Neon clothing is often associated with the bright, flashy aesthetics of the 1980s and 1990s. But when exactly did neon become popular in fashion? A look into the history and trends of the 80s and 90s reveals that neon had distinct roles in the style of both decades.
The Rise of Neon in the 1980s
Neon colors first came into vogue in fashion in the 1980s. In the early 80s, as workout wear, legwarmers, and leotards became popular style staples, bright neon shades were frequently incorporated into activewear to make bold fashion statements. By the mid 80s, neon began appearing in all types of clothing. The 80s neon trend was characterized by bright hues like hot pink, electric blue, lime green, and yellow.
Neon took off in the 80s in large part due to the rise of pop music groups that popularized flashy, bright looks. Pop stars like Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, and Duran Duran often performed in eye-catching neon clothing and accessories. Their daring styles inspired fans to embrace neon as a symbol of vibrancy and youth culture.
The 1980s was a time of economic prosperity and materialism in the United States. The bright, bold neon look perfectly captured the energy and excitement of the decade. Wearing neon clothing and accessories was a way to celebrate newfound affluence and consumerism.
By the late 80s, neon permeated mainstream fashion. It was common to see people on the street wearing neon jackets, shirts, pants, shoes, and jewelry. Top designers incorporated neon into their collections, cementing it as a staple 80s trend. Some iconic neon looks from the 80s include:
- Neon workout ensembles with legwarmers and leotards
- Neon miniskirts with cropped neon jackets
- Neon pop art printed t-shirts
- Bright neon accessories like belts, jewelry, gloves, and hair scrunchies
The Evolution of Neon in the 1990s
While neon was still popular going into the early 1990s, it evolved to have a different place in 90s style compared to 80s fashion. By the 90s, bright fluorescent neon was seen by many as passe. However, neon lived on in more muted, earthy tones.
Subdued neon shades like mustard yellow, olive green, burnt orange, and brownish reds came into vogue. Duller neons were often used for 90s staples like flannel, overalls, Windbreakers, and buttom-up shirts. These earthy neons had a grunge vibe that better matched the laidback style of the decade.
True bright neon was still used in 90s clothing, but more selectively and ironically. A common 90s look was pairing a single bright neon piece, like a windbreaker, with otherwise neutral relaxed outfits. This gave a subtle kitschy or retro touch to 90s style.
In the 80s, fluorescent neon colors were used liberally all over outfits to make a bold statement. In the 90s, neon evolved into a specialty accent or touch of nostalgia in looks.
| 1980s Neon Style | 1990s Neon Style |
|---|---|
| Bright, saturated hues like hot pink, yellow, green | Muted, earthy tones like olive, mustard, rust |
| Neon all over – shirts, pants, jackets, accessories | Single neon accent piece mixed with neutrals |
| Neon as statement | Neon for subtle nostalgia |
Neon in Present Day Fashion
Like many bold, daring fashion statements, neon has gone in and out of style since its height in the 80s. After falling out of favor in the late 90s, true bright neon had periods of minor resurgence, but remained an offbeat style choice.
However, in 2011 neon experienced a noticeable revival. Electric lime greens and hot pinks once again hit the runways and streets. Since then, neon has maintained a steady place in fashion. It is now viewed as a classic statement style, rather than a quick fad.
Currently, modern streetwear often incorporates bright neon shades. Athleisure wear in particular makes use of neon for an eye-catching look. Neon track jackets, sneakers, and workout gear have become common urban staples.
In high fashion, neon is utilized as a dramatic accent in outfits. Neon bags, shoes, jewelry, and other accessories are used to add flair to chic looks. Neon is predicted to remain on-trend in high fashion and streetwear for the foreseeable future.
Is Neon 80s or 90s?
Based on the history, it’s clear that neon has strong associations with both 80s and 90s style. However, its character was distinct in each decade:
- In the 80s, neon was in its initial heyday and characterized by bright, saturated shades all over outfits.
- In the 90s, neon evolved into more subdued earth tones used as subtle accents in grunge and retro looks.
So while neon maintains an identity with both decades, its most iconic and recognizable form is rooted in the bold, brash aesthetic of the 1980s.
Conclusion
Neon lighting up runways and streets in eye-catching shades creates an energetic style statement. Its lasting popularity across decades speaks to the allure of its brightness and vibrancy. Neon has proven to not just be a quick fad, but a fashion staple re-imagined in fresh ways for new generations. Whether in its full-on fluorescent form of the 80s or muted 90s grunge tones, neon’s bold spirit endures.