Rightly or wrongly, neon isn't a colour category that has, historically, been associated with sophistication. For me, it has long been synonymous with dodgy rave-themed university nights out and the T-shirts in Tammy Girl that my mum never let me buy. But as we all know, fashion designers love nothing more than a sartorial challenge, and this season, we saw highlighter hues given the elevated treatment. And you know what? I am on board.
At Alexander McQueen's S/S 22 show, the neon trend manifested in bright-pink suiting, while at Molly Goddard, it was all about neon-yellow tulle styled with faded, wide-leg jeans. Even fashion classicists, such as Emilia Wickstead and Roksanda, experimented with paintbox brights, resulting in long-sleeve midi dresses rendered in tangerine oranges and lime greens and shocking pink base layers paired with flowing satin skirts.
But away from the runway, how do we practically incorporate this statement-making trend into our wardrobes? There's no right or wrong approach here, and it totally depends on your personal style. However, for me, it's all about balancing out bright hues with crisp tailoring, neutral colourways and minimalistic accessories. For example, COS's neon-green tee instantly adds interest to a trench coat and dark denim, and Christopher John Rogers's amazing orange trousers take on a more everyday spin with a pinstripe shirt.
So if you're a little on the fence about this trend (fair), take a second to browse my spring 2022 neon outfits, and you never know—you just might change your mind. Scroll down to see and shop my looks.
1. Neon Tee + Dark Denim + Trench Coat
Style Notes: A colour-pop tee is one of the easiest entry points to the neon trend. Just take COS's lime-green top, and pair it with dark denim and a trench coat.
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2. Neon Trousers + Stripe Shirt + Cage Sandals
Style Notes: I'm a big fan of statement trousers, and I've seen so many brightly coloured styles around this season. Christopher John Rogers is definitely leading the charge with his neon offering, and these bright-orange trousers are right at the top of my wish list. Balance out the brightness with a classic pinstripe shirt and neutral accessories.
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3. Neon Midi Dress + Colour-Contrast Crossbody Bag
Style Notes: Issey Miyake's iconic Pleats Please line will never go out of style, but when rendered in neon green, it feels particularly fresh. COS's orange crossbody bag makes for a stylish accompaniment.
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4. Neon Blazer + Cream Skirt + Kitten Heels
Style Notes: There's something very '90s about this Jacquemus-blazer-and-Sea-skirt pairing, with the cream A-line midi offering a very pleasing counterpoint to the blazer's fuchsia hue. Low-heeled sandals will finish the look off nicely.
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Up Next: Spring/Summer 2022 Trends: The Only 17 Looks You Need to Know About