Bright ideas: how to wear fluorescent hues
Fluorescent hues were all over the catwalks and the red carpet. Meadhbh McGrath outlines the grown-up way to pull off the look for day and eveningwear
Over the last month, you may have seen pictures of Kim Kardashian wearing skintight, screaming lime from head to toe — enough to send anyone over the age of 25 running a mile from a trend.
The reality star has embraced neon in its loudest, brashest form, but you don’t have to go for latex or highlighter shades to try the look for yourself.
Because neon shades are back — on the catwalks and in shops. In the autumn-winter collections, the dominant mood was athletic: Marc Jacobs presented an 80s-inspired oversized power suit in orange with a hot pink bumbag, and at Prada, heritage tweed was mixed with neon tulle and nylon, in sporty shapes, socks and logos, as seen on Poppy Delevingne (right).
But it’s not all athleisure — Brandon Maxwell and Valentino offered red carpet-worthy gowns, including a turquoise and lime show-stopper that Frances McDormand wore to the Met Gala this year.
Narciso Rodriguez made the case for neon at work, pairing draped blouses with high-waisted trousers, and Tory Burch presented office-ready midi dresses with scarf-tie detailing.
For your off-duty wardrobe, Prabal Gurung and Ulla Johnson showcased neon knitwear, and in outerwear, there was Carolina Herrera’s yellow wool coat and Moschino’s magenta cape — another trend set to rule this winter.
If you’re keen to try it out, skip the full-on fluoro for small doses. Sculptural earrings will instantly refresh an LBD, or pick up a vibrant cross-body bag for casual wear.
Use shades of watermelon, lemon, orange and lime as an accent with shades of black, navy, white or grey, or for a cool contemporary look, diffuse neon brights with this season’s neutrals. A raspberry silk blouse will provide a beautiful contrast with a camel coat and wide-leg trousers.
Block-colour neons can function as a striking base for prints, too. A zesty green jumper offers an unexpected pop of colour with a floral midi skirt in tonal shades, or try a pink roll-neck with a checked suit.
Now is the ideal time to wear — luminous shades go particularly well with a post-holiday glow — but these pieces will see you through the season and help to bring a jolt of sunshine into dull winter days.
For a more mature look, opt for a midi dress or smart separates. Blake Lively (left) gives the trouser suit trend an update in shocking lime Versace, although we would suggest toning it down with a more wearable coral. It’s easier on the eye, particularly for workwear, and it’s more flattering on those who don’t have Hollywood skin tones.
Tibi’s suit is also more straightforward to style — offset the vivid hue with a delicate pastel shirt.