Once one has acquired the insanely beautiful brown boots, one MUST dress to do them justice, no? So one acquires the pretty olive-y tweed jacket, probably not quite proper because it’s very lightweight wool (but hey, it’s August, and more improper to fall off from heat than to have not quite proper jacket), but what about the hat? I have black and I have navy, both velvet, both astm. What’s proper - if it matters? I’m sort of leaning toward navy, but I’m not a big fan of black anyway. If only I’d gotten that hunter green one…
Go navy!
When in doubt, ask thine Masters. 
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a colored hat in my hunt field but maybe it’s only because we are a cheap lot and each member owns only one ASTM hat with a black velvet cover.
ah - of course, SLW! Should have clarified that this is for a horse trial. For hunting up here, it’s your choice of black, black, or black. 
For the horse trial, I can wear “hunting attire,” so I can have a little fun. I wouldn’t mind avoiding any big faux pas though.
Brown hat, brown gloves.
[QUOTE=Equibrit;8286627]
Brown hat, brown gloves.[/QUOTE]
Yes, I agree. A brown helmet is most proper when wearing brown boots.
If you can’t swing buying another helmet to match your boots, then go with whichever (black or navy) looks best with your outfit.
Thanks, everyone! Since I don’t usually care much about clothes, I’m having a good laugh at myself - but so appreciate the tips.
I LOVE the look of hunter green with the brown boots.
Here’s a picture of me in mine:
http://postimg.org/image/omt86amwx/
I always get a lot of compliments.
Lovely! That is one gorgeous stock tie.
I would go brown. . definitely brown!
Well, if you hunted regularly, your black hat…
Would have faded to that lovely chocolate color that everyone admires. Only one way to get “that” color, ride in the rain, the snow, the heat, everything. Or you could buy a brown one.
But navy? Uh, no. Wear the black one. Even at a HT navy isn’t really what you want.
Brown gloves though, are a MUST if you are wearing brown boots. Or really, even if you aren’t.
hahaha: my last black hat faded to purple - and not even aubergine, more like grape! I do admit that the current one doesn’t get out much, since I prefer my XC one, and the new horse isn’t hunting - yet.
I see that I now have support (and criticism!) for whatever decision I make (except for gloves, and I wouldn’t wear anything but brown gloves - or - HORRORS - commando hands - with these boots) - which makes me laugh as much as finding myself spending time thinking about attire. 
Let it never be said that foxhunters aren’t fun.
Also, with tweed, you really should wear a regular tie.
I am not knowledgeable enough about horse trials attire to advise.
I do however know clothes as did my mother before me.
Black is always correct.
IMO a navy helmet with brown boots would be as big a faux pas as the stereotypical brown dress shoes with a navy suit on a man.
This in brown, if your budget will allow:
http://www.doversaddlery.com/the-hampton-by-charles-owen/p/X1-36173/
This comes in green or brown but is VERY shiny:
http://www.doversaddlery.com/ovation-protege-helmet/p/X1-36309/
Or get a brown or green helmet cover.
For the horse trial, I can wear “hunting attire,” so I can have a little fun.
Envy If you REALLY want to complete the picture then your horse should be ‘hunter attire’ too. Shaped pad. No bling on the bridle. No excessive strapping unless truly needed, i.e. no breastplate.
Also, with tweed, you really should wear a regular tie.
Really? Cool. You mean like a man’s tie? Is this for horse trials attire or also for fox hunting?
It really takes a village to get me dressed, doesn’t it?!
Ok, so black it’ll be this time out, but seems like even RPM won’t blanch if it’s green next time (CO makes the Hampton in green - not that I’ve been coveting it or anything).
And Equibrit, funny that you should mention the tie, because that’s the ultimate plan (we’ll see if I find one that I like, that works, and that doesn’t cost a mint by this weekend). If not I have a paisley stock tie which may or may not work (haven’t put it next to the jacket yet - I don’t think it’ll quite work), or will just wear a choker.
Martina, my horse would be perfectly properly attired (right down to the button braids) if I could find a shaped pad that’d fit my saddle. As it is it’ll be a perfectly sized white square. No bling ever!
Martina, my horse would be perfectly properly attired (right down to the button braids) if I could find a shaped pad that’d fit my saddle. As it is it’ll be a perfectly sized white square. No bling ever!
You guys will look gorgeous! Have fun!
Regular tie or colored stock.
This hunting site says shirt with colored tie or a ratcatcher shirt with collar and stock pin.
http://www.foxhunting.freeservers.com/PgsMain/attire.html
Am I right in remembering a ratcatcher shirt has a choker?
Oh no - blue suit and brown dress shoes are so in right now on men. It looks seriously sharp. Just went to a wedding with the groom in blue tux, brown shoes, and dusty rose tie/vest. It was gorgeous.
