Dressing up is fun and festive, but none of us wants to be That Girl. You know the one – she’s a Christmas Tree on Christmas, a giant pink heart on Valentine’s Day, Abraham Lincoln on Presidents’ Day, and a multicolored egg on Easter. Unless (a) it’s Halloween, (b) you work in children’s entertainment, (c) you’re Lady Gaga, or (d) you got stuck with a costumed food delivery service job to pay for your spring break in Cancun, looking like a real-life cartoon is probably not on the top of your to-do list.
But don’t worry – just because you’re not trying to look like a Leprechaun this St. Patrick’s Day, doesn’t mean that you can’t get into the spirit (and avoid a few pinches, while you’re at it). It’s all about the balance between festive and fanatic! Just pick one or two things from the following suggestions, don’t do them all.
1. Wear a green headband.
I know you probably haven’t busted out the headbands since back when you thought those red solo cups were for Mountain Dew, but it’s time to turn to “Glee” for some inspiration and pull a Rachel Berry. It’s cute, easy, and you can find one that fits almost any style!
Try this one for a boho look -$25 at Etsy BeSomethingNew
2. Chuck it.
I don’t know about you, but in my middle school the alternative punk-rock kids (think your standard college hipster, but with worse skin, baby fat, and disproportionate feet) were the cool ones and Converses were the shoes to have. I’ve grown past all of that but I still have a soft spot for Chucks. They’re comfy and cute, so you can challenge your friends to a St. Patty’s Day four leaf clover hunt after class!
$50, Converse
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3. Keep it tight.
If you’re daring (but only if you’re daring) you can go for green tights. These definitely toe the line between cute and Leprechaun, but if you’ve got the sass to pull them off, you can pair green tights with a simple top and bottom for some St. Patty’s Day fun. Just don’t pair them with black and/or gold or you’ll be off to the land of the little men!
$18, Lulu’s
4. Wear it on your face!
Before you get too excited, NO, I do NOT mean face paint. Trust me – your pores (and anyone who has to be seen in public with you) will be happier if you leave the arts-and-crafts-on-your-face to the pre-pubescent crowd.
Instead, go for a classier, more subtle look – we all fall into makeup ruts of the same bronze shadow or black eyeliner day-in and day-out. It’s no surprise, since we busy collegiettes don’t always have time to pull a full-fledged beauty session before 9am lecture, but that doesn’t mean that it has to stay that way. So while painting a shamrock on your face this St. Patrick’s Day may be a no-no, rocking green eye shadow or even green eyeliner is a definite do!
“Swimming,” $15, MAC Cosmetics
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5. Romp around town.
I know there are a lot of mixed opinions about rompers out there – like organic chemistry and frat boys, you either love ‘em or you hate ‘em. I don’t think they’re even close to played out yet, though, with their flattering short leg and super-comfy, super-easy fit. Perfect for playing, romping, and frolicking, pair a forest green romper with a pair of sneakers and you’re all set for a St. Patrick’s Day picnic!
$69, Urban Outfitters
6. Accessorize!
Accessorizing is good for more than getting on Stacy and Clinton’s good side. It’s also a fun, spunky, and – best of all for those of us who are trying to save money for summer classes – cheap way to ‘greenify’ your outfit. Double points if it’s something cute that you can wear all year!
$20.57, The Village Square
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7. Dress it up.
The great thing about dresses is that everyone thinks you put all this effort into looking fabulous when you really didn’t. Dresses are less effort than jeans and a t-shirt, since you don’t even have to throw anything together, but you instantly look (and feel!) way more pulled together. Especially if it’s starting to warm into spring wherever you are, a green dress can be the perfect way to show your holiday spirit!
$19.80, Forever 21
8. Tops up!
A cute green top can be a really fun and easy way to add some green to your wardrobe. St. Patrick’s Day-themed graphic tees are always a safe bet, but if you want more bang for your buck you can check out green polos, tanks, and blouses for something that you can wear again and again.
$89.50, Ralph Lauren
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9. Skirts, skirts, skirts.
I am a BIG fan of skirts. There’s something so fun and free about a skirt – they’re even better than shorts and way better than pants! Oh, poor boys, to never have the pleasure of a skirt. Well, except for the Scottish ones, I suppose.
$59.90, Zara
10. We bagged it.
Hard-core St. Patrick’s Day fans might disagree, but I say the bag definitely counts. It’s a little out there, and a bit of a cheat since a handbag isn’t technically clothing, but we all know that handbags are just as essential. Where else are we supposed to keep our iPhones, cherry ChapStick, and emergency chocolate?
Women’s Shopper Handbag, $24.94, Old Navy
Whatever your green scheme is this St. Patrick’s Day, you have no excuse not to rock the snazzy color all over your side of the world! As always, keep it cute and classy. But don’t forget to make them all green with envy.