Proper hunting attire is rigidly conventional for two reasons. First is practicality. What we wear today is what generations of foxhunters before us found to be most practical for the weather and terrain conditions we hunt in. Second is tradition. Some of the pleasure of hunting, for participants and spectators, comes from the tradition and pageantry of horses, hounds and well-presented riders. This article addresses attire for riders in the fields; protocol for staff is not addressed here.

In general, hunting attire can be categorized as formal with colors, formal without colors, and informal. Colors of the hunt are awarded by the Masters to members deemed exceptionally valuable to the hunt. Belle Meade's color is Confederate Calvary Yellow. Recipients are presented with an allotment of fabric to be sewn onto the collar of their formal hunt coats. Members who are awarded colors may also choose to replace the buttons of their hunt coat with buttons featuring the official logo of the hunt.

Formal with Colors: Gentlemen wear a scarlet coat with gold buttons and hunt colors on the collar; a white shirt, white breeches, and a white stock tie; a yellow or tattersall vest; black dress boots (no laces) with brown tops and a black helmet. Ladies wear a black coat with black buttons and hunt colors on the collar; a white shirt and white stock tie; canary, tan or buff breeches; a yellow or tattersall vest; black dress boots with patent leather tops and a black helmet.

Formal without Colors: Both ladies and gentlemen wear a black coat, a white shirt and white stock tie; canary, tan or buff breeches; a yellow or tattersall vest; black dress boots (no laces) without tops and a black helmet

Informal: Formal attire is always appropriate. Some hunt meets, however, are carded (scheduled) with informal, or ratcatcher, attire. At Belle Meade Hunt, Wednesday meets are always ratcatcher. Both ladies and gentlemen may wear a tweed riding jacket with breeches in any complimentary color; a necktie or stock tie and vest in coordinating colors; black or brown field (laced) boots and a black or brown helmet.