St. Patrick's Day 2012: Pretty Parade Outfit Ideas, From Glittering Gold Lips To Green Flats [PHOTOS]

By Cavan Sieczkowski | March 16 2012 12:00 PM

Photo: shopbop.com

Eugenia Kim Serena Bow Headband

This stunning lace, “Serena” bow headband by Eugenia Kim is a beautiful accessory unto itself. On St. Patrick’s Day, this oversize bow will be a playful addition to any outfit. Wear this throughout Spring 2012 with a floral patterned sundress, cut-off shorts or a chic striped blazer. (shopbop.com, $88)

Photo: netaporter.com

Victoria, Victoria Beckham Cocoon Mini Dress

For those attending fancier St. Patrick’s Day parties, a bright green dress is your best bet. This Victoria, Victoria Beckham jacquard cocoon mini dress is sold exclusively at Net-a-porter and was one of the biggest hits from Beckham’s Spring 2012 collection. With a piped neckline and dramatic pleated back, this dress offers a standout silhouette. Pair with brown heels and a printed clutch. (netaporter.com, $625)

Photo: violentlips.com

The Gold Glitterati by Violent Lips

Violent Lips has an assorted collection of outrageous temporary lip tattoos for occasions just like St. Patrick’s Day. Although the company does not currently have a green option available, this gold tattoo will complement your green, white and orange ensemble on St. Patrick’s Day. (violentlips.com, $14.95)

Photo: couture.zappos.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs Flats

These Marc by Marc Jacobs flats are quite possibly the most necessary item for your spring shopping list. The bright green shade is fun while the relaxed fit, leather upper and espadrille midsole are coolly casual. These will be great for bopping around on St. Patrick’s Day and can be worn on sunny Sundays all through spring. (couture.zappos.com, $195)

Photo: designsbystephene.com

Butter Denim Green Jeans

Colored denim is one of the hottest styles for spring. What better way to show your St. Patrick’s Day-spirit this year than with bright green jeans? The skinny, curve-hugging style of this Butter Denim pair are flattering and modern. (designsbystephene.com, $68)

Photo: beauty.com

butter LONDON Green Nail Polish

Green nail polish will add that extra something to a St. Patrick’s Day outfit. Butter LONDON has some of the smoothest, longest-lasting nail polish around. This Kelly green hue, titled “British Racing Green,” will be perfect for your St. Paddy’s festivities. (beauty.com, $14)

Photo: shopbop.com

Raoul Green Tie Neck Blouse

In a nod to your sartorial side, this green short sleeve tie neck blouse by Raoul will be a beautiful piece for St. Patrick’s Day. The bright, summer green color, the soft, billowing silk organza fabric and the streaming bow make for a lovely look. Pair this with a white skirt for St. Paddy’s Day or with a camel pencil skirt for after. (shopbop.com, $200)

Photo: couture.zappos.com

Kate Spade New York Gumdrops Stud Earrings

Green earrings are a necessity on St. Patrick’s Day. These pretty Kate Spade studs come in an eye-popping green color and will be the perfect addition to any summer-accessories collection. (couture.zappos.com, $38)

St. Patrick's Day 2012 is upon us and what better way to celebrate the festive Irish holiday than with your best green fashions?

Of course, St. Patrick's Day is the best day to wear green; but the hue was a popular one on Spring 2012 runways. Green shades ran the gamut in designers' collections from mint to sea-foam to emerald to forest. Models sported everything from green nails to green handbags for a pop of springy playfulness.

There are ways to wear green for St. Patrick's Day 2012 that will have you looking chic rather than cheesy. A green bow headband is a pretty, girlie addition to any outfit. Try this with a camel blazer, white button down and dark denim. Make the green headband the centerpiece of the outfit.

Colored denim is a hugely popular spring trend that will translate well on St. Paddy's Day. Pair your green denim with brown chunky-heeled shoes and a cardigan in a lighter shade. If you want to go literal with this look for the holiday pair it with a white top and some orange accessories.

You can even wear a green sweater over a white button down and pair the look with orange shorts. Again, this is quite literal; but, if you play the silhouettes right and add on chunky gold jewelry, like Refinery29 did, it will look seamless.

Why do we wear green? Ireland is known as The Emerald Isle but the history of green on St. Patrick's Day is not as simple. According to the Huffington Post, blue was originally the color associated with the March 17th tradition. Green eventually became more popular, however. The color can be found in the Irish flag and on blossoming shamrocks found in the lushly green country. The Huffington Post also noted that in Ireland some follow the tradition where Catholics wear green and Protestants wear orange.

Check out some of the prettiest parade outfit ideas to try out this St. Patrick's Day.