Costume ideas for everyone to celebrate St Patrick’s Day!
St Patrick’s Day is one of the world's biggest cultural and festive celebrations, and Australia is no exception. Every year on March 17th, people across the country head to Irish pubs, sink pints with friends, family and strangers alike, and compete to see who had the best St Patrick’s Day outfit ideas!
But why do we celebrate this day, and where does the tradition come from?
Originally a religious holiday honouring Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, the day has since evolved into a global festival celebrating Irish heritage and culture. From the streets of Dublin to the heart of Sydney and Melbourne, people embrace traditions like wearing green, sporting shamrocks, and, naturally, dressing as leprechauns.
In Australia, St Patrick’s Day is all about bringing people together. Major cities host lively parades, pub crawls, and themed events, where costumes play a huge role in the fun. Whether you’re heading to an Irish pub, joining a parade, or throwing a themed party, the right outfit can make the celebration even more exciting.
If you’re looking for inspiration on what to wear, we’ve got the ultimate list of St Patrick’s Day costume ideas. From traditional Irish costumes to creative and funny costumes, this guide will help you find the perfect look—whether you’re keeping it classic, quirky, or budget-friendly.
Classic St Patrick’s Day costumes
The iconic leprechaun costume
No St Patrick’s Day costume list would be complete without the classic leprechaun outfit. This instantly recognisable look features a green suit, a matching top hat, a gold-buckled belt, and an orange fake beard—capturing the mischievous spirit of Ireland’s most famous folklore character.
There are plenty of creative variations for those who love a fun twist. Inflatable leprechaun suits add a larger-than-life element to your outfit while riding leprechaun costumes create the hilarious illusion of being carried by a tiny Irish trickster. If you want to stand out even more, consider glittery or sequined designs for an eye-catching take on the traditional leprechaun look.
Whether you go for classic or quirky, dressing as a leprechaun is always a hit.
Shamrock-themed outfits
Shamrock-themed outfits are a great choice if you want a festive yet stylish look for St Patrick’s Day. From shamrock-printed suits and dresses to graphic tees and button-ups, these outfits let you embrace the Irish spirit without going full leprechaun. A green blazer with shamrock details or a subtle clover-print dress offers a sophisticated but fun way to celebrate.
You can easily transform a plain green outfit into a St Patrick’s Day look with the right accessories for a more DIY approach. Add a shamrock headband, scarf, or themed jewellery, and you’re ready to go. Even something as simple as a shamrock tie or clover-patterned socks can add just the right amount of Irish flair for a parade, pub crawl, or casual gathering.
St Patrick’s Day costumes for men
Classic and traditional outfits
Classic Irish-inspired outfits are the way to go for men who want a timeless and authentic St Patrick’s Day look. The tailored leprechaun suit is always a crowd favourite, featuring a green jacket, matching waistcoat, knee-high socks, and a top hat. Pair it with a gold-buckled belt and an orange beard, and you’ll look like you’ve stepped straight out of Irish folklore.
The Irish gentleman look is a stylish alternative for a more sophisticated take. A dark green blazer, plaid trousers, and a shamrock tie offer a nod to tradition without going full costume. This outfit is ideal for dressing up at work, attending formal events, or celebrating at a high-end Irish pub. Whether you go for full leprechaun charm or classic Irish elegance, these outfits ensure you’ll be dressed to impress this St Patrick’s Day.
Funny and novelty costumes
If you prefer humour over tradition, St Patrick’s Day is the perfect time to have fun with a novelty costume. A beer mug or pint of Guinness costume is a guaranteed hit at pub crawls and parties, letting you celebrate in true Irish style. These oversized, foam-padded costumes are comfortable, lightweight, and instantly recognisable—perfect for those who want to stand out.
For something even more outrageous, the leprechaun jockey costume creates the hilarious illusion of being carried around by a tiny leprechaun. With adjustable straps and lightweight padding, this playful outfit is great for getting laughs at parties or parades.
Whether you’re dressing as a walking pint of beer or a mischievous leprechaun's sidekick, funny men’s St Paddy’s Day costumes add extra energy and fun to any St Patrick’s Day celebration.
St Patrick’s Day costumes for women
Stylish and playful leprechaun costumes
For women who want to embrace the St Patrick’s Day spirit while keeping things stylish, leprechaun-inspired outfits offer a fun and festive look. Corset-style dresses with lace-up bodices, matching mini hats, and striped stockings create a flattering and playful take on the classic leprechaun look. These outfits balance charming and eye-catching, making them great for parties, parades, or pub crawls.
