Raise your hands if you got so excited by neon that you ended up buying a little too many electric hued garments. Don’t worry, you’re not the only one. When the fashion world falls in love with a trend, they end up bombarding us with it until the next season arrives. Remember how you used to love Prada’s stripes from Spring 2011? Remember how you didn’t love them as much once they had been photographed a zillion times? That’s kind of what happened with neon. But before you press the panic button and throw all your neon pieces away (only Anna dello Russo could throw clothes away, and she doesn’t—she collects them!) or store it until the summer sun gets to shine again, there’s always a seasonal solution.
Neon was one of the strongest trends last spring, along with florals and pastel shades. From blazers and skirts to statement necklaces and heels, florescent colors dominated the season. Maybe that’s why every time we open our closets, we feel like we’ve been blinded by bright neon lights.
That hot pink satchel won’t have to wait until spring to be worn again, that Acne sweater that’s tired of being worn can easily be adapted to fall and even those platform sandals can have a wintery future. All you need is a little creativity and an open mind! Here are ideas on how to inject neon in that cold weather wardrobe of yours…of course, without looking like you are a season too late!
With Knits
→ As seen at: Kenzo Spring 2013
Forget about neon color-blocking, forget about neon with black (a little 80’s, if you ask us). This season, neon has taken the “matchy matchy” route. Now, we don’t want you looking like a giant popsicle. It’s all about blending some colorful bottoms with one of this season’s strongest trends: graphic knitwear. The trick? Choosing a jumper with a fun and interesting pattern but on color similar to the trousers. It’s an original and eye-catching idea that will also cheer up your mood on a grey, cold, rainy and gloomy day. It’s bright, it’s comfortable, it’s warm and it’s dressy. It doesn’t get better than that!
The selection:
1. Pink pants, Preen
Rose jumper, Romwe
2. Cropped jumper, Stella McCartney
Blue pants, Mango
3. Structured shorts, Harvey Nichols
Leaf sweater, Preen
You Can Still Wear Neon Jewelry
→ As seen at: Paris Fashion Week Spring 2013 street style
It may not be new and yes, it has been done. But also, you can’t deny how good it looks. The statement necklace over a printed blouse is a perfect way to change up an outfit and give the top a different twist: from “casual office day” to “happy hour ready” in seconds. Don’t stash away that neon, chunky necklace from Zara just yet. Don’t throw that chiffon, floral blouse inside your “open until Spring” drawer. Pair them up with a fluffy cashmere jumper and throw your favorite coat over. Want a challenge? Layer the necklace over a print and then, over another print. Fall and Winter don’t have to be all dark and somber!
The selection:
1. Leopard blouse, Malene Birger
Necklace, New Look
2. Baroque blouse, Stella McCartney
Necklace, Sass & Bide
3. Scarf print blouse, Versace
Necklace, Topshop
4. Leaf print blouse, Aminaka Wilmont
Necklace, Sheinside
With Neutrals:
→ As seen at: Roksanda Ilincic
Neons are strong colors, bound to get some heads turning your way. But when feeling not so flashy, a bunch or neutrals is all we need. When pairing neutral colors together, the result is always chic and somewhat ethereal. But a killer look is not a killer look without a fun twist and a pop of color always does the trick. Pick your flashy garment, we like pink, but yellow also looks surprisingly good with neutrals. For the rest, you can go monochromatic or color-block with shades like tan, peach, blush, cream or white. The more layering you do, the cooler it will look.
The selection:
1. Trench coat, Sheinside
2. Silk shirt, Equipment
3. Pink jumper, J. Crew
4. Ankle boots, Acne
5. Jeans, Rag & Bone
The Flashy Coat
→ As seen on: Viviana Volpicella PFW Spring 2013
Over the years, Winter coats have suffered all kinds of transformations: prints, ruffles, pastel colors, lace, jacquard and more. After a neon-crazy Spring, designers just couldn’t close the door on the brights. That’s why the gave us the neon coat. What better way to pump up your look than with flashy and colorful outerwear (even more when you know your fabulous look is kept under wraps because of the cold). Whether you go for a wool and boxy coat, the classic, two-button alternative or a hot pink parka, don’t miss out on this colorful Winter.
The selection:
1. Blue coat, Stella McCartney
2. Pink coat, Balenciaga
3. Yellow coat, MSGM
Accents
Accessories are always a constant and that neon clutch has definitely become a staple inside every woman’s wardrobe. The hot pink satchel? A great way to color a casual ensemble. The electric jewelry? We just can’t live without it and can’t stop wearing it. The tip? When you want to add a touch of edge or a pinch of happiness to your looks, think neon (pastel will also do the trick).
The selection:
1. Clutch, Acne
2. High-tops, Asos
3. Bracelet, Dannijo
4. Satchel, Modcloth
5. Earrings, Shourouk
6. Boots, Casadei
Trends are mere options that designers offer to us each season. It’s not about following, it’s about taking what you like and making it your own. It’s about being able to mix past trends with current ones, the old with the new, the colorful with the mute. But above all, it’s about having fun with it. Winter-up your neons!
Image sources:
Net-a-porter.com
ASOS
Style
Topshop
Polyvore
