How to Style a Lime Green-Color Shirt

Perhaps the juiciest color you can reach for in that overstuffed closet is also one of the most perplexing to wear. Loud and proud lime green just needs the right accompaniment to make a statement without being overbearing on the eyes. It can be kicked down a few octaves with peaceful neutrals, be the star in a simple pairing with black or scream from the rooftops in combination with other sunny brights.

Far from being a color just for beach parties, lime green can work in more serious settings, like your office internship or a college interview. Take a lime-colored sleeveless blouse in an airy silk and match it with a gray skirt or pantsuit to work on its own or as a camisole layer with a jacket. A drapey lime-green blouse and a black pencil skirt look ready for business with black slingback heels and a slim black leather briefcase bag. Remember that lime green is your bling and keep accessories pared down so your top takes center stage. Guys can save the lime green shirt for a nighttime look set off by black pants; keep the lime to a tie accenting a dark gray suit for a more sophisticated look.

For a sizzling summertime look, take a lime-hued V-neck burnout tee and slip it over a flowered bikini for a cover-up that's anything but dowdy. When indoor wear is called for, add a pair of cool white cotton shorts and embellished thong sandals in a surprise color such as pink. A lime green button-down shirt slips easily over a white or flowery sundress or minidress for a bit of extra coverage. Add leather or raffia wedge sandals and a white, pink or aqua canvas tote to play up the colors of summer. Men can channel a day on the shore with a lime-colored button-down untucked over white longboard shorts and finished off with brown leather sandals.

Lime green gets you noticed with no help needed from its friends on the neon spectrum, but a palette of brights can boldly announce that summertime is a year-round frame of mind. A lime green top can pair boldly with similarly eye-popping hues of electric blue, hot pink and vibrant orange in the form of simple shorts, pants or skirts. Yellow can be used for a lemon-lime monochromatic feel; just make sure that the lime and yellow shades being used are distinct enough that it doesn't look like you tried to match but missed the mark. You can also add your brights via accessories, such as a lime top and jeans with an orange leather handbag.

Olive may be the first green you reach for when planning a neutral color scheme, but amp up that green to a succulent lime to take your neutrals up a notch. A lime T-shirt gives a sassy edge to utilitarian khaki cargo pants and hiking boots, a look that works for the guys as well. A flirty lime blouse richly complements basic brown slacks; make these corduroy pants for a cool retro look. With this base to work from, add a colorful satchel, embellished clutch or strappy heels in warm tones such as amber or gold. Or, add just a squeeze of lime to casual neutral layers, such as khaki shorts, a lime tank, white cardigan or hoodie and dark brown sandals.