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If 2016 was all about the ‘90s, 2017 is turning back the clock even further. Already we've seen threads from the '80s emerge on the runway and in stores. The biggest indicator of this shift? The return of neon. Interestingly enough, though, this comeback isn't through athletic wear or the casual jerseys we knew and loved back in the day—rather, it's happening on the red carpet.
Unlike the flashy spandex leggings that defined the decade (or even the neon-bra-peeking-through-sheer-shirts look that was so popular among festival-goers just a few years ago), this rainbow-bright resurgence is notable for being surprisingly luxe: We can credit designers like Fernando Garcia and Laura Kim at Oscar de la Renta for injecting highlighter hues into their collections. That particular fall '17 showing has been worn by celebrities like Nicki Hilton, Karlie Kloss, and, most boldly, Blake Lively at the American Ballet Theater Spring 2017 gala. It was that last sighting that elevated the trend to the mainstream, but there are plenty of other recent examples of brands—and their muses—dipping into the neon color swatches.
Labels like Off-White, Sies Marjan, and Miu Miu haven't shied away from this particular palette of brights. Recently, Bella Hadid radiated in a pink belted-blazer dress at the CFDA Awards (where she attended as Virgil Abloh's date), and then again in a two-piece set in a similarly blinding hue, courtesy of two of the aforementioned designers. As for other colors in this BiC Brite universe, we've seen Lupita Nyong'o in an orange floral organza-embellished Prada creation at the 2017 Met Gala, Diane Kruger in an electric-blue Monse gown at the most recent CFDA Awards, and Priyanka Chopra in an ultra-violet Derek Lam skirt during the Baywatch press tour.
Clearly there's no lack of outfit inspiration coming from our favorite celebrities—so what's been holding us back? Since we pride ourselves as being scholars of fashion, we’re dutifully taking (err, highlighting?) notes on the neon renaissance, figuring out ways to incorporate high-impact, color-saturated pieces in ways that don't feel overly dated. You'll be surprised at just how versatile these colors can be. Scroll down to see how we'd style four different takes on the highlighter trend, from electric blue (à la Kruger in Monse) to lime green (a slight departure from Lively's bright yellow number, but one we welcome into our wardrobe with open arms).
Popping red, for an outdoor picnic or brunch:
Apiece Apart Electric Orange Sanna cami, $265, Bona Drag; Zara Bermuda shorts, $30, Zara; Adornmonde Royce Gold hoop earrings, $78, Adornmonde; Bembien Marfa bag, $195, Bembien; K. Jacques Lucile wrap sandals, $270, Shopbop.
Electric blue, for a day at the pool, beach, or other water-adjacent event:
Solid & Striped Pop Blue Chelsea swimsuit, $158, Solid and Striped; J. Crew Gramsey cotton-poplin pants, $80, Net-a-Porter; Crap Velvet mirror sunglasses, $58, Crap; Roxanne Assoulin Bits & Pieces earrings, $60, Roxanne Assoulin; Kayu St Tropez tote, $135, Shopbop; Ancient Greek Sandals Niki, $215, Jenni Kayne.
Lime green, for a weekday cocktail or work event:
Zara Neon dress, $40, Zara; Annie Costello Brown Krikoi hoop earrings, $275, Annie Costello Brown; Cult Gaia mother-of-pearl acrylic arc, $278, Cult Gaia; Marais Knot slides, $295, Marais.
Neon pink, for summer-Friday loitering:
Tna Neon Sunset San Clemente sweater, $40, Aritzia; Zara Crossover skirt, $50, Zara; Bing Bang large Calder studs, $150, Bing Bang; Cuyana mini saddle bag, $195, Cuyana; Brother Vellies Burkina slides, $285, Brother Vellies.
Related Links:
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6 Cute Weekend Outfits for When Jeans Are Just Not Gonna Cut It
