How to Wear Neon Colors

Co-authored by Rachel Michael

Last Updated: January 8, 2022 References

Neon colors grew popular with the 1980s fashion trends, though they look great when styled with modern cuts. To wear neon colors, be ready for some attention! It’s hard not to notice bright shades of green, yellow, blue, pink, and purple. You can either go for a bright, bold look and wear many neon hues, or pair a neon garment with neutrals for a subtle style. Either way, rock your neon with confidence!

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Choosing Bright Outfits

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Go for a head-to-toe neon look if you want a daring, electric style. If you aren’t afraid to show your colors, choose a neon shirt, shorts, and accessories, for instance. You can go for a monochromatic neon look by wearing all of the same hues, or try mixing it up and choose 1-3 different neon colors.^{[1]
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- This is a great idea for summertime styles or to a concert with blacklights.
- For example, choose a neon yellow tube top and a yellow skirt.
- You can go with an aqua shirt and pair it with yellow shorts.
2
Select neon jeans or leggings for a bold, colorful look. Choose a pink, aqua, or green pair of jeans for a casual yet stylish look. Then, pair this with a solid or neon top, like a tank, T-shirt, or long-sleeved shirt.^{[2]
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- This is a great idea if you are shopping around town or meeting friends for dinner.
- For example, wear aqua skinny jeans with a flowy black tunic shirt.
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3
Go with a neon dress in a traditional shape for a flattering evening look. Try taking a colorful spin on the Little Black Dress! Pick a dress in a classic silhouette, like a gathered waist or A-line skirt, but choose a vibrant hue like green, purple, or blue. Then, wear this to your next cocktail party or date night.^{[3]
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- Additionally, wear neon maxi or mini skirts for another evening option.
4
Wear a neon button-down for a twist on a classic style. If you want a nice top to wear out to the bar or on casual Friday, consider a brightly-colored button-down or blouse. Wear this with jeans or dress pants, based on your preference.^{[4]
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- Choose a saturated top and wear it with tapered jeans for a night out on the town.
- If you want to wear neon to work, make sure it is okay for your workplace. If there is any question, you can wear a very saturated colored top, like magenta or navy. Pair this with trousers, for instance.
5
Choose a neon coat for a bright outerwear option. This makes a great statement piece for either neutral or colorful options. Try a bright trench coat or rain jacket for a bold look on cold or rainy days. In addition, you can wear a brightly-colored faux-leather jacket for an edgy touch.^{[5]
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- You’ll still look stylish despite the elements.
- Try a neon blazer to add a little brightness to your workday.^{[6]
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  Rachel Michael
  Personal Stylist
  Expert Interview. 30 November 2021.}

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Styling Neon Subtly

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Pair your neons with neutrals for a balanced look. When styling neon, go with other neutral clothing if you don’t want all eyes on you. Choose either light-colored neutrals like khaki and white or dark-colored neutrals like grey, brown, and black.^{[7]
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Rachel Michael
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Expert Interview. 30 November 2021.} Avoid mixing light and dark-colored neutrals so your outfit doesn’t clash.^{[8]
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- For example, wear a neon pink T-shirt with khaki shorts for an on-the-go look.
- You can also try a neon green skirt with a white tank top.
2
Wear a neon undershirt or sports bra for a subtle addition. If you want to add some neon but aren’t quite ready for an all-over color, try subtle accents like undershirts, camisoles, or sports bras. This way, you can still have a pop of color without feeling like a highlighter.
- Neon socks are also a good choice.
- Choose a neon such as green, yellow, or pink, for instance. Then, wear neutral colors over top to tone it down.
3
Wear neon heels, sneakers, or Oxfords for a bright footwear option. If you want a statement shoe, pair your look with a solid-colored flat, a multi-colored sneaker, or a twist on the dress shoe, for instance. Pair your neon shoes with neutral or plain clothes to create a subtle look with a pop of color.^{[9]
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Rachel Michael
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Expert Interview. 30 November 2021.}^{[10]
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- For example, you can wear pink flats with black leggings.
- You can also wear neon heels with a black dress.
4
Choose neon jewelry for a subtle, colorful accent. Put on a simple neon choker or pendant easily add a splash of color. You can also pair neon bangles with a cotton tee and jeans.^{[11]
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Rachel Michael
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Expert Interview. 30 November 2021.}^{[12]
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- This is a great way to add subtle neon accents to your look.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Accessorizing with Neon

