I'm from South FL (USA) and my husband has been transferred to Plymouth for a year or more. I've had a few great contacts with regard hunts to join in Cornwall and Launceston and 1 or two contacts for hirelings. My questions is attire. I was taught (eons ago in the 80's) hunts are very traditional with regard to etiquette, turnout, and protocol. I have no issue with purchasi,g a new pair of tall boots. I've been looking for an excuse anyhow, but all my riding attire; boots,breeches, tops and socks are more suited for casual schooling here in my sub tropical home in South FL. They are quite brightly colored well.
How much "wiggle room" do I have before I offend someone or just look foolish? My selection safe colors of breeches I have deep pine green, white, and dark green/black houndstooth. I have cordovan short boots with matching leather half-chaps.
As for traditional I do have a white shirt and stock tie, and as I said I plan to buy new boots, but I can't afford (or justify to hubby) the purchase of a vest, hunt coat or tweed, and garters. Between costs for Hire horse/caping/hunt fees. I'll already be looking at £300.
I don't want freeze though. It's 28°C (83°F) here right now. I'm originally from Buffalo, NY so I know how to dress for cool/moist climes.
I guess my point is what can I do cheapest to fit in and not offend, not freeze, and not go broke (re: get divorced).
When you join a hunt you are in effect joining a club and fundamentally, your dress code is out of politeness to the masters which dovetails in with 'tradition'
Ladies dress code for any pack of hounds after the Opening meet is either a Blue or Black Coat, well made and ideally tailored, of a weight to keep you warm on cold wet days, especially if you are hunting on Dartmoor or Exmoor.
Boots are as you say long boots, but normally simply referred to hunting boots with straps, same colour as the boot. i.e black, not white. White straps are only worn with tops by gentlemen who are either masters, hunt servants or have been invited to put up the button. Ladies do not wear tops, although I did once see a lady master in tops. I know ladies wearing tops are not unusual in the States.
Breeches normally fawn. beige or white
You are not correctly turned out if you are not wearing spurs - preferably snub nosed if you are not used to them. Again this is a subject that generates considerable debate especially on this forum.
Stock properly tied. No doubt ladies who post on this thread will have a variety of comments on shirts/stocks as to colour or patterns.
The females in my family go for all white with a stock pin horizontal.
Hat is all important for safety, with proper harness and ideally the same colour as the coat.
Prior to the opening meet, Tweed jacket with any of the above. Although a stock is not considered necessary or spurs. Gentlemen normally wear brown boots.
Suggest you visit Calcutts website
https://www.calcuttandsons.co.uk/ where all your questions and requirements will be easily answered sorted. Most excellent people who have a very good second hand department.
