Neo Neon

Admit it: You think neons push the boundaries of good taste. At the very least, their shocking brightness does little to enhance so many complexions: Canary yellow can make a wide range of pigmentations look jaundiced; hot pink makes even flawless pale skin look as though tinged by rosacea. Even so, now that all other ’80s fashions have been recycled ad nauseam—leg warmers, high-waisted skinny jeans, and skinny belts, to name just a few—this was the season “neon” colors made their inevitable return. The good news with this re-introduction is that the fluorescents are employed in moderation and with common sense. We like them best when worn far from the face—belts and handbags, for instance; and particularly the radiant yellow shoes one smart lady paired with her black summer dress. In this way, a splash of neon gives a jolt to a look otherwise dominated by black or other neutrals like creams and beiges. Also on our hit list: that atomic belt over subdued trousers (at right); a chunky lime-green bracelet (below); and a blaze-orange necktie (above left), which went a long way toward sprucing up workaday khaki.

Read Christy DeSmith’s fashion blog at www.rakemag.com/style