I feel like I ride in half chaos a lot, too… :winkgrin::winkgrin::winkgrin:
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Tall boots! I never found half chaps that fit correctly. I just sold the last of my nice pairs of ariat breeches and my TS breeches. I bought three pairs of riding leggings from smartpak. I figured if I get serious about showing again I’ll invest in some nice breeches again. Since I just ride alone, mostly in the pasture I don’t need anything fancy.
Stupid Phone!
Slip on clogs with half chaps, way more comfortable for walking and helluva lot cheaper. My half chaps are Tredstone so “custom” fit in regards to selecting width and height. I have tall boots that I hate for shows (if that ever happens again) so I’m always looking for something I might like better.
Tall boots, but not for any reason other than convenience. I used to ride in jeans, paddock boots, and half chaps. Then I bought my first pair of zip up tall boots, Ariat’s, so soft and comfy. They were a little too big in the calf, so I ordered another pair the correct size. I could not sell the too big pair to save my life, even listed them at 1/3 the price and they were never ridden in. Then my half chaps died and I was like screw it, I’ll use the tall boots. So I schooled in the too-big ones and only use the good ones for shows.
The schooling ones finally died last year. I stumbled on Justin tall boots on clearance for $70 last year so I bought two pairs for schooling.
I’ll wear breeches, full seat or knee patch, or leggings now. I now have nicer saddles, don’t want to scratch them.
Tall boots have become so much more popular in recent years.
But I still do nearly all my daily riding in paddock boots and half chaps. I have a very nice pair of tall boots that I use for shows, and that have lasted for years since I save them. I have never found it to be a difficult adjustment.
It’s a totally personal choice. But I like paddocks/half chaps better because I can replace each part when it wears out, which means I end up spending less over time.
I also like a really comfortable footbed and a waterproof boot for mucking/bathing/grabbing horses out of pastures. Most attractive high-end tall boots don’t check those boxes.
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I have an old pair of tall show boots which became my at-home schooling boots, so I usually wear tall boots at home. Like many others have said about themselves, when I wear half chaps I tend to get rubs as well!
As for schooling breeches, I love my Ovation or Dover Saddlery ones. They are pretty good quality, not too pricey and can stand the wear and tear of daily barn work and riding multiple horses a day.
Best of luck! 
Reiterating.
I recently fell off at a show and broke me arm. My horse and I did move up a division (.90 to the meters), and my horse was jumping VERY well BUT…
I bought fancy new breeches (Equilines) & brand new boots that arrived the day before the show. Day 4 is actually when I fell and I was finally starting to feel more secure in my new attire. Luckily I have an awesome saddle that helped, and the fall was not completely due to my new clothes, but it probably didn’t help!
that being said I’ve always ridden at home in my show boots, breeches and even a belt and sun shirt even though I have my horse at home and no one else sees me …
