By Alex Jones
LADIES Day at Royal Ascot is in full swing today with thousands of attendees dressed to impress – but which looks stole the show in previous years?
Remarkable vintage photos capture the floral, fabulous and downright freaky dresses that have graced the royal race over the last century. Striking shots include a dark-haired woman sporting novelty ‘Ascot’ spectacles, three women cheering on their horse in their 1930’s finery, and ITV Playhouse star Tandy Cronyn being ‘watered’ by her co-actor Simon Gough to prevent her all-flower dress from wilting.
Another incredible shot shows socialite Jayne Harris looking fed up in the Royal Enclosure after she was initially refused entry for turning up in a trouser suit. Fortunately, her millionaire father, property tycoon William Harris, had a ready supply of dresses in one of his nearby premises.
Famed for its strict fashion guidelines, women are expected to meet certain criteria if they wish to be allowed into the Royal Enclosure; including ‘modest length’ skirts, dress straps of one inch or greater; and absolutely no exposure of midriffs or fascinators without a base of four inches.
Men are expected to wear a black or grey top hat and a waistcoat and tie (no cravats).
Each year Ladies Day is held of the Thursday of the Royal Meeting, which is also the day of one of Britain’s most prestigious events – the Gold Cup.