Hi friends.  I got news for you – Neon is back!  The vibrant hues were spotted all over the runways during Fall Fashion Week, and they quickly made their way onto the racks.  Like it or not – this is a Spring trend that’s here to stay.

Honestly, I didn’t know how I felt about this trend making a comeback at first.  Obviously neon was big in the 80’s but it also had a BIG resurgence during the early 2010’s. I think a big reason was the rise of electronic dance music and the explosion of the festival scene.  As an EDM lover and avid festival goer, I LIVED in neon during this era.  I was in my early 20’s and bright color bandage dress and mini-skirt club attire made up a majority of my wardrobe.  I was NEON obsessed.

Looking back at pictures from this time, I cringe.  I mean, I know we all look back at pictures of ourselves from previous fashion eras and ask ourselves, “How could I wear that?!”  but seriously – “How could I wear that!?”

I had a sudden change of heart when I was walking through Zara a few weeks ago and saw their neon collection on display.  In my neutral blog, I talked about how I naturally gravitate toward bright colors.  Suddenly before I knew what was happening, I found myself browsing through neon pieces on the rack.  A sense of nostalgia from my early 20’s overcame me and I decided to try on this neon satin midi skirt.

I tried it on and suddenly remembered why I liked neon so much.  It’s just so fun, exciting and BOLD.  I realized that just because I was in my 30’s didn’t mean I couldn’t wear neon, I just wouldn’t wear it the way I used to. 

Neon is tricky.  It definitely runs that fine line between chic and tacky – but if done right – can be an elevated fashion-forward look. 

To take neon from 2013 to 2019, I traded in my neon bandage mini skirt for a 2019 on-trend satin midi skirt.   Satin is a super popular fabric right now, and the midi length is the hottest silhouette.   The midi length can be a little awkward and hard to pull off for petites (regular length midi skirts can be maxi length for us shorties).  This one works because rather than a having a straight-across cut at the bottom which can make you appear wider and shorter, this one has what is called a bias cut.  A bias cut is when the fabric is cut at a diagonal angle, giving it greater stretch in the direction of the fabric.  This technique allows the fabric to drape more softly, accentuating body lines and curves.  This cut is a petite girl’s BEST FRIEND and makes for a perfect neon piece.

I wanted this look to be fun, yet sophisticated.  Something I could wear to work – rather than Ultra Music Festival.  To achieve this look – I decided to pair the skirt with a long sleeve black turtleneck.  It’s still pretty cold here in LA and turtlenecks are a good go-to bet to add a level of sophistication to any outfit.  The black also takes the look up a notch – and plays well off the neon.   I decided to wear black ankle booties to go for a more daytime causal look.  If you want a more dressed up look – pair with black heels.  Something even more casual to transition into spring?  Try pairing it with a black band tee.

For accessories, I decided to pair with this clear bag with a black buckle I am currently obsessed with.  It gives more edge to the outfit so the neon skirt didn’t have to carry the look all on its own.  I also wore these sunglasses from DIFF Eyewear with colored lenses so it would bring in an unexpected touch of bright colors and not be so matchy-matchy.

And just like that – my obsession with neon is back, but in a whole new way!  Mark my words, eight years from now, I will probably look back at this look like I did the one from 2013 and ask myself, “How could I wear that?!”  But for now, I am rocking it. 

How do you guys feel about the neon trend?  Are you guys going to rock in in 2019?

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