• Style Guides
    • All Style Guides & Tips
    • Boho Style Essentials
    • Classic Style Essentials
    • Edgy Style Essentials
    • College Wardrobe Essentials
  • College
    • All College Articles
    • Dorm Bedding 2020
    • College School Supplies Checklist
    • Dorm Color Scheme Guide
    • Dorm Organization Tips
  • Outfit Ideas
    • All Outfit Inspo
    • College Outfits
    • 21st Birthday Outfits
    • Cold Weather Outfits
  • Sorority
    • All Things Sorority
    • Sorority Rush Essentials
    • Sorority Rush Outfits
  • Shopping
    • All Shopping Guides
    • Best Budget Fashion Stores
    • Where to Buy Sweaters
    • Best Online Thrift Stores
    • Timeless Jewelry Guide
  • Beauty
    • All Things Beauty
    • Makeup Essentials Guide
  • Valentine’s
    • All Valentine’s Posts
    • Valentine’s Day Gifts 2021
    • Valentines Gifts for Boyfriend
    • Valentine’s Day Gifts for Girlfriend
    • Cute Valentines Outfits
    • Galentine’s Day 2021
College Fashion
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Write for us

How to Wear Neon

Last Updated on January 31, 2019 by Ashley - Flagler College
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you purchase through our links. Please read our full disclosure here.
NanetteLeporeNeon1

Bold neon looks at Nanette Lepore Spring 2012 RTW | ELLE

NanetteLeporeNeon2
NanetteLeporeNeon3

Neon is a perpetual fashion favorite for summer, but this year, fluorescent-hued clothes and accessories are bigger and brighter than ever.

Hot pink, citron yellow and lime green shades seem to be everywhere this season, but if you’re a little color shy, this trend could be an intimidating one to take on full force. That’s why we’re here to help you tackle this trend – whether you want to start small or are ready to rock a full-on neon ensemble, we’ve got you covered. Simply scroll on down to check out five stylish ways to wear neon this summer:

1. Add Neon Accessories

Neon outfit 1

Product Info: Bag- Piperlime, Dress- Forever 21, Belt- Lilly Pulitzer, Shoes- Piperlime, Earrings- Stella & Dot

As with most other trends, the easiest way to incorporate neon into your wardrobe is through accessories. Neon scarves, belts, shoes, handbags and jewelry are all simple and inexpensive ways to add a punch of color to any outfit.

For this look, start with a summer-appropriate LWD then add a bold pop of color by styling it with a hot pink skinny belt and a matching pair of pumps. A sleek tan clutch mimics the neutral color found on the shoes, while the delicate earrings add a feminine touch.

2. Wear it with Neutrals

Neon outfit 2

Product Info: Sunglasses- Topshop, Top- Delia’s, Necklace- Piperlime, Sandals- ASOS, Shorts- Dorothy Perkins, Ring- Nasty Gal

Pairing neon with neutrals is not only a match made in fashion heaven, but also the perfect stepping stone if you’re ready to move beyond neon accessories. Choosing to wear just one piece of neon clothing with a neutral color palette allows the bright color to be the true focus of the outfit, creating a bold, yet still relatively tame look.

Obviously, you can choose any neon hue you want, but for this look we went with a basic lime green t-shirt. Pair the top with simple white cuffed shorts and add a pair of embellished sandals. Accessorize with a glitzy skull necklace, gold wraparound ring and retro-inspired sunglasses for a casual and stylish look for summer.

3. Downplay it

Neon outfit 3

Product Info: Top- H&M, Vest- Debenhams, Earrings- Swell, Skirt- Urban Outfitters, Shoes- Endless, Bag- Macy’s

You can also choose to downplay the neon in your look, meaning that rather than highlighting a bright neon piece with neutrals, you instead style it with other bold clothing and accessories. This makes the neon just one small element of the outfit, and when done right, can look super-trendy, but not at all over-the-top.

For example, try pairing a pleated neon orange skirt with a gorgeous printed tank top. Add a distressed denim vest and a pair of tan lace-up wedges. Accessorize with feathered earrings and a light blue, floral print bag. The colors found on the tank help to pull together all of the other elements, which creates a harmonious and not clashing look.

4. Create Contrast

Neon outfit 4

Product Info: Dress- LuLu’s, Shoes- Zara, Bag- Mango, Spiked Bracelet- Forever 21, Rhinestone Bracelet- Forever 21

Black and neon are total opposites in the color world, but they work so well when paired together. Wearing bright neon with sleek black clothing and accessories not only creates fantastic contrast, but also makes for a daring look that’s sure to get you noticed.

The halter-neck dress above already has a bold black stripe down the back, which creates a great contrast against the highlighter yellow fabric. A pair of black ankle-cuff pumps and a matching chain-strap bag give this look a polished vibe, while several black and silver bracelets add some edge.

