If you feel you've only just glumly sailed your way through those April (and May) showers with a palette of miserable greys and blacks initiated by such depressing weather, fear not, as summer is finally upon the horizon. We can soon stroll through the park once more without destroying our heels and getting caught short sans umbrella in the midst of a thunderstorm. This year, April broke so many of my umbrellas that I had to resort to walking through the streets whilst holding a spare coat above my head. Here's a little tip for you all; walking into a job interview drenched whilst in the middle of some kind of Superman pose isn't at all on trend and doesn't make the best of first impressions.
For me, most excitingly, summer also means the prospect of a new wardrobe, and as always there's an array of trends being punted. Now, on the predictions front I've still got a lot to learn from good old Mystic Meg, but I can certainly foresee neons being one of the biggest fashion trends upon our streets this summer. Oh come on, don't stop reading now, neons really aren't that scary! Let me show you how to incorporate them into your wardrobes with my lists of Dos and Don'ts.
Don't: Channel your inner Lollipop Lady
Fact: If you go head to toe in one shade of neon you're going to look like a lollipop lady (no disrespect to lollipop ladies of course), but on the plus side you're not going to get run over. Dressing head to toe in any trend can instantly kill the look, and yes, we've all been there. For me, I took the 2010 nautical trend to a whole new level, so much so, that my boss asked me whether I was working pirate chic. Meow!
Do: Mix neons with camel or muted tones
The best way to carry off the neon trend is by breaking up the colour with some camel or muted tones. For instance, try a bright aqua skirt with a camel blouse for a fashionable yet completely workable contrast.
Don't: Be creative and switch your make-up for a neon highlighting pen
As a child, curiosity once got the better of me and I tried to colour myself in with a neon highlighting pen. I'm not proud, but what started out as an innovative way to make-up my eye lids, progressed to my lips, cheeks, arms, and legs. Before I knew it I was like the lady who'd been poked by James Bond's Goldfinger. Although this seems like a no brainer, I know the extremes that we fashionistas will go to in order to be on trend, so, invest in some actual neon make-up, as there really are some great shades around.
Do: Experiment with minimal neon make-up
The words neon and make-up can be quite daunting, but if you chose just one area of your face to inject with a little neon colour, then, it's quite difficult to go wrong. Integrate some flicked out neon eyeliner into your usual look for a surprisingly subtle yet interesting change.
Don't: Give Pat Butcher a run for her money
Statement jewellery can look really effective, and give a mundane outfit that much needed lift, but let's face it, it's very easy to over accessorise even if the pieces aren't gargantuan. Follow my rule of thumb; if you can picture it on Pat, then put it back. Well, it takes a certain kind of lady who can carry off neon pineapple shaped earrings.
Do: Opt for minimal neon accessories
Minimal neon accessories can be great for those of you who are still a little dubious about this whole neon trend. For instance, a simple neon ring or bracelet worn with the simplest of attires would be a quiet yet great way to stay on trend.
So, what are you waiting for? Hit the shops!
