St. Patrick's Day Irish Wardrobe Essentials: From Parades to the Pub

St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect excuse to dress up in festive green and celebrate Irish culture with friends, family, and even strangers—especially if you're in cities like Chicago, Sydney or London, where the holiday is celebrated in full force! Whether you're heading to a lively parade, or soaking in the craic at local pub, having the right wardrobe pieces will keep you comfortable and warm throughout the day while adding some fun too. Here’s a breakdown of some essential Lee Valley Ireland wardrobe staples for St. Patrick’s Day.

1. The Parade: Comfort

If you’re heading out to a parade, such as the legendary New York St. Patrick's Day Parade, comfort is key. You'll be walking, standing, and possibly waiting for hours to catch a glimpse of the marching bands, bagpipers, and floats.

• A Green Statement Piece: Whether it’s a cozy green sweater, a grandfather shirt or a green scarf, adding a pop of green to your outfit is a must.
• Comfortable Footwear: Expect lots of walking or standing, so opt for a pair of stylish yet comfortable sneakers or boots. Pair with our green lambswool socks for extra warmth.
• A Warm Layer: Depending on where you are, St. Patrick's Day can be chilly. A warm coat or cardigan will keep you warm as you cheer along the parade route. If you want to show your spirit, look for outerwear that has green accents or festive pins.

2. The Scenic Walk: Warmth

You may want to take a leisurely stroll, whether it’s along the dyed green Chicago River or through the streets of your city, you will need to wrap up and keep everyone warm.

• Casual Green Sweater or Jacket: A soft, aran sweater or a comfortable jacket from Lee Valley Ireland will give you an easy, chic look. Consider layering with a tweed flat cap for a nod to classic Irish style.

• A Fun Hat: Whether it's a green bobble hat, or a flannel coat for your dog, you can add subtle green touches everywhere. These timeless pieces are a wonderful way to celebrate Irish heritage out and about.

3. The Pub: Craic agus Ceol

St. Patrick’s Day celebrations often spill over into the pubs, and Lee Valley Ireland has a range of outfits that are both festive and comfortable for enjoying a pint of Guinness with friends.

• Tweed Vest: A classic Irish piece of clothing, you will look just the right amount of causal and dressed up while enjoying the craic. Tweed is a signature fabric of Irish tradition, and it pairs beautifully with any St. Patrick’s Day outfit.

• Layer over a Collarless Shirt: A shirt works great with a tweed vest whether it’s a traditional collarless grandfather shirt or a classic crisp white shirt.

4. The Concert: Move

Whether you’re watching a traditional Irish music session or dancing the night away to a band at an outdoor gig, you’ll want to strike a balance between festive and functional for a night out.

• Statement Tops: A bold green top—perhaps with a Celtic design or some shimmer—will ensure you stand out in the crowd. For a more laid-back vibe, a flannel fleece lined shirt in cheerful stripes or tartan will keep you comfy while adding a touch of festive charm.
• Comfy, Stylish Boots: If you'll be standing and grooving for hours, add Wool Insoles to ensure your feet stay cozy and warm, so you can enjoy the festivities all night long.

5. Keeping it Local: Home Sweet Home

If you’re more in the mood to stay in, snuggle up with an Irish film, or savor a cozy sip of Irish Whiskey, get extra snug with Lee Valley Ireland loungewear that bring the warmth of the season right to your home.

• Festive Green Pyjamas: Slip into a pair of green and navy tartan pyjamas for a cozy, yet luxurious feel. Pair them with matching slippers for the ultimate comfy look, and you'll be all set to relax in style.
• Warm, Snuggly Blanket: Whether you're curling up on the couch or adding a pop of green to a chair, a soft, warm blanket is your perfect companion. It’s the finishing touch to a night of ultimate relaxation.

Whether you're marching in the parade, strolling through the city, or enjoying time at the pub, Lee Valley Ireland offer the perfect balance of tradition, comfort, and style. With our high-quality wool sweaters, tweed jackets, and Irish-inspired accessories, you’ll be able to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in true Irish fashion. Don’t forget to add a pop of green to your outfit, stay cozy, and enjoy the festivities in style!