The brights on spring

There’s colour on the horizon for men and women this season and fluorescent highlights are an easy way to bring a ray of sunshine to spring wardrobes

Louis Armstrong may not have cared what the weatherman said, but reports of endless grey drizzle are enough to get most of Britain complaining. When this coincides with rails and rails of summer stock being shipped into our favourite shops it makes buying anything appropriate a little tricky

Louis Armstrong may not have cared what the weatherman said, but reports of endless grey drizzle are enough to get most of Britain complaining. When this coincides with rails and rails of summer stock being shipped into our favourite shops it makes buying anything appropriate a little tricky.

After all, summer staples such as ice-cream colours and white look great when the sun is blazing, but are harder to pull off right now. That’s why the influx of neon as a colourful summer trend is actually something of a relief – Day-Glo shades add a bit of sunshine to your wardrobe when the real thing can’t be relied upon. There was neon on the catwalk for women and men for the new season – Simone Rocha, Versus and Sister by Sibling excelled for the former, while the latter should look to E Tautz, Topman Design and Agi & Sam for guidance.

While it may not be time to opt for the head-to-toe look as seen on the catwalk just yet, a flash of inspiration here and there is an easy way to be an early adopter of the trend. Just like when you were revising at school, highlights of fluorescent pink, green, yellow and orange are the easiest way to draw the eye. Neon separates – a bright skirt, say, or a jumper – will look great with black or denim but if even that seems a bit too bold, a belt, bag or even pair of shoes are easier ways to be an early adopter of the new season. Or if you really want to get fashion kudos, opt for a neon beanie – as favoured by the fashion set at the shows this season – and keep warm, while looking cool.

Dress £335, MGSM, my-wardrobe.com

Clutch £19.99, zara.com

Jumper £190, J Crew, net-a-porter.com