For those who love a bit of sparkle, glittery and sequined leprechaun skirts add a fun and glamorous touch. Paired with a shamrock-print top, gold belt, and festive accessories, these outfits let you stand out while still keeping with the St Patrick’s Day theme. Whether you want a cute and classic leprechaun look or something more modern and dazzling, there’s an outfit to match every celebration.
Elegant Irish-inspired outfits
Not every women’s St Patrick’s Day outfit needs to be bold or playful—some prefer a more sophisticated approach to celebrating. Flowy emerald green dresses with gold accents offer a subtle yet elegant nod to Irish heritage, making them perfect for formal events, dinner parties, or office celebrations. A long-sleeved emerald dress paired with gold jewellery and a matching headpiece brings an effortlessly chic touch to the festivities.
For a modern and stylish option, shamrock-patterned maxi dresses or jumpsuits provide a fashion-forward yet festive alternative. These outfits allow you to embrace the St Patrick’s Day colour scheme without going full costume. Whether you’re attending a corporate event, a more refined gathering, or just prefer a classy look, these elegant ensembles let you celebrate in style.
St Patrick’s Day costumes for kids
Cute and comfortable costumes for little leprechauns
St Patrick’s Day isn’t just for adults—kids can enjoy the fun with adorable and comfortable costumes perfect for parades, parties, or family celebrations.
For the littlest leprechauns, green rompers and onesies make for an easy and fuss-free outfit. Many designs feature shamrocks, lucky clovers, or fun Irish sayings, making them perfect for a baby’s first St Patrick’s Day.
For toddlers and young kids, mini leprechaun suits bring a classic and playful look. These pint-sized outfits often include green jackets, top hats, and faux gold-buckled belts, turning little ones into the cutest Irish tricksters. For a more playful and feminine take, shamrock tutu dresses paired with striped stockings or knee-high socks create a whimsical and festive outfit.
With soft fabrics and easy-to-wear styles, these costumes keep kids comfortable while celebrating in style!
St Patrick’s Day costumes on a budget
Budget-friendly options
You don’t need to spend a fortune to dress up for St Patrick’s Day—plenty of affordable store-bought options still bring the festive spirit.
A basic leprechaun hat, a themed t-shirt, and shamrock socks make for a simple yet effective outfit. Pairing a green shirt with a few fun accessories is a great way to get into the holiday spirit without committing to a full costume.
For those looking for a more put-together look on a budget, costume sets that include hats, bow ties, and suspenders offer an easy solution. These sets let you dress up without the cost of a full leprechaun suit, making them perfect for pub crawls, parades, or casual parties.
With a little creativity, budget-friendly costumes can still be fun, festive, and eye-catching!
Must-have accessories for the perfect St Patrick’s Day outfit
Essential accessories to complete your look
Celebrating St Patrick’s Day in style doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Plenty of affordable options still let you embrace the Irish spirit without breaking the bank.
A simple yet effective way to dress up is with basic leprechaun hats, themed t-shirts, and shamrock-printed socks. A green graphic tee with a fun Irish saying paired with festive accessories is a low-cost but festive look for pub crawls, parades, or casual gatherings.
For those wanting a more complete costume, budget-friendly sets that include top hats, bow ties, and suspenders create a put-together outfit without the hefty price tag. These ready-made kits make getting into the St Patrick’s Day spirit easy while keeping things affordable.
With the right costume pieces and accessories, you can create a fun and festive St Patrick’s Day outfit on any budget!
Face paint and makeup ideas
Adding face paint or festive makeup is a great way to enhance your adult St Patrick’s Day outfit, whether you’re going for a subtle shimmer or a bold, artistic look.
Green and gold glitter makeup can highlight your eyes, cheekbones, or lips for a glamorous touch. A smoky green eyeshadow with gold highlighter adds a sophisticated yet festive vibe, while glittery green lipstick makes for a statement look.
If you prefer face paint, consider designs featuring four-leaf clovers, rainbows, or lucky horseshoes. A small shamrock on your cheek or temple is a simple but effective way to show your Irish spirit, while a full rainbow and pot-of-gold design is perfect for those who love to go all out.
Whether you choose subtle shimmer or boldface art, festive St Patrick’s Day makeup is a fun way to complete your look!
Where to buy the best St Patrick’s Day costumes?
Find the perfect St Patrick’s Day costume at Blossom Costumes! Whether you're after a classic leprechaun outfit, a stylish shamrock dress, or a fun novelty costume, we have many styles to suit every celebration.
From budget-friendly accessories to deluxe costumes, our collection includes outfits for men, women, and kids, ensuring everyone can enjoy the fun. With fast shipping across Australia, you’ll have your festive look ready in time for parades, pub crawls, and parties.