Look of the Irish
Written by Quinn Diedrich
Saint Patrick’s Day on a college campus is known for being a rather…messy holiday. Whoever said that we can’t look like a pot of gold while we celebrate, though? To achieve the luck of the Irish, we must first contemplate how best to accomplish styling the look of the Irish.
Repeat after me: green, green, green and also green. Perfect, we’re ninety percent of the way there! If the latest collections are any indication, this underappreciated color is finally getting the flowers it deserves in the upcoming spring and summer. Many attribute this inclined popularity to the “terra futura” aesthetic, which is thought to be the result of environmental consciousness intersecting with increased consumer awareness regarding fashion consumption. Therefore, busting out whatever green you own is not only a way to stay on top of the trend, but also a way to embrace the wave of sustainability activism that we should all do our best to contribute to. That being said, if you find yourself short on green items, thrift stores or online reselling sites such as Depop are great starting places.
So, we have green at the forefront of our minds—but where do we go from here? You’re in luck (no, I will not stop using puns), because the answer is truly any direction your heart desires or personal style requires. One of the best-known rules of Saint Patrick’s Day is that there are no rules. The only guidelines to follow are self-expression, comfortability (it’s a long weekend) and fun. You can choose a silly route and scavenge for a green wig or full leprechaun getup, go the diva direction and find fun statement pieces like an upcycled jacket or bold emerald jewelry or opt for a streetwear style and sport a green-centric jersey. A fun way to ensure your fit stands out in the wave of green is being aware of texture combinations—sequins, satin, leather, faux fur, knitwear or velvet, don’t be scared to try a new pairing. The Irish are known for their friendly and fun-loving culture, so I’m sure they’ll love you just as you are.
If you're not entirely convinced to commit to the green bit, or maybe just hoping to go the extra mile, there are a few more ways to represent the spirit of the Irish this March. Packers fans are already well aware of this combination, so we find ourselves asking: What is green without a little gold? Whether it be a decadent amount of accessories or you’re going for the whole pot of gold look, this color is on theme and easy to apply. If you truly want to embrace Irish culture in another way, using humor might just be key. There’s no shortage of famous sayings or funny quotes to be applied to a DIY graphic T-shirt for the occasion. When “Kiss me, I’m Irish” stops working, it will be a sad, sad day.
At the end of the day, Saint Patrick’s Day fashion is all about having fun, expressing yourself and embracing a bit of Irish luck. Whether you go all out with a head-to-toe green ensemble, add shimmering gold accents or experiment with bold textures and accessories, the key is to wear it with confidence. Of course, take a moment to check in with your ginger friends—everyone may be celebrating, but let us not forget that this is their time to shine. Hopefully, we’ve all learned that this amazing holiday is as much about feeling your best as it is about looking your best. Go forth, celebrate responsibly, and remember that the best way to wear green is with confidence and all of your craziest intentions.
