Ladies’ Day: The best outfits and hats at Royal Ascot 2022

It’s officially day three of Royal Ascot, and despite England being plunged into a heatwave, racegoers have still turned out in droves for Ladies’ Day.

The term for the third day of the races dates back to 1823, when an anonymous poet described Thursday at Ascot as “Ladies’ Day... when the women, like angels, look sweetly divine”.

While Ascot no longer refers to Thursday as Ladies’ Day, and there are no fashion competitions held on the day, it’s a term still used colloquially by racegoers, who have this year donned their boldest and brightest wares for the occasion.

 Race-goers wearing hats pose upon their arrival. AFP

Instead, the description of the day on the Royal Ascot website reads: “With thousands turning out to see the coveted Gold Cup prize contested, fashion and glamour reach their zenith and designer creations and millinery masterpieces take centre stage.”

The Queen, who is usually an Ascot staple, has yet to make an appearance at the races this year.

Instead, other royals like the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, Princess Anne, and Princess Beatrice have attended the race days so far.

Here are the best outfits from Royal Ascot’s 2022 Ladies’ Day.

 Zara Tindall and her husband Mike Tindall stand in the paddock on the third day of the Royal Ascot. AP

Zara Tindall

The Queen’s granddaughter wore a cream shirt dress accessorised with a pink and green hat and pink heels.

One racegoer matched her fuschia pink dress to her vibrant headwear, which saw feathered rainbow-coloured stripes sit atop a wide-brimmed hat.

 Race-goers are photographed during the third day, known as the Lady's day.

Charlotte Hawkins

Presenter Charlotte Hawkins opted for a sweet baby blue dress with a matching hat and shoes.

Red and blue

When in doubt, go for pastel hues. These Ascot visitors looked sunshine-y in their pastel yellow and violet dresses.

 A race-goer carrying a bag shaped as a bird cage. AFP

Wear your flag on your head

Not sure which nation you’re in? One racegoer will be reminding fellow Ascot attendees with her flag-covered headwear.

 Race-goers pose upon their arrival. AFP

Freddy Cousin-Brown

Influencer and colour pink aficianado Freddy Cousin-Brown stayed true to her favourite hue with this blush ensemble.

Prints and Midis

A midi dress is a staple of the races - and these attendees look stunning in their pastel blue, pink and patterned get-ups.

 Racegoers pose for a picture during ladies day. AFP

Purple power

Headgear is the main fashion focus of Ascot, and this floral headpiece is a show-stopper.

Ana Pribylova

Milliner Ana Pribylova struck gold with thie bright-hued outfit.

 A racegoer poses for a photo. AFP

Matchy-matchy

We love a same-hue look, and the pink looks stunning on this racegoer. The red and blue dress has a fun bird theme, including an avian-style hat and a bird cage.

Grant in green

Milliner Victoria Grant looked striking in her vivid green ensemble. Grand is known for her bold hat designs.

The Independent