May 29, 2021
By Caila Barreiros
Staff Writer
When you hear the word “neon,” what comes to mind? Is it bright, bold or overbearing? Is it best left to a packet of highlighters or should it be the summer’s biggest fashion trend? I think it’s the latter.
At first glance, this wasn’t the fad I would have picked, but after seeing how these colors could be styled, I realized it is very appealing.
Designers have taken note of neons as well. Balenciaga is known for their neon bag selections, mainly the Neo Classic Medium Top Handle Bag. Other designers including Valentino and Jimmy Choo have embraced neons as well. On April 25, Zendaya shocked everyone when she showed up to the Oscars wearing a bright yellow cutout dress custom made by Valentino. The design and color choice were risky but well-executed. The yellow was a very bold color choice, but Zendaya was able to pull off because it complemented her darker skin tone.
That said, there is such a thing as too much neon, which I like to call 80s neons, and that should be avoided.
My favorite way to include neons in an outfit is through accessories. For instance, I have a pair of neon pink heels I take everywhere with me because they are classy and add flare to my appearance.
Though neons have made a comeback, full neon tracksuits are still not—and never will be—in style. Forty years ago, that may have been cool when paired with a neon scrunchie, but it’s way too bright.
Furthermore, if you plan on wearing an outfit that consists of multiple neon items of the same color, make sure they are all the same shade. A perfectly matched outfit isn’t always essential, but when it comes to neons, it’s a must!
Finally, you should also be careful when pairing a neon color with a pattern such as florals or animal prints. That’s because patterns are already loud, so adding neons into the mix is just overpowering. If this is the case, then people don’t know what to look at, and the outfit would just seem obnoxious.
My favorite way to include neons in an outfit is through accessories. For instance, I have a pair of neon pink heels I take everywhere with me because they are classy and add flare to my appearance. Adding one or two neon elements to your outfit can take an otherwise simple look to a totally different level and for sure make you stand out in a crowd. Just make sure you’re standing out in the best possible way by wearing neons with caution and subtlety.
Neons aren’t only for red carpets and celebrities. This year, they’re for all of us. So this summer, go ahead and incorporate that neon. Just be careful not to overdo it.
Throw on some neon heels to add some sophistication to a casual cutoff neon shirt and ripped denim jeans.
PHOTOS FROM CAILA BARREIROS
