Investec Derby Festival Fashion: Through the ages

The height of fashion - in the 1970s. This race-goer models the classic flared trousersuit. Photograph: Tim Graham/Corbis

One of the fabulous hats on display at Ladies Day last year.
Photograph: STEFAN WERMUTH/Reuters

It's not all about the ladies - gentlemen get to wear hats too. This image was taken during the Investec Derby Festival in 2009. Photograph: ALAN CROWHURST/epa

We're going back in time here, to 1926 in fact. These women are studying their cards while sporting some on-trend looks of the roaring 20s. Photograph: E. Bacon/Hulton Archive

This can only be from the 1980s... Susan Sangster poses with her daughter at Epsom in 1983. Photograph: The Picture Library Ltd

We're staying in the 80s, this time in the company of the ever-fabulous Joan Collins. Photograph: The Picture Library Ltd

Back to the 21st century: a woman wears a hat decorated with peacock feathers on Ladies Day, 2009.
Photograph: Ben Stansall/Getty Images Europe

Hats galore. This shot, from 2008, highlights the amazing array of millinery you'll see at the races. Photograph: Chris Jackson/Getty Images Europe

This lady really turned heads with this creation in 2008. Photograph: Chris Jackson/Getty Images Europe

And now for something completely different. In 1950, the Pearly King of Finsbury, Mr J Marriott, took his daughter Jean to the Epsom Derby. By the looks of things, they had a grand day out.
Photograph: Hulton-Deutsch Collection/CORBIS

This chap also had a grand day out. Possibly too grand. You can only imagine what his wife is thinking. Photograph: Antonio Olmos/Antonio Olmos

Not to be outdone by the ladies, this fellow sports an eye-catching DIY creation. Photograph: Patrick Ward/Corbis

Talking of eye-catching, Mr Mario, an eccentric tipster on English race courses for many years, graces the Epsom Derby in 2002. Photograph: Patrick Ward/Corbis

Another stunning hat, this time from 2006.
Photograph: David Moir/Reuters

This woman is all smiles in 2007 - as you will be if you attend. See you there... Photograph: Dylan Martinez/Reuters