Today marks the start of the Royal Ascot, one of the most famous horse races in the world. Held in Ascot, Berkshire UK, the racecourse was founded in 1711 by Queen Anne and has been in use almost every year since then. The most prestigious area of the 3 enclosures available at Ascot is the Royal Enclosure, where the Queen herself watches the races. Dress code is strictly enforced....
"Her Majesty’s Representative wishes to point out that only formal day dress with a hat or substantial fascinator will be acceptable. Off the shoulder, halter neck, spaghetti straps and dresses with a strap of less than one inch and miniskirts are considered unsuitable. Midriffs must be covered and trouser suits must be full length and of matching material and colour. Gentlemen are required to wear either black or grey morning dress, including a waistcoat, with a top hat. A gentleman may remove his top hat within a restaurant, a private box, a private club or that facility’s terrace, balcony or garden. Hats may also be removed within any enclosed external seating area within the Royal Enclosure Garden."
A bit of Ascot trivia: that beautiful scene in My Fair Lady, with all the gorgeous black and white hats and dresses? Costume designer Cecil Beaton based the look of that scene off of an actual event - the 1910 "Black Ascot", when everyone attending wore black to mourn the recent passing of King Edward VII. Beaton won an Academy Award.