Neon is one of spring’s brightest and most adventurous trends. Thankfully, today’s neon is more sophisticated and less in-your-face than it used to be. (We’re looking at you, sweatshirts, bike shorts and Jazzercise apparel from the ’80s.)
The spring/summer 2019 runways were rife with examples of neon at its powerful best: there was the potent orange shorts suit at House of Holland, the sporty-chic yellow snakeskin at Off-White, the amazing lemon lace sun hat at Marta Jakubowski.
You may not be in the market for a bright orange suit, but there are more wearable versions of these bold hues on the racks. So where to begin? Here are a few ways to make the vibrant neon trend work for you.
Easy Does it
Take baby steps if you’re a neon newcomer and aren’t quite sure it’s right for you. By embracing a hue on the lighter end of the spectrum, you can test the bright waters without risking a highlighter impersonation.
These melon-toned Cuffed Girlfriend Chinos from LOFT are easy to wear with a silky white blouse or a floaty ivory pullover. A pair of slides or canvas sneakers grounds your look while allowing the colorful shade to stand out just enough.
Try a Vibrant Accent Piece
You can also dabble in the neon trend with an effortless accessory. Neon plays right into the tried-and-true budget fashionista strategy of accessorizing boldly — so no one notices when you re-wear your fav outfits.
If you love the idea of making neon a part of your regular rotation, these fun earrings will energize everything from plain white tees and jeans to casual slip dresses. You could even wear them to the office on casual Friday or in a more creative environment.
More Neon Accessories
Embrace the Spirit
Neon is lively, vivacious, and full of energy. Those are the basic tenets that set it apart from simple colors, pure pastels, and neutrals. Why not embrace it for all that it’s worth? To give it a sophisticated twist, opt for a piece that’s more serious — say, a pair of cropped trousers.
Case in point: NBD x Naven Nina Pant updates the plaid of last season with a bold neon.
Find Perfection in Patterns
Channel your inner adventuress and connect with a look that’s one part influencer, one part runway-ready. The beauty of a snake print, seen here on this New Look Pleated Mini Skirt ($37), is that it’s completely timeless.
A shock of neon yellow bolsters the look and transforms it into an edgier statement piece. Paired with leather ankle boots and a cropped jacket, it’s perfect for your nights out.
More Neon Patterns
Go Toe-first
It’s usually easier to accessorize with neon than it is to wear it from head to toe. That’s simpler than ever if you have an abundance of pieces in your closet that are destined to play well with a pair of striking shoes, like these Steve Madden Erin Dress Sandals.
Wear them with anything that needs a little color pick-me-up: a black dress, a pair of jeans with a white button-down top, or a plain white tee and skirt.