The 2019 Trend That Fashion Editors Are Reluctant to Try
Fashion month can be likened to a crystal ball. It gives us a glimpse into our (wardrobe-related) futures by showcasing what is going to be wearing in six months' time. And it was evident on the spring/summer 2019 runways that the industry's obsession with resurrecting '80s trends is showing no signs of waning.
Over the course of four weeks, we saw everything from tie-dye cycling shorts to shoulder pads so big, it looked as if the models were about to take flight. However, there was another blindingly bright trend that was hard to miss: neon.
Zingy shades of lime, lemon, tangerine and fuchsia were evident at all four cities. However, it seems the neon fashion trend has taken off on the Brit design scene in the most, as it was championed by both House of Holland and Emilia Wickstead alike.
Seeing as 2018 was largely dominated by minimal silhouettes and a neutral colour palette, it's only natural that an opposing look would make itself known. But are we really ready to reinstate this brash '80s trend into our outfit arsenal? Fashion editors like the idea in theory, but many know the reality of wearing highlighter shades isn't as easy as it looks on the runways.
Instagram's most courageous dressers are already showcasing the neon-wearing nous on their feeds, persuading us outfit-by-outfit that perhaps it's a contender for our own closets.
Neon clothing will always turn heads, but there are more subtle, grown-up ways to style it out—from blending with muted tones to opting for simple accessories, keep scrolling for all the neon inspiration you could need. And don't forget to shop our edit of the chicest fluoro pieces around…
Style Notes: A neon dress is the easiest way to take on the trend, particularly in yellow or pink, as those colours are more commonplace.
Style Notes: Tone down a bright piece by pairing it with shades of beige, cream and brown.
Style Notes: Use a neon item to instantly update your daily basics. This bustier worn over a white tee is inspiring. Achieve the same effect by wearing a bright orange skirt with a navy pullover.
Style Notes: As you gain more neon confidence, try wearing a couple of different shades and balancing them out with white accessories.
Style Notes: If you're feeling like a pro already, then look to @susiebubble and her more advanced neon-centric combinations.
Style Notes: A bold jumper worn with your favourite jeans is the best way to get involved ASAP.
SHOP OUR NEON EDIT
Wear this statement trench with straight-leg jeans and a plain white tee.
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Only Emilia Wickstead could make neon look this refined.
Part of Topshop's collaboration with '80s fashion powerhouse Halpern, this is new-age retro at it's most authentic.
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It doesn't get more retro than a highlighter pink Prada padded shoulder bag.
Tick off two major trends in one with this leopard knit.
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Invest in the matching trousers if you're feeling bold.
If in doubt, you can never go wrong with hail-a-cab heels.
For even more '80s style inspiration, take a look at our all-time favourite looks from fashion's most playful decade…
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.
Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.
Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.