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Royal Ascot Hats, Ranked From Practical To Practically Unwearable

Royal Ascot Hats, Ranked From Practical To Practically Unwearable
ASCOT, ENGLAND - JUNE 14: Isabell Kristensen on Day 1 of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse on June 14, 2016 in Ascot, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images for Ascot Racecourse)
Alan Crowhurst via Getty Images
ASCOT, ENGLAND - JUNE 14: Isabell Kristensen on Day 1 of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse on June 14, 2016 in Ascot, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images for Ascot Racecourse)

The Royal Ascot, a five-day social horse racing event, kicked off in England Tuesday. And with the kickoff came the usual bevy of things-that-resemble-hats-but-are-not-quite-hats.

Depending on the size and shape of said hats, racegoers are forced to find inventive ways to stand up straight, pose for cameras and even kiss each other hello. Ahem, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall:

Chris Jackson via Getty Images

Some hats, like the one chosen by Queen Elizabeth II, are simple, lovely and practical. Others, like one below with a parrot and butterfly floating on the top, are, well, not as much.

Take a look at some of the most intricate, beautiful hats of the first day of Royal Ascot below -- from absolutely sensical to complete and utter gorgeous nonsense.

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