How To
St Patrick's Day 2026: What to Wear (and How to Remove Guinness Stains)
Shamrocks litter the street, the colour green is draped from shoulder to shoulder, and the sound of The Dubliners spills from speakers usually reserved for the latest chart-toppers. It can only mean one thing – it’s the 17th of March, and the world is once again celebrating the snake-chasing patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick.
What to Wear on St Patrick’s Day
Planning your St. Paddy’s outfit? Whether you’re heading to the pub, a parade, or a house party, the right shoes are the key to keeping your Paddy’s ‘fit point all day – and night. Opt for a classic pub-ready look with your favourite jeans or loose-fit trousers and and a t-shirt (bonus points for an Irish-themed tee, obviously) or dress things up with a maxi skirt and crop top combo. Our top tip? Keep colours neutral – think white tee, khaki crop top, light wash jeans – and let your shoes do the talking.
We’ve got green shoes for days here at schuh, so it’s easy to find the perfect pair to match your St Patrick’s Day vibe (and something that’s stylish enough to wear on repeat after the big day). Keep things classic and versatile – but still Paddy’s-coded – with the iconic Nike Cortez in khaki; opt for the sporty, Y2K vibes of the trending ASICS GT-2160 in white with subtle pops of green; or go all-out with the bright green PUMA Palermo.
How to Remove Guinness Stains
We’ve forgotten something absolutely key to St Paddy’s celebrations, you’re no doubt thinking. While it may not be green in colour, it’s safe to say you’d be green with envy if your friends are indulging in its grandeur while you’re at work. Rich and creamy, black in colour but ruby red upon closer inspection, and, when served correctly, adorned with a shamrock on its dome: Guinness is a drink adored by so many, vilified by few (except on a Monday morning, although 0.0 is fast becoming a popular choice). While the pint itself is a thing of beauty, its dark-hued tones can soon create a nightmare if they meet your favourite pair of trainers. But don’t stress – we at schuh are on hand to keep your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations on course.
Getting rid of a Guinness stain from your trainers can be dealt with in the same way as removing an average beer stain from shoes or clothes, but due to the stout’s rich colouration, it’s best to act fast. Before you begin, grab a soft nylon brush, sponge, and tea towel. Dealing with suede shoes? You’ll also need polenta. Leather? Grab some washing up liquid.
How to Clean Guinness Stains off Shoes
- Remove excess dirt
Use the soft nylon brush to gently remove any excess dirt or residue before cleaning.
- Dampen the stain
For suede shoes, dampen the sponge using warm water and dab the stain. For leather, you can rinse the stain lightly with warm water. Leave the shoe to dry.
- Tackle the stain
Using the tea towel, gently rub the stain with a sprinkle of polenta (for suede shoes) or a mixture of washing up liquid and warm water (for leather). Again, allow to dry.
- Remove excess cleaning product & leave to dry
For suede shoes, brush the polenta off with the brush. For leather, rinse any excess cleaning product off with cold water and allow it to dry.
And voilà – you can now head back to the pub in a pair of good-as-new shoes. Sláinte!
