Heroes VII

In reality, decorating headdresses and helmets is a rather old tradition. Hoplites decorated them with feathers.

They weren't even close to being as massive and imposing, although they are often depicted that way in various artworks.

Vikings with horns.

Actually, they didn't decorate them.

Look at the hats of modern British guards, who guard Buckingham Palace.

Compare them to regular English soldiers. The palace guards are definitely more ornate. Their uniform is more for ceremonial purposes than for combat.