Ascot fashion: A century of elegance

Countess Wedell and the Earl of Portarlington parade around a serene-looking Ascot in 1910
Photograph: PA/PA Archive

Mrs Ashton Harrison, who does not look a woman to be trifled with, also in 1910
Photograph: PA/PA Archive

On the eve of the first world war, the Honourable Mrs Dillon (right) and her companions attend the races. A glimpse of the end of an era
Photograph: PA/PA Archive

Lord and Lady Dunedin arrive at Royal Ascot in 1927. Lady Dunedin proves that whites aren't just for Wimbledon
Photograph: Barratts/S&G and Barratts

A charming organza dress with hat and crocheted gloves at Ascot in 1933
Photograph: PA/PA Archive

Elizabeth Shelley shows off her outfit at Ascot in 1948
Photograph: Barratts/S&G and Barratts

Lady Docker and her husband Sir Bernard Docker in an altogether more formal get-up in 1955
Photograph: PA/PA Archive

No prizes for guessing the decade here. Loretta Durr wears a yellow Carlottes minidress with a white ostrich boa in 1967
Photograph: Sport and General/S&G and Barratts

Tandy Cronin wears a fabulous flower-covered outfit at Ascot in 1968
Photograph: Alamy

In 1971 the Duke of Norfolk decreed that hotpants were verboten at Ascot. "I wish to make it perfectly clear ... that the only form of ladies' trousers permitted will be suits with long trousers." Fashion designer Joe Dalyland (with model Delia Whittaker) was clearly not listening
Photograph: PA/PA Archive

Some rather impressive mosaic detailing at Ascot in the same year, 1971
Photograph: Alamy

By 1985, power dressing and haughty expressions were de rigueur at Ascot
Photograph: Alamy

The 1980s: never knowingly understated. This practical headgear was seen at the end of the decade, in 1989
Photograph: Duncan Raban/EMPICS Entertainment

Comedy hats are never out of fashion at Ascot. They rear their heads again in 1995 ...
Photograph: Alamy

... but surely this masterpiece, from Ascot 2009, is the most impressive creation to date?
Photograph: Samir Hussein/WireImage