Nailing Neon

Neon has definitely been having a moment in the past year. From Diane von Furstenberg Resort 2012 to the omni-present Cambridge Satchel on every blogger neon is officially everywhere!

But if you aren’t brave enough to rock neon clothing the best way to get in on the trend is with nail polish!

Trying out the trend with nail polish is also considerably more economical than splashing out a lot for what is probably just a passing trend.

Summer is the perfect time to test out bright polishes- things are just a little more casual- but if you work in a professional setting make sure to keep your outfit extra simple, in neutral tones, so you’re not overwhelming your co-workers or clients!

My personal favorite is the bright banana yellow that celebrities like Gwen Stefani and Beyonce. Thanks to the ubiquity of the trend you have lots of shopping options- from Chanel’s Mimosa, American Apparel’s Neon Yellow, and Sally Hansen’s Salon Effects in Electric Shock.

I really like American Apparel’s polish because its thick formula only needs one coat and dries fairly quickly.

If you want to go the fashion favorite route might I suggest Debroah Lippmann in Yellow Brick Road.

I find that while I love neon nail polish I often want to change it rather quickly since it can easily clash with outfits and accessories. The problem is when it comes to my nails I’m pretty lazy. I don’t always want to take the time to take polish off and do themselves, nor do I want to change polish quickly after I’ve spent money on a manicure. So in the summer I usually stick with a neutral or paler color like OPI’s Heart Throb on my fingers. But on my toes I go neon crazy!

Neon pedicures just look amazing in the sun and sand at the beach. And they look chic in the city on hot summer days!

I especially love Lara Stone’s collaboration shade with Debroah Lippmann- Double Dutch Orange -it works on any skin tone. It even makes my pale skin look subtly tan in comparison!

Hot pink is also universally flattering, looks great on nails and toes, and can match any outfit a little easier than, say, lime green. Try China Glaze’s Shocking Pink Neon or Milani’s Hot Pink.

Of course if even just your toes are too intense you can always try a french similar to what walked the runway at Tibi’s Fall 2011 collection.

So are you brave enough to wear neon? Or do you prefer to keep it subtle?

(Pictures Courtesy of NY Mag, Debroah Lippmann, American Apparel, All Lacquered Up, Style.Com)