Don't Forget Your Green!

In just a few days, St. Patrick's Day will be upon us. And I've got to say, some people consider this a non-holiday, but any national celebration where the focus is on fashion is alright by me!

But for those of you who aren't so enthusiastic about this day, the following is a quick tutorial on the fashion-related aspect of this quintessentially Irish holiday.

-Don't Overdo It
The simplest, most helpful advice I can offer to all you St. Patty's Day novices is don't overdo it.
Some people get so swept up in the festivity and just plain fun of the day that they pull out every last article in their closet with a hint of green on it, and slap it on their body wherever they can fit it. I beg of you, don't fall into this trap.
Green is one of those colors that easily clashes with other shades of green. If you have two (or three or four…) different types of green clothing, chances are your socks won't match your pants which won't match your cardigan.
Keep it festive, but keep it simple. One prominent green article will do the trick-whether it's a "Kiss Me, I'm Irish" sticker or a nice understated jade bracelet.

-Don't Under-do It
On the other end of the spectrum, there are always those people out there who think dressing up for holidays is best left in the past. (They're usually the same people that REALLY don't appreciate being pinched when they're found not wearing any green at the office.)
If this sounds like you, just remember celebrating these traditions doesn't have to be overblown. You can play along in a more fashionably modest way. Wear a fantastic pair of green slingbacks (it's just about springtime, so they'll be fashionable and timely). Or, as many people do, stick to the green jewelry: emerald earrings, jade bracelets, green-tinged rhinestone necklaces. Anything works.
But remember that fashion is supposed to be fun. It's supposed to be mutable and a little bit flippant. Embrace your inner child, and don't be afraid to play dress up every now and again!

-Play to Your Strengths
Just because you think green is simply "not your color," does not mean you have a legitimate excuse to avoid showing some seasonal spirit. You can always find a way to incorporate green into your outfit without resorting to plastering it all over your clothing.
Again, it all comes back to being understated and tasteful. If you're not into jewelry, try some creative hair accessories. Clips, hair chopsticks, barrettes-whatever you've got available.

-Showing Green Doesn't Mean Dropping Green
In other words, you shouldn't have to spend a lot of money just because it's St. Patrick's Day. Even if you don't often wear the color, checking your closet thoroughly will probably reveal something you can wear. So don't immediately run out to the store buying a whole new outfit (unless you're looking for an excuse anyway).
You always have to be careful with seasonal purchases, because you're not going to get great value if you can only wear the item once.
So just think twice. Sure, a leprechaun frolicking in a field of four leaf clovers might draw oohs and ahhs from your coworkers on St. Patrick's Day, but all it will draw on any other day will be stares (and not the good kind).

Good luck, happy St. Patrick's Day, and happy shopping!

by Liz Herrin