College Fashion Trend: Neon T-Shirts
Whenever I think of neon colors, I immediately think of one of my favorite childhood toys: Lite-Bright. Remember plugging those colored pegs into the board to make luminous artwork to show your parents? Those were the days!
Now that we have grown up a bit, marketers have found another way to bring neon into our lives- neon t-shirts. Although I loved my Lite-Bright when I was little, I’ve had a hard time creating a stylish relationship with neon and breaking away from a wardrobe full of subtle and neutral colors. However, I think observing or embracing neon colors will help me broaden my perspective!
Neon t-shirts are available from a wide variety of stores and vary in neckline and color. I’ve noticed wide neck, v-neck, and crew neck versions all over campus lately…check out my examples below!
Examples:
Left-to-Right: Neon Pink T- Shopbop, Neon V Neck- Urban Outfitters, Crew Neck T- American Apparel
How to Wear the Neon Trend:
This is where I get a little stuck, as I’m sure some of you do, too. How can I wear a neon t-shirt without looking like a walking highlighter? After doing some observing and researching, here are my top tips.
First, you should definitely check out the CF post on How to Find Your Perfect Colors. Start by finding a bright hue that works well with your skin tone, and go from there.
Let neon be the focal point. Stick with a neon t-shirt as your one bright statement. Use the rest of your outfit to display those neutral pieces you love.
Check out this article by Glamour for some neon wearing tips and inspirational photography! It’s a great guide to get you started.
Example Ensembles:
Now that you’ve been briefed on how to wear the trend, its time to dig through the closet and put together some cute outfits! Here are some examples I came up with.
Product Information: Neon Orange/Red T- TopShop, Faux Leather Skirt- Forever 21, Studded Blazer- Arden B, Shiny Black Pump- Endless.com, Bag- eBags
Product Information: Jeans- Citizens of Humanity at ShopBop, Pink Neon T- Forever 21, Cardigan- TopShop, Necklace- Newlook.co.uk, Bag- Piperlime
Here are two more examples from NET-A-PORTER. They make up sample outfits for all of their clothing, so it can be a great place to get designer-based inspiration!
Your Thoughts?
What do you guys think of the neon trend? Is it something you’d attempt or are muted colors more your style? Tell us what you think by leaving a comment.
Posted on on September 23, 2009 / Filed Under: Trends / Tags: 1980s, Fall 2009, Neon, T-Shirts, Tees, Trends
Like this post?
Before you post a comment, please read the 
Ashley
I love the neon trend! But, the first outfit is a little much. A neon shirt, with a studded blazer WITH a leather skirt plus a striped purse? There’s too much going on. Come on! You can do SO much better. However, I LOVE the second outfit.
Saf
I love this trend! Though I haven’t tried it myself, I would absolutely LOVE to buy a neo tee…I have inspiration for this weekend’s shopping trip now..thank you!
Btw, I absolutely agree with Ashley – in the first outfit I think there’s too much going on…maybe replace the stripy bag?
Chelsey
I love the 2nd outfit! I’m a huge fan of neutrals, so this is a great way to incorporate color without looking ‘young’
Linda
Forever 21 has some neon tees on sale for $4.99
http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog_name=FOREVER21&category_name=sale&product_id=2058889284&Page=1
la petite fashionista
LOVE neon v-necks. i think they’re definitel do-able with some neutrals. I personally love the first outfit; that studded blazer is awesome and the ensemble looks very parisian!
Luinae
I love the second outfit, but the first one is a bit too trendy for me!
Nicole
Where are those brown boots from? I’ve been looking for a pair just like them.
Caity
Ooh I love this trend, can’t wait to try it out!
Ariel
I don’t think I can pull this off. I really like it on some girls, but I would have to say that I really love my neutrals (grey, black, white, tan, brown, navy blue, etc.). I know I sound so boring, but this is one trend that makes me fearful of looking trashy and cheap.
sarah
I second Nicole…where are those brown boots from?
Jess
I love this trend. I really like the second outfit.
sharon
Sorry to go off-topic, but please do tell us where those boots in the 2nd outfit are from!
Kristina - University of Arizona
Dear Readers- I’m SOOO sorry I forgot to include product information for the boots in the 2nd outfit. They are from http://www.shopruche.com for $45!! Amazing!
Kristina - University of Arizona
Hey Again: I just checked ShopRuche and there are only a few sizes left of that riding boot; however, I did some research and here are some very similar styles:
1) Madden Girl Buckle riding boot in Tan (victoriassecret.com)
2) Ramona Riding Boot (Delia’s)
3) Chinese Laundry Women’s Park Riding Boot (endless.com)