Look what you've started Bea! Ladies' Day kicks off Epsom as stylish racegoers show off flamboyant hats

Since the Royal Wedding marked a renewed interest in hats and Beatrice's Philip Treacy creation sparked hysteria, British women are looking for any excuse to show off flamboyant head pieces.
And what better occasion than at the races?
Ladies Day at Epsom today saw women don their finest - and brightest - for an afternoon of fun in the sunshine.

Model behaviour: M&S model Erin O' Connor, left, and Olivia Inge take in the race at Epsom Derby today

Hat's off:  Punters showed off their creative side with elaborate head pieces, inspired by the Royal Wedding

Fashionable fillies: Racegoers take a leaf out of Bea's form book

M&S model Erin O' Connor, the face of Investec Ladies Day, wore a flamboyant hat by Louis Mariette and a bespoke dress by Felicity Brown, created for the occasion.
She was joined by fellow model Olivia Inge, who started her career as a Vivienne Westwood model.
Olivia wore a gingham pencil dress and black net fascinator.

Glorious technicolour dream: A group of friends compete for most colourful outfit

Mini adventure: Hemlines were high as girls bared their legs in the sunshine

Girl talk: Racegoers have a drink ahead of the main event

Punters were competing for best dressed at one of the most iconic events on the sporting calendar but the award went to Mimi Theobald, who impressed judges with her elegant yellow suit.
Clearly hours of standing in the grass did nothing to put women off wearing heels as platform shoes were out in full force.
The Queen is due to attend tomorrow but will no doubt stick to sensible footwear.

Birds of a feather: One racegoer, dressed in a hite tutu, takes the ballerina trend literally

Let me entertain you: Punters get festive in uniform, left, and a double act dazzle on stilts

Colourful combination: Young or old, Ladies' Day is an excuse to show off some colour

The three-day event, that kicked off today, will see the Queen's horse Carlton House compete for the trophy.
And the Royal is said to be keen on seeing her prize possession win.
Her racing manager, John Warren, told The Telegraph: 'We are counting down the days. Her Majesty is very excited about the race, looking at the Racing Post, and getting all the news, while trying to keep calm.'

Birds of a feature: Mimi Theobald, left, winner of the Style on the Downs as yellow scored high marks

Victory: Racegoers cheer as their horse comes in