Outfit Of The Day (DailyBuzz Style 9x9 Challenge: Neon + Neutrals)

 ♫: When I'm Small - Phantogram

I was super excited to be selected for DailyBuzz Style's 9x9 Challenge this month because it is all about one of my favorite spring trends: neons and neutrals.

It has been all over the runways for the past few seasons:

{l to r: christian siriano SS2012, michael kors R2012, tibi SS2012 - via style.com}

And has now been popping up left and right in magazines, fashion blogs, and retail stores aplenty.

What I like most about this trend is how easy it is to do. Sure, all my fellow Children Of The Early 90's are probably thinking, "Kelly Kapowski 101, bitch please--I still have all my slap bracelets!" (and if that isn't what you're thinking, well...I'm at a total loss) but while this trend might be a little influenced by what we saw nearly 20 years ago, like any good fashion trend it is now reinventing itself into something a bit more fresh and sophisticated. It is also easier to wear this time around, with no bejeweled t-shirt clips or LA Looks for your crunchy permed hair required.

Yes yes, I said it: it is easier to wear. Neon colors are blindingly bright and therefore can be pretty darn daunting to bedeck in large doses, but that's where the neutrals come in. The main trick is to mix the neon color with enough neutrals hues to subdue it to your own personal comfort (and taste) level; this helps keep the overall look chic, sophisticated, and hopefully tame. Try pairing neon greens with camels; neon pinks with taupes and grays; neon blue with corals or rusty reds, neon purples with mustardy or pale yellows, and neon yellows with navy and dusty olive greens.

The easiest way to work this trend is with accessories. If you usually reach for a brown or black belt to wear with your outfits, try swapping it with a neon belt instead. Try pairing sleek spring sheaths with a bold pair of pumps, and be on the lookout for cheap neon-hued jewelry at places like H&M, Forever 21, ALDO Accessories, and other 'discount' retailers. They have lots to choose from at the moment (especially in store), and you will get just enough wear out of those items to not feel too guilty for when the trend inevitably dies out or moves on.

Want even more tips and ideas on how to rock this trend? Head over to See Chloe Shop for a special 'Trend Watch' post dedicated to this very topic, too.

This is how I'm wearing neons and neutrals at the moment--how about you? ❤

(I am still missin' my DSLR, blargh.)

 Top: J Crew Talitha Blouse in "Vintage Berry" (buy it here) (similar here) (similar here, on sale) (similar at F21)

Belt: Forever 21, old (similar at F21 here) (similar here) (similar here) (similar here)

Skirt: Forever 21 (similar here) (& a pleated option here)

Ring: Banana Republic Tigers Eye Ring, old (similar at Ann Taylor)

Watch: Michael Kors Blaire Watch in Espresso (buy it here) (similar by Fossil)

Shoes: Christian Louboutin Greissimo Nude Pumps, old (similar here) (similar at Ann Taylor) (similar by Louboutin)

Bag:Hayden-Harnett for Target (similar here) (similar here) (similar by Rebecca Minkoff)

Nail polish: Essie Mamba (buy it here)

Lip color to match the nails: Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Belle Du Jour (buy it here)