Questions about English apparel :/

So I am just beginning to get into English...after a lifetime of western riding. I have soooo many questions about apparel! I am just getting into this for the benefits it will have for my horse and I, but I don't know what kind of boots to get, or where to get them.

I like the cleanliness of the English look, and I like that I get to tuck my pants into my boots (instead of my goofy jeans always dragging on the ground...I'm quite short, you see). The type of riding I do is primarily trail and some shorter endurance races.
Should I get tall boots, or paddock boots? If I get paddock boots, what size half chaps do I get?
Should I get child size because I am so short? 4'11" is my height.
Is there anywhere I can buy petite breeches? I have one pair of breeches that come up to my darn ribcage!
Can I find low rise? Or should I buy childrens size breeches?
How thick are riding tights and for what weather/occasion are they used for?

I pretty much need a crash course in English apparel lol :)

Are you planning to show or anything? For shows you will probably want tall boots but for schooling at home paddock boots and half chaps are perfectly fine and comfortable to ride in! If you look in catalogs like Dover you can find a lot of options as far as paddock boots, chaps, and breeches. I believe there is a size chart in there on how to measure your leg to get the right size half chap(there definitely is when you look at half chaps online at the stateline tack website). Also there are plenty of low rise breeches options! Definitely look in catalogs or online (try Dover or State line tack) or try clothes on at a tack shop near you if there is one so that you can figure out which brands and styles are comfortable and fitting for you! Good luck!!

You don't really need tall boots unless you are showing at rated shows or you like the feel of them better. I personally like paddock boots and half chaps because they are much cooler for summer riding when you can take of the half chaps when you're not riding. Just follow the sizing charts for half chaps.

I'm only a few inches taller than you with short legs. I buy accoridng to waist size and that is usually in the medium/28/XL kids size. Go by measurements, not size. You'll need your waist, inseam, and waist to crotch measurements. Yes, they do make low rise. The older breeches tend to be the ones that go up to your bra. Sizes totally differ from brand to brand so unfortunately, it takes a lot of trial and error to find out what works best for you. Buy children's sizes when you can because they will be cheaper. Otherwise, go for regular or short length. I always have to fold up the bottoms of my breeches.

Riding tights are like yoga/exercise pants. Pretty thin, for summer riding. But they makes breeches for all weathers. They have specific ones for summer and winter.

Go to dover saddlery, click on the live chat, they are pretty helpful and will find breeches that fit you.

For boots depending on your price range saxon boots aren't bad for the price and they aren't leather so they work well for everyday stuff and water. Ovation and ariat boots are nice also but more $$. I prefer tall boots but you also can't ride in jeans if you have tall boots breeches are a must for tall boots. I also have paddock boots and half chaps. For half chaps most catalogs have a size chart and it tells how to measure your calf. Smartpak and dover are my two favorite places to get my English things from. You can get adult breeches and they make breeches in short leg length and yes they do make low rise breeches. I really like ariat breeches.

They are pretty helpful and will find breeches that fit you.

I only do pleasure riding, not shows, so I get to use the paddock-boot/half-chap combination. I far prefer it over the tall boots. For some reason, the only boots I can find that will fit my calves come up so high that I can't bend my knees. I also always struggle to get the tall boots on and off (I've never had the zippered kind). With the paddock boots, I can go around town doing my errands, then just quickly zip on the half-chaps when I ride, then take the chaps off to drive home comfortably in the paddock boots - can't do that in tall boots.
Breeches come in all fabrics, thicknesses, and styles, and they all seem to fit differently. If you know what you like in terms of fabric and waist-fit, you should be able to find something you like after some trial and error. Consignment stores are great for trying on a wide variety of brands and styles.