St. Patrick’s Day is coming up. This holiday is known for great celebrations of Irish culture with parades, food, music and so much more. It is also known for making everyone drag out the one piece of green clothing that they own from the back of their closets. Many people can recall the tradition that if you don’t wear green, you face the risk of being pinched. This American superstition was said to have started as early as the 1700s. People believed that if they wore green, they would be invisible to the Leprechauns, who were notoriously known for pinching people. Since green is not my color of choice, here are four simple ways to incorporate green into your wardrobe and avoid any Leprechaun tomfoolery.
1. St. Patrick’s Day shirt
An easy option is to purchase a St. Patrick’s Day shirt and then wear it for years to come. I did this in high school. You could even buy it after St. Patrick’s Day on sale for next year. These shirts come in a variety from completely hysterical to almost cute with phrases like “lucky is my middle name.” You can buy these shirts anywhere and everywhere for any price range. This is an easy and super festive approach if you can be casual all day.
2. Designated green top or dress
If you have to dress professionally for work or are not into wearing t-shirts with shamrocks on them, this is a good choice for you. Find a simple green item, again on sale is always best, that you don’t hate that fits your lifestyle. Only pull it out once a year for this grand occasion. Who knows, you might discover that you like yourself in green!
3. Green beads
Beads are a festive and easy last minute choice for anyone who forgot that it was St. Patrick’s Day. They don’t affect your outfit at all, as everyone will know why you are wearing them. They are super cheap. You can get multiple pairs at the Dollar Tree or Walmart for around a dollar. You could save your friends who forgot to wear green by sharing you spare beads with them. A true St. Patrick’s Day hero!
4. Green socks
Again, there are so many cheap St. Patrick’s Day themed items sold around this time of year. Socks with shamrocks or just plain green socks would not be very expensive. The nice thing about this approach is that the green is subtle and not super distracting or obvious. You can participate in the tradition and avoid getting pinched without decking yourself out in all green. I do warn you that if you go with this method, be sure to make your socks visible if you see someone coming at you with their pincers at the ready.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! I hope this helps you enjoy all of the fun traditions associated with St. Patrick’s Day without having to make too much effort. Also, my last advice is to remember karma and if you see a friend not wearing green, think twice before you pinch them.
