Street style guide: How to style neon in a chic way in 2023

Don't be shy, fluorescent is for everyone


PARIS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 01: Nikki Huang wears diamond earrings, a neon pink ruffled lace print pattern high neck shirt, a neon pink shiny silk / satin long blazer jacket, matching neon pink shiny silk / satin large pants, black shiny leather ankle shoes ,
13 April 2023

Highlighters may be the undisputed hero of your stationery kit, but now your wardrobe is after a piece of the action too. 

From searingly bright yellows to eye-watering greens, savvy street stylers were sporting shades that warranted sunglasses for bystanders throughout Fashion Month. Both loud and attention seeking, neon colours are extra special because they can’t be created by nature and weren’t ‘discovered’ as such, until the 1900s. 

MORE: Create the look: how to nail dopamine dressing

RELATED: 9 holiday dresses that are perfect for SS23

© Christian Vierig

Vanessa Hong and Tiffany Hsu reached for fluoro shades in London.

What colour is neon?

Neon art stormed into popularity in the 1930s and 1940s, with celebrated artists such as Keith Sonnier and Tracey Emin reaching for the medium over the following century. Fashion took up the baton in the 1980s when colour got a turbo-boost. Subtlety was shrugged off in favour of electric shades of pink and purple paired with metallic leather and a frightening amount of hairspray. 

© Edward Berthelot

Heart Evangelista opted for neon Alberta Ferretti teamed with Jimmy Choo boots in Milan.

How do I style neon?

If you’re fearful of fluorescent, you’re not alone, but teamed with the right pieces, it can look more street-style-hero than Stabilo, we promise. When it comes to fluorescents, the power is in the pairing. Softer shades of green will dampen neon shades so the overall effect is still potent, but without being jarring (see Tiffany Hsu for inspiration.) Denim will always knock neon down a peg or two, and a humble neutral will never fail to dilute brightness. But for true neon fans, there can be no rules; pile on colour however feels right and march into summer with your head held high.  

© Edward Berthelot

Emilie Joseph paired neon heels with trusty denim in Paris.

The 5 best neon pieces to buy now:

MUST HAVE:

Lime Trainer - Steve Madden

Cocoon Curved Bag - Charles & Keith

Sweatshirt - H&M

LUST HAVE:

Boots - Jimmy Choo

Mini dress - David Koma

Like this story? Sign up to our Hello! Fashion newsletter to get your weekly 'Fashion Fix' delivered straight to your inbox.

HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.

More Hello! Fashion

See more