Horse Racing Fans Get Hat Happy on Day 1 of Royal Ascot

Attendees like Kate Middleton made Royal Ascot’s opening day a visual feast of millinery delights with a variety of head wear that was stylish, wonderful and just plain extravagant.

Royal Ascot, the horseracing event that has been held in England’s famous Berkshire course since 1711, is known for its traditions. Top hats and tails, a procession of horse drawn carriages to transport the Queen to the course, and of course, stylish high flying women in intriguing hats and other types of embellished head wear.

All those odds and races at the five-day event, which is a veritable kick off to an English summer, really are quite exciting. However, many people (including us) find Royal Ascot riveting because of the sartorial highlights, namely the fabulous hats and decorative headpieces. And day one of this year’s extravaganza didn’t disappoint with all the variety on display. The floral motif was particularly popular, from Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge’s white hat that matched her lace Alexander McQueen sensation to big rose hats. Plus, there was a whole selection of wonderfully wacky hat styles that topped off the fabulous outfits, adding fun and spontaneity to the glitzy affair.

Click through to get some very head-turning inspiration.