Summer's shocking color palette isn't for the timid. Flashes of neon are adding a sporty feel to warm-weather dressing that's a throwback to the roots of Southern California beachwear. Think Body Glove and Sarah Jessica Parker's character in "L.A. Story."

Adding neon accents is an easy way to update the casual summer gear you already have in your closet. It can be as easy as slipping neon laces into your sneakers (Converse has them in several colors), or giving yourself a neon-pink pedicure (Essie has several great shades).

Just be sure to temper neon pieces with basic denim, black or white for a clean graphic contrast. Piling on competing colors runs the risk of looking more Punky Brewster than Pop Art.

Los Angeles Times