How to Wear the New Neon

By Suzanne Singer
August 12, 2011

Let’s face it, neon as a fashion trend is nothing new. Fluorescent colors pretty much ruled street style in the ‘80s and since then, they rear their blindingly bright heads every so often (we've even covered the neon fashion trend before), yet always in a new incarnation. This summer, neon is back again (did it ever go away?) but this time, it’s all about a more muted, toned neon, seen in unexpected feminine shapes and fabrics.

Christopher Kane, Miu Miu, Cacharel

Designers showed muted tones of neon for Spring 2011: Christopher Kane (photo by Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images), Cacharel Spring 2011 (photo by Nathalie Lagneau/Catwalking/Getty Images), Miu Miu (photo by Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images)

At Cacharel, a sheer pale neon pink mini shirtdress was paired with a more vivid neon pink flat clutch. At Miu Miu, fashion designer Muccia Prada showed a long-sleeved pale neon yellow and white color-blocked pleated satin dress with a huge black star. And Christopher Kane, also playing with pleats, created a girlish, ¾-length sleeve, sheer pleated-front dress in pale neon orange styled with orange accessories.

If you are up for the challenge of wearing neon this summer, keep these guidelines in mind.

Rule #1: Sheer fabrics, such as lace, chiffons, etc. are a great way to try neon, especially if you are still trying to get used to the high-voltage addition to your wardrobe. That way, you still get the color but in a less saturated, in-your-face way. Just be sure that you wear the proper underpinnings in either a nude to tone down the color or a matching bright shade to amp it up.

Rule #2: When deciding what to wear with your neon, your best bet is to pair with neutral colors like greys, taupes and tans. The muted colors will look even more fresh and new and act as a great jumping off point to emphasize the neon brights.

Rule #3: Dip your toe into the fashion trend by trying neon accessories like jewelry, shoes or bags. They’ll look great against your tan.

Add pop to your wardrobe with these high voltage pieces.

New Neon Crop Summer Top

(buy it now price, $23)

A great casual top in a fun, boxy, cropped style. It's perfect for the weekend paried with denim cutoffs and flat, neutral-colored sandals.
New Neon Yellow Pleated Tank Top

(buy it now price, $24.99)

A dressier sheer tank that can take you from summer to fall—in summer, with a floaty skirt, and as the weather cools, as a cami that can be worn under a suit or blouse to add a pop of color.
Neon Tunic Tank

(starting bid, $44.99)

This oversized neon tank would look cool over a swimsuit.
New Neon Bikini

(buy it now price, $49.50)

This crazy bright shade flatters a tan.
Neon Pink Lace Chemise Slip

(starting bid, $15.99)

A chic lace slip in this sultry shade is a scare.
New Neon Patent Leather Ballet Flats

(buy it now price, $799)

A great way to dip your toes in the neon trend, literally.
New Neon Sequin Mesh Slip Dress

(buy it now price, $38)

Layer a mesh dress like this one underneath a neutral sheer style to let the color pop through.
Neon Yellow Diamante Star Stud Earrings

(buy it now price, $8.04)

Stars shapes plus neon equals two major trends in one.
New Neon Pink One-Shoulder Taffeta Dress

(buy it now price, $97.50)

Pair this dress with nude heels and wear it any time of year.
New Neon Orange Sheath Dress

A neon orange sheath dress is great for a summer wedding. Don’t forget a statement necklace and strappy heels in a nude or muted metallic.
Neon Pink Clutch

(buy it now price, $299)

A clutch purse is a good introduction to the neon trend. The hardware and zippers on this one keep it cool and edgy.
New Neon Lucite Heeled Sandal

(buy it now price, $236)

Leave it to Costume National to design a grey strappy leather shoe with a neon yellow lucite heel to up the cool factor.
New Fair Trade Friendship Bracelet

(buy it now price, $3.99)

The summer camp favorite is having a fashion moment.
New Neon and Peach Bandeau Top

(buy it now price, $17.99)

Layer this top underneath a v-neck sweater and let the lace peek out.
New Three Row Neon Green Link Necklace

(buy it now price, $126.45)

A chain link neon necklace like this three row version will give new life to a white tee.
New Python and Neon Patent Leather Heel

(buy it now price, $649)

The python on this heeled sandal acts as a neutral that stands out against the splash of neon yellow.
Neon Pink Silk Skirt

(buy it now price, $151.20)

A neon skirt in a cut like this is not only simple but also office appropriate.
New Neon Aussie Opal

(buy it now price, $4,495)

Definitely a splurge item, this opal is gorgeous and one-of-a-kind.