Pair it Down

Runway looks we loved: Ralph Lauren, Alessandro Dell’Acqua, Acquascutum

How do you best incorporate a neon top, pastel pair of jeans, or jewel-toned ballet flats? With a dash of summer white or cream! Ease into the trend by pairing something vibrant with a pair of cream pants, or your favorite white tee. This way you’re sure to level the brightness of one of your garments against a subtler shade that still pops, but without the same attention. Another option is to pair it with another neutral shade -- we think the trend works best with a black or beige for contrast. Some basic brights we liked were the Dara Tunic, ($22.80), the Open Back Shift Tunic ($19.80) and the Tiered Voile Top ($17.80, all Forever 21). Add some brightness on the bottom with these Favorite-Fit Stretch Cropped Chinos, ($49.50, J.Crew) in sweet papaya or soft fuchsia, the Chino 3" Short ($39.50, J.Crew), or these Habitual Florid Stretch 'Velocity' Tapered Jeans ($110, Bluefly.com). And now for our white/neutral selections -- try the Lurex Linen Cuffed Short ($58, Arden B) Canvas Trouser ($78, Arden B), the White Denim Mini ($24.50, Old Navy) or finally the Linen Pencil Skirt, ($26.50, also Old Navy). We didn’t forget about your white tee; find a new favorite in this Alternative Apparel Burnout Tee, ($35, AlternativeApparel.com).

Monochromatic, in Moderation

Runway looks we loved: Jayson Brunsdon, Lanvin, Ferragamo, Angel Chang

Even though Rainbow Brite is a super cool character, you don’t quite want to emulate her outfit, unless of course it’s Halloween. In other words refrain from wearing a plethora of different bright colors together. If you crave a strong burst of color in your wardrobe, try a dress in a modern silhouette, like a bubble or empire waist. We would go with either the Abby Halter Dress, ($108, Guess), the Woven-Trim Racerback Dress ($54.50, The Gap), or the Side Pocket Dress ($16.50, Wet Seal).

Accessorize!

Runway looks we loved: Abaete, Andew Gn, Luella Bartley, Prada, Mulberry, Missoni

If you’re not sure how heavily you want to invest in the trend, or are feeling a bit timid about drawing attention to your body via an electric hue, go for an accessory instead. A handbag will certainly add a punch of color, and you can take it up a notch by trying a patent leather material. Spice up your footwear collection with a dose of color and pair with jeans or neutral-colored dress or skirt. Our footwear picks include the Patent T-Strap Sandals ($11.99, Old Navy), the Patent Slides ($10.49, also Old Navy), Michael Kors Orange Leather 'Westside' Flats, ($59, Bluefly.com) and the Luichiny Miami Pumps in a luxe shade of green ($109.95, Shoebuy.com). If you’d like to add a punch of color via your handag, we love a bright color and patent leather fabrication, like found here in this Sigrid Olsen Nora Patent Leather Satchel ($79.99, SmartBargains.com). At a lower price point, we found a plethora of must-have bags at Target, plus you can search by color to find exactly what you’re looking for! We recommend the NYC by Perlina Patent Clutch Handbag in cobalt ($24.49), the Mossimo Small Top-Zip Bag in Green ($15.29), or the Xhilaration Satchel (also in green, $16.99). A slightly more subtle option is the Melie Bianco Rouched Satchel in orange ($75, Piperlime.com) .

Now that you know how to wear it and pair it, go ahead and brighten up your wardrobe with a pastel purse, citrus-hued top, or neon chiffon dress!

--Julia DiNardo