When I was six, my best friend and I used to fight over who would get to use our Crayola fluro-colour pencils first. And when it came to sharing these ‘one-of-a-kind artistic delights’ with our friends, I reminisce as to how horrible we were that we wouldn’t even consider sharing our stash!

That was 1996.

Fast forward 16 years.

My best friend and I are still best friends, but we are no longer fighting over our neon pencils. Instead, she’s regularly coming over to my house to borrow my clothing, as she adds a bit of pop colour to her outfits – (it goes without saying that she’s very lucky her best friend is a stylist!)

Now, I know not everyone is a massive fan of the neon trend, but, with Spring just around the corner, it’s time to get out of your dull grey sweaters and heavy black knits. Instead, replace them with fluorescent party dresses, coloured jeans and bright blazers.

(Photo from www.celebstyle.com)

I understand that wearing fluro colours can be a bit daunting, but if you follow my 3-step Neon Trend Guide, you’ll be rocking the fluro – less 80’s/90’s and more classy edge – in no time at all!

1. Take baby steps: The neon trend is about contemporising the look of the past and bringing it forward to suit your own individual style.

DON’T go head-to-toe neon at first
DON’T choose bright clothing AND bright accessories AND bright makeup
DON’T choose a neon colour that will either drown out your skin tone or overpower your complexion

DO paint your nails a neon hue to start off small
DO add a neon shoe or clutch purse as a subtle embodiment of the trend
DO wear bright necklaces, bangles or earrings to give some fluro sparkle to your LBD ensemble

2. Try colour blocking separates: Wearing neon is a bold statement but if you pick one piece to wear, you can work it!

DON’T colour block two opposing neon separates
DON’T wear neon with too much detailing – it can get a bit much!
DON’T be afraid to try something new

DO pair neon with neutral colourings or black
DO try a fluro blouse with basic trousers or a basic skirt
DO wear a statement fluro piece – like a bright pink blazer – to pull together an outfit

3. Be bold and be brave! When you think you’ve mastered the neon trend, go ahead and take a few risks!

DO wear a full length, bright, colourful dress to that Summer sunset party
DO donne a neon suit – but make sure to tone it down with your accessories, hair and makeup
DO be confident and full of charisma – if you’re going to rock the trend, you’ve got to have the personality that goes with it!

(Photo from paperblog.com)

So, get ready to start the Spring/Summer season with a pop of intense neon colour – with as little or as much fluro added to your new season ensemble, as you like.

And for those of you who encounter others who just don’t ‘get’ the neon trend, don’t be afraid to do what I do: whip out your electric yellow post-it pad, grab your bright pink marker, write “Rock On in Neon”, and then, tell them to stick it!

(Feature image from dailydoseoflies.com)

Share This

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

About the author

Bec Glaser
Bec's two ultimate loves are fashion journalism and styling. Having completed internships with many Australian online and print publications, worked in-studio with prominent Australian fashion designers and contributed to many fashion blogs, she has most recently returned to Sydney from a 3-month editorial internship at V and VMAN Magazine in New York. She is currently completing her final honours year towards a Bachelor of Design in Fashion and Textile Design at UTS in Sydney, freelances as a fashion stylist and writer and, one day hopes to relocate to New York, to live her fashion dream.

Related Posts

STYLE: Monday Accessories

Monday blues? Shop these gorgeous accessories online right now...         melbgirl x   * Feature photo from theversastyle.com  

FASHION: SJP and Manolo Debut Shoe Line (Finally!)

Let's be honest, it was only ever going to be a matter of time, but it still has taken a lot longer than what most of us would've expected, or at least hoped for! That's right, Sarah Jessica Parker is finally releasing her own shoe...

STYLE: GMS Silver

We're loving Melbourne based label GMS Silver! Launched in 2006 and based out of Malvern, GMS Silver is headed up by mother and daughter duo, Gen and Emma. The label was born while the girls were travelling overseas,...

2 Comments for STYLE: The Neon Trend