Royal Ascot: new dress rules for 2012 – in pictures

So it's yes to a kind of Rihanna-meets-the-Muppets shag beret and yes to an Imogen Thomas-alike bodycon dress. Note the Middleton trademark shoes, too. It's certainly an odd confluence of fashion inspirations. Photograph: PR Ascot clearly approves of the New Look and is pushing some sort of new sleeve/glove hybrid. The feathered skull cap is classy even if the eye make-up is a worry. Photograph: PR The retro royal look is safe sartorial territory for the Ascot attendee. The hat's a bit Downton – maybe the organisers are hoping for a Lady Mary flash trend at this year's meet. Photograph: PR Thumbs up to Ascot for suggesting that this season's peplum detail is a goer but promoting the concealed platform shoe could be construed as treading on Aintree's toes, no? Photograph: PR If in doubt, channel Pippa M and Prince H at one of the Boujis-set's weddings. Photograph: PR This outfit looks like an Ascot calling card to Samantha Cameron – a woman not known for liking a full hat. Snazzy trousers get a tick it seems even if fascinators do not. Photograph: PR