Trendy Neon for Women Over 40

Update your look with a bright pop of color. The trendy neon lime green, fuchsia or shocking orange shown this year can be tricky to implement when you are over forty. If you wore this trend when it first came around, either in the 60's or the 80's, then you need to be more strategic about following the fashion herd. Luckily, it only takes a tiny bit of a neon bright to create a fashion-forward look that doesn't look like you are stuck in the past.

Walk past the rubber neon bracelets and the punk graffiti wanna-be T-shirts. You can grab a bit of the thrill neon brings without looking like you raided your daughter's closet.

Tasteful ways to add the cheap thrill of neon to your wardrobe:

Neutral base

Wear a basic base outfit in white, tan, gray or black. For example, a LBD with a pair of strappy sandals with neon accents and a small bright purse adds just enough pop. Be careful with the black and neon combo though. Too much contrast can have an unfortunate NASCAR effect.

Make-up

A bright swipe of color on your lips, or a line of shocking eyeliner can work on ladies over forty. Choose one feature and play it up with a bright color. The trick is to wear it occasionally, not everyday, everywhere. You do not want to be known as the "woman with the day-glo lips." Paint your nails with a swipe of neon to get a feel for how you look in a particular color.

Purse

My favorite way to add a new trend is to change up the color of my purse. There are plenty of fun options when it comes to the neon trend for 2011. Carry a large, practical tote with bold color-blocking, or hold a little neon wallet to let it be known that you are on top of all things stylish.

Accessories

Juicy brights are a great way to add a pop of color to your outfit. Look for unique earrings, belts or necklaces with bright colors woven throughout. Steer clear of cheap-looking items that are designed for tweens. Instead look to more upscale versions. A gauzy neon scarf is a great addition to a summer wardrobe. Loosely wrap a lime green scarf around your shoulders for a classy accent.

Dress or blouse

If you truly want to make a statement and have the personality to pull it off, there are some great neon-inspired dresses on the market for summer 2011. For example, Mod Cloth's Truth or Lime dress is an adorable way to add color without shocking the neighbors. Neon Buddha shows lots of inspiring ways to add color, like this pocket tank shown with a floppy hat and white pants.

Workout clothes

Nordic Track has a collection of bright bra tops, tanks and exercise pants that will get you to the gym on time. Adidas is also showing brights this season that are worth investing in. Choose a color that makes you happy. For me, that color is orange. A bright orange top turns up the volume on my workout.

Floral mix

Runway fashion included an interesting mix of floral and neon. The result was a decidedly girlie look that can be easily copied. A favorite floral pattern blouse, accented with a bright camisole underneath and pulled together with a bright belt is one way to wear the look.

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