Neon, and How to Wear It

(via Pinterest)

My color-loving friend Janet emailed me this question:

"Neon is so in right now and I love it. Here's the catch... I don't always know what to do with it. So any fashion tips or suggestions would be welcomed... I bought a bright neon pink button down and that's the item in particular that's tripping me up."

Contrary to popular belief, neon is not just for crimp-haired teenyboppers wearing splatter-painted jeans. There are ways to make it chic! Since neon is so bright, a good rule of thumb is to match it up with pieces that will neutralize it:

• Pair neon with colors like: camel (preppy), nude & blush (sweet), white (preppy & beachy), navy (classic & preppy), olive green (bohemian & edgy), and grays (chic or edgy).
• Black can also work with neon, but avoid wearing brights with mostly black pieces and accessories if you're not going for the black-lit 80's roller-rink look.
• If you're feeling brave & colorful, try neon pieces with monochromatic or opposite-colored pastels. For example, wear neon pink with lavender, or citron with mint green. Conversely, try a pastel pink with citron or mint green matched with orchid purple. (This may not work with all pieces, but it's worth a try. Keep it tasteful!)
• Simple patterns act as another neutralizer for neon. Basic stripes or dots in neutral colors -- black & white, gray & white, camel & white, etc. -- can work well. An olive green camo print is also a fun option, if paired with a classy shoe and simple, classic accessories. 
• Pair neon with textures. Things like lace or knits can create a good foil for bright colors, since the interest of the texture balances the color out.

Regarding Janet's neon pink shirt -- here are some ideas, based on the list above!


Do you have a favorite way to wear neon? Currently, I'm loving matching a highlighter yellow shirt with my olive green zipper-pocket pants. Take that, gray days!