1
Go with a neon bag for a bright statement piece. Choose either a neon purse, messenger bag, backpack, or clutch, based on your outfit. If you don’t mind a lot of color, try an oversized purse. If you want a subtle pop, use a small, cross-body purse.^{[13]
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Rachel Michael
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Expert Interview. 30 November 2021.}^{[14]
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- You can use a neon bag with a neutral outfit, or you can match your neon shoes to your purse, for instance.
2
Try a neon-colored hat if you want an electric final touch. A neon hat adds a spark of color to your outfit, whether you are dressing neutral or using other neon tones. Pick a hat with a small brim for a subtle style, or choose a wide-brimmed hat for a glamorous look.^{[15]
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- You can also try a neon baseball cap or party sombrero.
3
Throw on a neon belt for a pop of color. If you are wearing a dress or skirt, choose an oversized belt in your favorite color, then wear it with a solid-colored outfit. If you want a belt to wear with your pants and jeans, choose a belt in a bright color and pair it with your denim or neutral pants.
- Belts are a great way to accessorize and add some color to your look!
4
Add a neon scarf to your outfit if you want a bright accent. Choose a thin, airy scarf for a spring and summer, or go with a thicker, wool scarf for the fall or winter. Pick a scarf in a neon hue, such as green, yellow, or pink. Then, wear it with either colorful or neutral outfits to add additional color to your look. Scarves look great styled casually or dressy!
- For example, drape a pink neon scarf over your neck after you put on a white shirt and pink miniskirt. Finish your look with pink flats and pink hair ties!

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Choosing Neon Beauty Products

1
Use neon eyeshadow to accent your face. For an electrifying look, rub a tiny dab or eyeshadow primer over your clean eyelids. Then, dip your finger in a creamy base, and rub it over your eyelid. Use either powder or pigmented eyeshadow to create your bold look. Apply the shadow across your lid, but avoid blending it too far past your crease. Blend another color of eyeshadow using a small, round brush for a two-toned look.^{[16]
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- If you’d like, finish your look with a neon eyeliner or mascara option.
2
Paint your nails with neon polish for a minor pop of color. Bright nail polish adds a vibrant touch your outfits, neutral or colorful. Paint your polish onto your nails using the applicator wand, working from cuticle to tip.^{[17]
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- If you have a cooler skin tone, pinks and blues look best. If your skin tone is warm, try a neon orange or yellow nail polish.
3
Try a neon lip color for an extra-saturated style. If you want a bold makeup look, try a high-impact lip color like neon purple, bright blue, or vibrant coral. Matte lip color tends to stay in place better when using bright shades, though you can use any lip color type. Apply your lip color to both your top and bottom lips.^{[18]
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- Additionally, consider a neon pink lip gloss or tinted balm. While these may not apply as vibrantly, they still look great.
4
Dye your hair neon colors for a funky, edgy hairstyle. If you are a true color enthusiast, consider dying your hair a bright color. Find a stylist that specializes in bright colors, and search online to plan your perfect hues. Consider dying it all 1 color or adding multiple shades for a rainbow look.
- Fuschia, violent, aqua, and lime green are all popular, pretty shades.
- Be aware that some employers do not allow for “unnatural” hair colors.

Community Q&A

Question

What if I pair up a neon red top with black jeans?

Community Answer

As black is considered neutral, any color will go well with it.
Question

What color shoes do I pair a neon yellow dress with?

HumanBeing

Top Answerer

Black patent heels would look cute with a neon yellow dress. White sneakers or plimsolls are another option. Go with neon yellow shoes as well if you like. A nude shoe is a fourth option.
Question

What do I wear with neon yellow shoes?

Community Answer

Try wearing a small amount of a matching yellow on your clothes, then using some black or white to tone it down. You could also try a neon blue or a pastel pink.