Neon to the Nines

It was 1986. I was nine. Neon was king. It was on everything -- clothes, accessories, Trapper Keepers, cars. It was a symbol of the excesses of the time. Loud. Obnoxious. Visually assaulting. I loved it. Wore it with abandon. My little fashion-maven self wanted to keep up with the style, and, oh boy, did I ever. And, I have evidence too -- a photo of me trying out my contemplative model pose in a plaid neon jumper and the other a loud fuchsia and canary yellow fantastical dance outfit with my just as enthusiastic dance hands.

And, of course, since fashion styles are cyclical, neon has found its way back into my style storybook a quarter of my life later. Its style is more subtle now and the fabrics and constructions it colors are much more suitable to our modern times. Although I thought I had left neon back in the 80s, I still definitely have an interest in its timeless audaciousness.

Here is a sampling of what I've found to be respectable neon looks that can be pulled off by a 35 year old wishing to be nine again.

Neon Fashion

Bright Tweed Shift, Pim + Larkin, Piperlime, $44.99; Embroidered A-Line Tank, Anthropologie, $58; Sunkissed Shorts, Gap, $20; Blue Skinny Jeans, J.Crew, $34.99

 Neon Accessories

Blu Bijoux Neon Yellow Hexagon Earrings, Max & Chloe, $14; Blue Bijoux Neon Bib Necklace, Max & Chloe, $39; Patent Perforated Flats, Gap, $29.96

One Dress. Three Styles.

One of the best ways to create a bargain chic wardrobe is to utilize a few pieces in mutliple ways. The key is to accessorize. And a lot of the Michael Kors' style rules I've been offering the last few weeks touch on the necessity of accessories -- belts, shoes, jewelry, etc. -- and how they play a vital role in developing one's style. What better way is there to express that than to enhance a simple dress with different accoutrements. You save money, while also looking fabulous chic!

And here's an example. Take a simple affordable dress -- a good length, a good shape, and a fabulous color -- and then change up the accessories. Add a jacket, a necklace, a cute clutch and some great shoes. And viola! Three distinct outfits for all three seasons, and all for a minimal amount of money.

Oh, and by the way, I featured this dress a few weeks back that highlighted another of Michael Kors' rules about dressing for your shape (LINK)

The Dress

 Cue the Compliments dress, ModCloth. $64.99

Three Styles