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Fashion

How To Wear Neon & Not Look Like A Traffic Cone

By Somdutta Mazumder

Updated - May 9, 20245 min read

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Neon is one of those fashion trends that come back in a newer, better avatar every year, and 2020 is no different. Back at the fashion forefront yet again, the resurgence of neon this year has been all about channelling flamboyance and minimalism at the same time, both in perfect proportions. On the flip side, however, getting neon wrong is easier than getting it right, especially considering both the perk and downside of the neon trend, is its ability to grab eyeballs. So if you're making a neon fashion blunder, suffice it to say people will notice. 

 

So should you be safe rather than sorry, and refuse to jump on this style bandwagon? Of course not! See the thing is, if you do manage to get the trend right, neon can make for an absolute head-turner fashion moment. Which is where this guide comes in handy. We'll tell you how to avoid crossing the very thin line between being a neon style icon and looking like a traffic cone. And with that, let's get into this round-up of 6 styling tips that will help you carry neon like a pro. 

 

1. Pick A Neon Shade That Suits You 

First off, neon is a versatile shade, and not every hue of neon flatters every skin tone out there. If your complexion is paler, you might want to stick to darker shades of neon, like a vibrant purple or an electric cobalt blue. For medium to darker complexions, neon orange, fuschia pink, or the quintessential neon green is immensely flattering. So before you shop neon, make sure whatever you're planning to buy and wear, complements your skin tone. 

neon-styling-tips

Image Courtesy - Allie Express

 

2. Pair Neon With Neutrals

A simple way to play it safe while also making a neon fashion statement is to pair the colour with neutrals. You always have the classic option of throwing in a neon top with black tights or bottoms. But neon also looks great when matched with neutral shades like cream, white or beige. When you do marry neon with neutral, try to restrict neon to the upper half of your outfit, since that's the part closest to your face. 

neon-styling-tips

Image Courtesy - Pinterest

 

Also Read: 6 Tips You Should Swear By While Wearing White

 

3. Colourblock 

To be the coolest neon kid on the block, all you gotta do is colourblock! Okay, bad rhyme aside, if you're feeling a bit fashion frisky and want to be daring with your neon style, throw two different shades of neon together in the form of two separate pieces. I'm talking a bright orange shirt paired with a neon pink skirt, or a hot red top with neon orange palazzos. Do make sure that the two neon hues you're picking look good when paired together, and ideally one should be a tad brighter than the other. You can also colourbloick with accessories, like throwing a neon orange sling bag or pair of heels, with a bright neon dress. 

neon-styling-tips

Image Courtesy - Pinterest

 

 

4. Go For A Neon Sneek Peek 

As someone who doesn't always feel brave when it comes to her fashion choices, this tip is an absolute fav. If you don't want to go all out with neon, you can wear it as the bottom layer under a basic solid-coloured outer piece. For instance, don a neon full-sleeved top under a monochrome blazer for a playful sneak peek of the colour. A neon t-shirt under the classic denim dungarees can also look ultra-chic!

neon-styling-tips

Image Courtesy - Pinterest 

 

Also Read: 5 Styling Tips To Rock Indo-Western This Summer

 

5. Mix Solid Neon With Animal Print 

You don't necessarily have to stick to pairing neon with another solid colour. The vibrant shades also look great when thrown in together with prints, especially animal. A neon top matched with a leopard print midi skirt is so elegant, without you going overboard with the trend. Another idea is to pair an animal print crop top with neon flared bottoms. 

neon-styling-tips

Image Courtesy - Pinterest

 

6. Stick To A Hint Of Neon

It's totally okay if you're not ready to fully commit to the neon trend and wear clothes in bright colours. You can always choose to incorporate the smallest yet noticeable hints of neon in your outfit. Now, this is a vast area and the neon trace in your look can be anything from slightly more prominent like a pair of shoes, a watch or a belt to the more subtle ones like socks, nail paint or even makeup like eyeshadow and eyeliner. 

neon-styling-tips

Image Courtesy - Pinterest


And last, but by no standards the least, neon is all about having fun, so don't forget to play it up as you please!