Then: There wasn’t anything muted about the ’80s, a message that came through loud and clear with the neon trend. Fluorescence flourished in virtually everything, from pants and oversized sweatshirts to accessories and assorted athletic wear — often worn all at once. With Boy George, Cyndi Lauper, and the general public regularly strutting their stuff in blinding highlighter tones, it’s no surprise wearing sunglasses at night was also in vogue.

Now: Hot hues are once again a certified trend in the fashion world and we’re happy to report that neon is now being used with a bit more discretion. Instead of going head-to-toe in highlighter neon, today’s runways, retailers, and fashionistas look to fluorescent statement pieces and accessories for calculated touches of neon. The end result? Modern looks that still have that head turning effect.