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Neon is the new Spring color!



Summer is practically here and it’s time to lighten up. We’re talking about your wardrobe of course, and this season the colors are brighter than the sun! From magenta to fluorescent pink and seafoam to electric blue: the brighter the better. You may want to put on your sunglasses; neon has blanketed nearly every runway and is being used in more creative (and thankfully) tasteful ways. What’s being declared as the hottest color of the season you may ask? Acid green/yellow has topped the list. Although that may be cringe inducing for some who prefer more traditional looks, stylists have done a great deal to shed some of the negative connotations that resurface for many. We aren’t talking about black lights and the off the wall looks of classic Cyndi Lauper. This year is all about “color blocking”, and accessories definitely play an essential part in achieving the look.

 
Color blocking is one of the easiest ways to wear neon without lookingtacky or contrived. This does require a good eye for complimentary colors, or you can use a color wheel to determine which hues will play off one another (You can check out the Cousin Color Theory page here). There is lots of experimentation with color this year, and it seems that the basic rules may no longer apply. We’re referring to the rule of two-thirds, where an equilateral triangle (a triangle with three equal sides) is placed in the center of the color wheel. Depending on what colors the points at the end of the triangle are touching, you would then pick two of the three colors to be the principal color combination for your look. Occasionally, even a third color may be incorporated to a lesser extent, from somewhere outside the triangle. The most important thing to remember is to be creative and a little pop of fluorescent color can go a long way. Statement necklaces are a popular way these new colors can be utilized and add maximum impact on a budget. 
  Women of all ages can take advantage of a statement necklace to perk up any summer wardrobe. You can transform any standard piece of jewelry and rejuvenate it with bright colors that look brilliant against sun-kissed skin. It may be tricky to find the color best suited for you (nobody wants to have a glowing orange face like a traffic cone), but longer, lower hanging necklaces are a fashionable and trendy alternative. Another great benefit is the youthful, light-hearted feel that these summery pieces can evoke. Some people believe that darker toned jewelry has an aging effect when in close proximity to the face. The high energy given off by neon pieces looks best when worn with light, clean makeup and soft natural hair. Smart accessory choices can set off any outfit, especially for those who prefer blacks and neutrals over wildly saturated colors.  
  Finding the right balance makes all the difference, and can take a look from Circus, to Resort Cruise in no time. Stable colors like black, navy, white and beige are a good idea when accessorizing with a fluorescent hued watch, belt or bag. Avoid intricate, fussy designs; choose uncomplicated pieces instead and let the color do all the talking! Luminous stones and crystals can be found in an endless array of colors, you’re sure to find a few that “speak to you”. For any of you who may still be a little hesitant, try picking just one color of neon and use it to accent a basic t-shirt and jeans or a solid colored dress, you’ll be surprised at the number of compliments that come your way ;-) 
  Sound like a trend you’d like to try? With a little planning and inspiration, you could be pulling off a vibrant new color that you might have never given a second thought about trying on. Bright, striking hues begin lining the shelves around this time of year and start at every price point, so take full advantage. Most importantly, remember that wearing neon is fun and energetic; so enjoy it! ~ Nick

For even more inspiration, check out the great video tutorial we found below from Coachella Fashion on how to DIY your own neon jewelry!
 




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Comments  17

  • mo 02 May

    Thanks for the color wheel! I was just thinking even the most traditional style can handle a pop of neon! Going to be a fun season!
  • Georgiann 02 May

    Love theses Idea's!!
  • May P 02 May

    Oh, I knew that bright spring colors were in, but I didn't know they were going to go full-on neon. That's a hard color for people to wear sometimes.
  • Sylvia Morse 02 May

    Cousin Corporation, you gals & guys ROCK!  What does it take to be a designer for your Company?



    Thanks for all the inspiration!



    sylvia

  • Rebecca 02 May

    Neon is a bit scary for me.  But with this article and video I am thinking that I can do a little at a time.  Maybe earrings or a bracelet and see how it goes ( and how it makes me feel).
  • Mary Reckmeyer 02 May

    I love the bold colors.
  • Terry 02 May

    Love bold colors they add energy and a pop of color to an outfit.  
  • kelly sartori 02 May

    I love neon colors just not on me. I don't wear neon's that well. I love working with the colors if I am making something for someone else like my niece. Neon colors are bold and I love them but if I were to wear them I would have a focal piece neon color then the rest a different color. For example, I will wear a neon green mixed with black to tone it down a little bit.
  • Serena G 02 May

    I am totally in love with these colors!!!
  • Kacee Adler 03 May

    Nice post.  I'm not I'm pull off the neon thing myself, but it does look good on some of those ladies.  I like the coral-colored dress, and for myself I'd probably be most interested in the green for jewelry.
  • Beth Jankowski 03 May

    These new Neon colors should be really fun to work with!
  • VeraG 03 May

    I love the neons but they tend to wash me out. I can pull off the greens if there is not too much yellow in it.
  • Becky Ellis 03 May

    Love the bright happy colors!
  • Laura 03 May

    I LOVE the yellow outfit, it is fabulous! And the green and gem ring is just great.
  • Sherry Spring 07 May

    Fantastic article.  Love neon. Remember the neon shirts in the 80's?  I am inspired to make some neon jewellery now. 
  • Lody 08 May

    Neon colors are so much fun to work with! Looking forward to working on bright jewelries this week!
  • Mrr 27 Jun

    designer, but I love doing things mylesf. {This is actually one of my downfalls see also my lessons learned in trying to be a decorator, lol.}a0 The design actually took me about 5 hours which by lawyer standards, would be considered
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