Bid adieu to winter and welcome spring with all that’s bright and beautiful, TALIA KAUR writes
I’m sure all of you rugged up in jumpers and boots can’t wait to welcome warmer weather. So what does spring have in store for us? Well, it seems the latest trend is all about fluorescent-hued clothing and accessories, and it’s taking off fast! This season seems to be all about hot pink, citron yellow and bright lime green shades, so if you’re a little colour shy like me, this trend can be quite daunting to master. But don’t worry, I have a few tips for you, whether you’re a little shy of neon, or ready to rock a full-on neon outfit.
Neon accessories
The easiest way to incorporate neon into your wardrobe and to dip your toe into the trend, is by simply adding accessories to instantly brighten up your outfit. Neon scarves, belts, shoes, handbags and jewellery are all simple, inexpensive and subtle ways to pull off the neon look. For spring, why not pair a white dress with some lace details and add a bold pop of colour by styling it with a hot pink skinny belt and/or a matching pair of shoes? A sleek, neutral-coloured clutch makes sure you’re not going overboard with the neon, and finish off with simple gold jewellery to add a feminine touch.
Pair neon with neutrals
Mixing neon and neutral colours together creates a balance between the strong colours, and is a match made in fashion heaven. It’s also the perfect stepping-stone if you feel comfortable enough to start wearing neon clothing. Choosing to wear just one piece of neon clothing with a neutral colour palette allows the bright colour to be the statement piece and the focus of the outfit, creating a bold, yet tame look. You can choose any neon hue you want; for example, take a basic lime green t-shirt and tuck it in cream shorts and matching cream coloured shoes. Throw some sunnies on and you instantly have a casual, yet stylish look for spring. You can also team a pair of neon skinny jeans with a grey top and by adding a small neon necklace to match the jeans, you’ll really be embracing the trend.
Downplay the neon colours
You can also choose to downplay the neon in your outfit. This means that rather than making a bright neon piece stand out by pairing it with neutral tones, instead style it with other bold clothing and accessories. This ensures that the neon piece is just one element of the outfit, and when styled correctly, it can look super trendy and boho-like. This look works particularly well with softer neon colours that aren’t as bright on the eyes. For example, experiment with pairing a pleated neon orange skirt with a printed t-shirt and a denim vest. Finish off with some strappy sandals, feathered earrings and a light floral satchel. All the different elements in this outfit help to balance out the neon and create a casual look – it’s perfect for those who still want to incorporate the trend, but not make it the focus.
Create contrast
Black and neon are total opposites in the colour world, yet still work very well together, when paired. Wearing bright neon with clean-lined black clothing and sleek accessories not only creates a fantastic contrast, but also makes for a daring look that will definitely get you noticed. A neon yellow dress with a black belt will create great contrast. If you feel your neon dress can do without a belt, add a pair of black ankle-cuff heels instead and a simple black shoulder strap bag, to create a polished and elegant look. Finish off with and some black and silver accessories to tie the whole theme in and give the outfit a little edge.
Colour block
Colour blocking has been big the past few seasons, so naturally pairing one neon piece with another is a great way to wear this trend. Just keep the neon pieces solid and bright for maximum effect, and since neon colours are quite bright, it’s best to colour-block a piece of clothing with an accessory instead of two items of clothing, just so you don’t look like a bad ‘90s flashback and over the top. For example, try pairing a neon yellow shirt with cream shorts and a thin neon pink belt. You could also try a white shirt with neon blue jeans and a neon yellow necklace. Finish accessorising with a black and white watch and simple studs for an outfit that incorporates the neon trend with a modern and classic edge.
