who attend Royal Ascot will spend months organising their outfit and more importantly their hats. The event has become a showpiece for the fashion world with the Royal procession, which begins at 2.00pm, showing off the Royal Family in all their finery.
The Queens attire is obviously relatively formal,however,this really is not the case with other race-goers. Ladies get round the dress restrictions placed upon them by “donning” the most interesting and sometimes outrageous hats.
To get a high quality and unusual hat for the Ladies Royal Ascot then look no further than Herbert Johnson Ltd of London. They have been making hats for over two hundred years and their clientel include Princess Diana,Kings,Queens and Tsars.
Before you go check out the forecast. British summers are ususally wet and chilly… and if you are a lady be careful what footwear you are using as if the ground is soft you could run into problems.
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