The fashion police were out in force today to enforce the new dress code at Royal Ascot.

The season is almost upon us and all those interested in hats – and there's no better time of year to celebrate their flamboyancy, of course – might like to pay a visit to the genteel city of Bath for inspiration.

IT'S not just Ascot - which begins today - that requires attendees to wear a hat, the summer season boasts a host of events, from weddings to garden parties, which demand suitable headwear. Here hat-maestro extraordinaire Stephen Jones shares his top tips with us.