5. Colorblock

Neon outfit 5

Product Info: Blouse- Nasty Gal, Bag- DSW, Earrings- Forever 21, Shorts- Forever 21, Shoes- TOMS, Watch- ASOS

Colorblocking has been big for a few seasons now, so naturally pairing one neon piece with another is a great way to wear this trend. Just keep the neon pieces solid-colored and brightly hued for a bold, yet chic look.

For the final look, start by pairing a citron yellow blouse with a pair of neon blue shorts. A hot pink-trimmed handbag not only picks up on the color of the belt that comes with the shorts, but also makes these neutral-colored TOMS the perfect addition to the outfit. Accessorize with a black-and-white printed watch and simple stud earrings for a look that incorporates modern and classic elements.

Your thoughts?

Would you wear neon? What do you think of this trend? Would you wear any of these outfits? Which one is your favorite? How would you wear neon? As always, remember to leave a comment below and tell us what you think!

Tags : Colors, How To, Neon, Outfit Ideas

15 Comments
Originally published on June 3, 2012
Previous Class to Night Out: Peter Pan Collar Dress
Next DIY Chic: Distressed Denim Shorts

Related Posts

Style Challenge: Sneakers for a Week

4 Fun Fall Activities We Love (& What to Wear)...

Easy outfit formulas oversized cardigan + leggings

Easy Outfit Formulas: Oversized Cardigan + Leggings...

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sara says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:13 pm

    I love the first shoes!

    Reply
  2. Demmy says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:13 pm

    Great post! Love the fourth outfit! xoxo Demmy

    Reply
  3. Alyssa Nicole says

    April 15, 2019 at 11:17 am

    All of these ideas are great! Especially “downplay”!

    Reply
  4. Tiffany says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:13 pm

    It’s lovely but I’m not so convinced that neon yellow and black go together.

    Reply
  5. Emma says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:13 pm

    My favorite neons this season are less neon than they are simply beautiful, clear brights. I’ve never been a fan of highlighter colors, but bright bubblegum, coral, aqua, blue, and true yellow (not flourescent) are all looking great to me right now.

    Reply
  6. Tara says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:12 pm

    On the whole, I’m not in love with the neon trend… having said that I think it can look fabulous when used sparingly such as a neon belt or neon details on a bag…

    Reply
  7. Veronica says

    April 15, 2019 at 11:17 am

    Wow I would probably wear every one of these, maybe with a few alterations to suit my personal style. Great job! 🙂

    Reply
  8. Bruna says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:12 pm

    I love this site! Great post, so many ideas!

    Reply
  9. Phil says

    April 15, 2019 at 11:17 am

    Tried this with some hair accesories and really liked it, good article 😀

    Reply
  10. Amy says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:12 pm

    The neon trend is defiantly one of my favorite trends this summer. Although you can wear it in many different ways as seen above, I think the easiest way to pull off neon clothing or accessories is by making the neon shirt or purse or any item the statement piece and let everything else be a neutral color. Yet even though the easiest way to pull off neon is by pairing it with neutral pieces, I love color-blocking and think that its defiantly a great summer look. It’s just a great way to stand out and have fun this summer!

    Reply
  11. Sicily says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:12 pm

    I’ve always thought that neon was kind of tacky, so I shied away from it. But thanks to CF, I learned how to pull it off. I especially like the combination of beige and neon yellow. I’m going to be sporting a yellow, sheer button up that I found in my mom’s closet 😀

    (I also read an article here that suggested going through your parent’s closet. I can honestly say that I found cute, vintage pieces. Thanks again!)

    Reply
  12. http://marilynmonwoah.tumblr.c says

    April 15, 2019 at 11:17 am

    I like the whole neutral w/ neon look. My favorite color combo is neon baby pink and beige/ white 🙂

    Reply
  13. C says

    April 15, 2019 at 11:17 am

    I think neon is great, I’m just trying to figure out how to incorporate it into my wardrobe. Great post!

    Reply
  14. Rose says

    April 15, 2019 at 11:17 am

    Great post Ashley!!

    Reply
  15. Gracie says

    April 15, 2019 at 11:17 am

    The skull necklace in outfit 2 looks amazingggg lol
    Great post and nice outfits! 🙂

    Reply

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

  • facebook
  • twitter
  • instagram
  • pinterest
  • bloglovin

SEARCH CF

Get the latest CF updates! (Delivered weekly, no spam ever, unsubscribe anytime.)

Best of 2020: Fashion, Beauty, College Essentials, and More!

All of my favorites from an unforgettable year, to say the least.

Here Are the Best Valentines Gifts for Boyfriend in 2021 (Unique & Thoughtful)

Need the perfect gift for your boyfriend? Here are some great gift ideas he definitely doesn’t have yet.

Vintage Posts

Copyright © 2007-2021 College Fashion LLC | Contact • Privacy Policy • Terms of Service • Disclosure • Write for Us