Let’s face it: The dregs of winter can be pretty f*cking gloomy in a normal year, let alone when it comes at what we hope is the tail end of a 365 day-long pandemic. With no events to attend, few new means of entertainment (bless you, Taylor Swift), and less chances than ever to explore the world around us, it’s easy to feel largely uninspired. The one thing lifting my spirits in recent days? Neon clothes.
For the last month or so, I’ve relied heavily upon apparel to stir and motivate me during this otherwise supremely lackluster period in our collective history. But not just any apparel, dear friends. I’m talking fantastical, eccentric, bold and whimsical clothing—much of which has come in a shockingly vivid, bright hue that borders on assaulting the eyes.
Like a moth to a flame, I’ve been hopelessly drawn to all things florescent pink, yellow, orange and blue. Basically, if it’s electric enough to snap me out of my winter dreariness, it’s likely to find its way into my closet. As it turns out, I’m not the only one: The acid trip-like ’80s neons that made their way down the runways of Valentino, Comme des Garçons and more for spring/summer 2020 have begun to trickle down to the masses, taking over the shelves of Nordstrom, Topshop, and yes, even Target. Check out 15 ways to wear the trend below and see if it doesn’t just breathe a little bit of new life into your soul, too.
1. Floerns Puff-Sleeve Keyhole Blouse ($9): You’ll hit several trends in one with this basic-yet-bright top thanks to its next-level extra color and of-the-moment puffy sleeves. The best part of all? It will cost you less than $10.
2. Marc Jacobs The Tag Tote ($299.99): This bag stopped me dead in my tracks when I first saw it in Bloomingdale’s, and it’s since become a major player in my handbag collection. That’s because much like leopard, I consider hot pink to be a neutral (humor me here), so it goes with just about everything. Sure, orange and red might pose a bit of a challenge, but it can be done—just ask Alexa Chung.
3. Endless Rose Tailored Single-Button Blazer ($120): This cobalt blue blazer was made to command attention, be it at your next Zoom meeting, while running errands or grabbing post-work drinks. (You know. When we actually can again. Sigh.) Talk about a power piece!
4. Cinq À Sept Sonya Button-Front Pencil Skirt ($325) and Casey Stretch Puff-Sleeve Top ($295): Frankly, this is a getup I’d want to buy even if I wasn’t riding the florescent wave. While it’s available as a mod two-piece when you purchase the matching puffer top, I’d personally pair it with a black tank and gold coin jewelry for a casual-yet-classy vibe.
5. Shady Lady Eyewear Neon Knit Turtleneck ($79.99): I discovered this brand after lusting after a lovely peach coat Bachelorette alumni Kaitlyn Bristowe recently donned on Instagram, and much to my delight, it wasn’t the only eye-popping color the company had to offer. I also found this arresting yellow turtleneck (also available in hot pink) with my name all over it.
6. Wild Fable Knit Beanie ($6): At just $6, this was an impulse buy (I also bought the matching gloves, $3), and honestly, it was one of the better purchases I’ve made throughout the whole of quarantine. It’s super bright, it looks far pricier than the $6 I paid, and it stands out nicely against my olive green coat. What more could a girl ask for from a Target special?
7. Topshop Brushed V-Neck Sweater ($68): If all you want to do is wrap yourself in a cozy sweater right now, this brushed V-neck is where it’s at. Made of a soft, fuzzy acrylic blend, it’s sure to keep winter chills at bay while simultaneously giving your mood a likely much-needed boost.
8. BCBG Phoebe Double-Faced Wool Coat ($104.99): For a classic, tailored take on the fad, check out BCBG’s doubled-faced Phoebe coat. Between the A-line silhouette and the blinding yellow-green hue, we’ve got what I like to call a head-turner on our hands, ladies and gents!
9. Dooney & Bourke Belvedere Logo Lock Shoulder Bag ($208.80): Not quite ready to throw caution to the wind and rock the look from head to toe? You can dip your toe into the neon waters with an über-bright accessory, like this leather Dooney & Bourke Belvederse purse, in a can’t-miss-it shade of royal blue.
10. Cali Dreaming Louella Top ($61): Remind yourself that there’s plenty of sunny days ahead by picking up this dayglow yellow button-down blouse. If the chic, breezy cut doesn’t scream “summer is coming!” the golden hue most certainly will.
11. Markus Lupfer Natalie Sequin Wool Sweater ($242): Sequins and tigers and neons, oh my! This Markus Lupfer sweater has it all and then some. In fact, I’d venture to say that it’s the cat’s meow. Scratch that—the cat’s roar.
10. Rebecca Minkoff Edie Snakeskin Bag ($99.97): If the edgy snakeskin print of this designer leather bag doesn’t catch your eye, the statement-making yellow tint is sure to—along with everyone else’s, too.
13. Akira Not Into You Long-Sleeve Tulle Top ($45): OK, OK—this shirt is a little bit over the top (to say the least). Between its ostentatious layered tulle and the jaw-dropping shade of blue, there’s a lot to take in here. But embracing color means taking risks—so why not go all in?
14. Michael Lo Sordo Ruffle-Trimmed Velvet Top ($154): When you think of velvet, jewel tones such as emerald, deep purple and ruby, likely to come to mind. This Michael Lor Sordo top, however, breaks all the fabric’s conventional norms, presenting itself in a neon chartreuse shade you won’t soon be forgetting.
15. Mackage Roselyn Jacket ($595): I’ve never been a fan of puffer coats. These shapeless creations do little to no favors for my girlish figure, making these jackets all but obsolete in my closet. I can’t say that the notice-me neon pink seen on this Mackage find didn’t have me doing a double take, however —particularly since it comes with a cinching belt so as to create an actual silhouette.
What fashion trends are you excited about right now? Let me know in the comments below.
Xo, Nicole
