Suddenly Everywhere: High Voltage Neon

Spring has just sprung, but we’ve already succumbed to a healthy case of summer fever. What to do until we're beach bound? Script our summer travels (Maui? Cassis? Capri?) then plan our seaside wardrobe, naturally.

One trend we’ve quickly warmed up to is splashes of neon, from sunglasses to nail polish, to rev things up. But this isn’t the mega-watt new wave look of the 80’s. “This time around, it should be worn in a softer way,” says Andrea Linett, creative director of Lucky magazine.  “We like small touches mixed with light neutrals.”  She suggests a shocking yellow (or pink or orange...) tank peeking out from under a soft heather gray scoopneck tee and paired with light gray jeans or a skirt. “Little neon bracelets or a bright bag can punch up an outfit without making you feel like you’ve gone overboard,” she says.

Lighthearted pops of neon sprouted in spring’s collections, from Marc Jacobs’ hot pink resin bangles to Kate Spade’s kicky beach totes.

But for summer, the neon current gets stronger in the high voltage swimsuits of Australian line Zimmerman and cover-ups and carryalls from Milly. You won’t be without choices for beachwear splashes in neon prints, patterns and accents. Or, if you just want to go for a touch of pop, Day-Glo digits or punchy sunglasses deliver attitude without anxiety about overdoing it.

1. These pumps may be from last year's collection, but they look more current than ever.  New Louboutin Shoes (buy it now price, $520)

2. Pair with white jeans or shorts. With a tank underneath, you can wear this in the city. Milly Hawaiian Print Cover Up ($310)

3. The racing stripe is a subtle and sporty detail. New Marc by Marc Jacobs Tote (buy it now price, $54.50)

4. Made for a beach volleyball game. Oakley Correspondent for Women  ($130)

5. We dipped back to our preppy Palm Beach past, with an eBay search for Lilly Pulitzer sunwear. The almost-7,500 results are filled with brights and psychedelic prints that spell summer. The hot pink on this maxi dress is toned down with a scrolling, navy print. New Lilly Pulitzer True Nacy Floral Silk Maxi Dress (starting bid, $129.99)

6. A tapestry-like print in the season's popular drawstring shape. Milly Kapalua Drawstring Beach Bag ($315)

7. Metallic accents lend a dose of sophistication to this otherwise-sporty hobo.LeSportSac Hobo Bag (buy it now price, $39.99)

8. The tough hardware balances out the girly pink. New CC Skye Double Neon Pink Leather & Silver Screw Bracelet (buy it now price, $150)

9. At this price, you won’t cringe if these classic wayfarer style sunglasses are knocked off by a wave. New Wayfarer Sunglasses  (buy it now price, $6.88)

10. An easy way to add some high-wattage color. DKNY Neon Jelly Watches

11. The neon pink is a practically an afterthought, albeit a critical one, in this sophisticated swimsuit. Zimmerman Gitana Bandeau One Piece

12. This sunny shade is perfect for beachside toes. Rescue Beauty Lounge Yellow Fever Nail Color

13. No one will be cuter than you in this adorable, hot pink Bill Blass bandage swimsuit. Vintage Bill Bass Bandage Swimsuit/Neon/Avant Garde (winning bid, $3.75)

14. Wear-everywhere Havaianas flip-flops are available in new neon shades. New Havaianas Fun Neon Colors Flip Flops (buy it now price, $19.80)

15. The pink lining paired with the green shorts keeps this classically preppy. New Lilly Pulitzer Shorts (winning bid, $34.99)

Amy Flurry is a freelance writer and style editor whose work has been featured in Lucky, Refinery 29, InStyle, Conde Nast Traveler, O @ Home, Four Seasons magazine, House Beautiful, Country Living, and The Atlantan.