Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Ladies Royal Ascot

By David Oneil

Hats and Ladies Royal Ascot literally go "hand in hand". Ladies Day has got to be one of the most well recognised racing days in the world. It is not,however, just renowned for the racing but for the amazing outfits and hats worn by the Ladies at Royal Ascot.

Although the trend towards the high fashion and hats has increased over the years it must be remembered that even in the earlier days of racing the "punters" usually consisted of the English Nobility who were attired in sumptuous clothes and treated to large and very exquisite banquets.

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 Royal Ascot became the racing season "event" to demonstrate all the latest fashions with the ladies competing for the "best" hat. At 2.00pm on Ladies day the Royal procession begins with the Royals dressed in all their finery.

Although the Queens attire is formal many of the Ladies attending the race will get around the stricter dress code by wearing a "creation" on their heads. The well known and renowned hatmakers will use this event to show off and display their latest designs.

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.

On a different note always check the weather forecast. British summers are not well known for being particularly warm or dry! If you are a lady attending the event make sure your footwear is suitable especially if the ground is soft...

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