Disco nights and fluorescent brights — the 80s may be long gone, but this summer, designers everywhere are channeling the electric feel of the “Decade of Excess.” From the insanely eye-popping hues at Prada to the explosion of color at Jil Sander Spring/Summer 2011, rest assured, an abundance of neon isn’t just for ravers and club kids anymore. And we can’t get enough!
To pull off the all-bright-everything fashion trend this season, opt for lightweight, breezy day-glow dresses that can be tossed over a bikini and paired with minimal jewelry and simple flats (ideal for a day at the beach with your girlfriends or a poolside hotel brunch with the parents). For the more daring, add some flash and turn up the heat for a neon night on the town: try an electric body-con dress offset with a pair of neutral, sky-high platform pumps to give you that straight-off-the-runway color-splashed look. If anything, the doorman at Roxbury will have no trouble spotting you amongst the sea of other girls waiting to get into the club!
Maybe the whole head-to-toe neon ensemble isn’t your thing? If you’re seeking a more subdued summertime guise, start by adding a small shock of color to your wardrobe with ONE vibrant piece: a bold graphic tee, dyed denim cut-offs, or a bright multi-colored wristlet, whatever you’re comfortable with. Then simply build the rest of your outfit around that piece, utilizing soft subtle tones to moderate your glow.
Here are our top picks for a neon-infused summer. You may want to grab your shades…it’s about to get bright in here!
1. Senso Neve Electric Blue Booties, $209.95; 2. Wildfox California Girl Cut Off Tee, $68.00; 3. Mara Hoffman Embroidered Dashiki Cover Up, $308.00; 4. American Apparel 3-Pack Nail Polish, $15.00; 5. Free People Canvas Cut Off Shorts, $68.00; 6. Forever 21 Colorblock Bodycon Dress, $15.80; 7. Sam Edelman “Niland” Platform Peeptoe Pumps, $99.00; 8. Marc by Marc Jacobs Neon Handles Raffia Bag, $209.00; 9. Free People Loa Woven Bracelets, $18.00; 10. Tavik Lolita Monokini, $125.00; 11. 80s-colored wayfarer sunglasses, $10.00
