Neon colors are bold, bright, and eye-catching. They instantly grab people’s attention. While neon colors are a fun trend, they can be tricky to style. The vibrancy of neon can easily overwhelm an outfit if not balanced properly. But with some simple styling tricks, you can rock neon fashionably. Here are some tips on what to wear with neon colors:
Tops
When wearing a neon colored top or t-shirt, go for solid colored bottoms in dark or neutral shades. This creates balance against the brightness of the neon. Black, gray, navy and denim work well. Avoid mixing multiple neon colors in one outfit as that can look jarring. Stick to one neon statement piece at a time. Patterned bottoms like stripes, polka dots or florals pair nicely with neon tops. The patterns complement the neon without competing.
Some examples of outfit combinations with a neon top:
– Neon pink top + dark wash jeans
– Neon green tee + black skirt
– Neon yellow blouse + navy trousers
Bottoms
For neon bottoms like pants, skirts or shorts, choose neutral colored tops. White, tan, black, gray and nude are ideal. Tuck in a simple solid colored t-shirt or tank. A tucked in black t-shirt looks edgy with neon pants. A fitted neutral bodysuit also suits neon bottoms for a stylish look. Make sure the top is more fitted and not oversized or baggy, as neon pants need a balanced silhouette.
Outfit ideas with neon bottoms:
– Neon orange shorts + white tank top
– Neon yellow skirt + black crop top
– Neon green jeans + gray t-shirt
Dresses
Neon dresses make a major style statement. Since the dress itself is eye-catching, keep the styling minimal. Neutral heels or sandals let the neon dress pop. Avoid clashing prints or loud jewelry. Simple earrings and delicate necklaces work best. For outerwear, layer a neutral trench coat or denim jacket over a neon dress. Black, tan, white and blue jackets complement bright neon dresses.
Some ways to wear a neon dress:
– Neon pink mini dress + nude heels
– Neon orange midi dress + black sandals
– Neon green shift dress + tan wedges
Shoes
Make your footwear pop with neon shoes. Sneakers, flats and heels all look fun and funky in neon shades. Pair them with neutral basics like jeans, khakis, a black dress or white tee. Avoid matching your neon shoes to another neon piece of clothing. Neon shoes add statement appeal to otherwise simple outfits.
Neon shoe outfit ideas:
– Neon yellow sneakers + blue jeans + white tee
– Neon pink flats + black trousers + gray sweater
– Neon green heels + tan dress
Accessories
Small neon accents like bags, jewelry and scarves liven up outfits. A neon handbag adds a cheerful touch to a casual daytime look. Statement neon jewelry livens up a neutral outfit. Try neon earrings or a cuff bracelet in a bright shade. Neon scarves can be worn around the neck or in the hair for a fun pop of color.
Ways to incorporate neon accessories:
– Neon orange crossbody bag + jeans and white shirt
– Neon pink statement necklace + little black dress
– Neon green scarf + tan trench coat
Mixing and Matching Neon
While you don’t want to overdo it on the neon, you can mix and match different neon shades in moderation. Pairing complementary neon colors like pink and green or orange and yellow can work. Just make sure to balance the neon hues with plenty of neutrals. White, black, navy and tan help soften bright neon pairings.
Some examples of mixing neon colors:
– Neon pink skirt + neon green top + tan wedges
– Neon orange shorts + neon yellow tee + white sneakers
Here are some additional tips for wearing neon colors stylishly:
| Tip | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Pick neon shades that suit your skin tone | Certain neon colors like pinks and corals work best on warm, yellow undertones. Cooler blues and greens flatter those with pink undertones. |
| Use neon as an accent | A little neon goes a long way. Use it strategically as a statement accessory or shirt instead of head to toe. |
| Stick to solids | Neon prints can overwhelm easily. Solid neon blocks of color make more impact. |
| Add texture | Pairing neon with lace, leather or nylon creates visual interest. |
| Be wary of cheap fabrics | Low quality synthetics don’t capture the true vibrancy of neon. Splurge on neon pieces made of silk, wool blends, or high quality knits. |
Neon Color Combinations
Certain neon shades complement each other better than others. Some pairings to try:
| Neon Color 1 | Neon Color 2 |
|---|---|
| Hot pink | Lime green |
| Coral | Turquoise |
| Yellow | Purple |
| Orange | Blue |
When mixing different neon hues, incorporate neutral separates like white, tan, gray or black between them. This helps transition the eye between the bright colors.
Neon Outfits for Common Events
Neon colors allow you to stand out for special occasions. Here are neon outfit ideas for different events:
| Event | Neon Outfit Suggestion |
|---|---|
| Cocktail party | Neon orange shift dress + gold heels |
| Casual summer wedding | Neon pink skirt + white top + pink sandals |
| Music festival | Neon yellow bralette + high waisted black shorts |
| Nightclub | Neon green mini dress + black booties |
| Day at the races | Neon coral sheath dress + nude wedges |
| Beach vacation | Neon bikini + translucent neon kaftan |
Have fun and experiment mixing neon into your wardrobe. The right styling will let you rock these playful, vibrant shades in a fashionable way.
Conclusion
Neon colors make a bold fashion statement, but can be challenging to wear. Stick to one neon piece at a time and balance it with neutral solids. Avoid neon color clashes and overload. Choose neon shades that complement your skin tone. Use neon strategically as pops of color in accessories or statement separates rather than head to toe. Mix neon with textures and high quality fabrics to get the full vibrant effect. With proper styling techniques, you can pull off neon trends in a stylish, confident way.
