The economy might be dark and dreary, but the designers ruling the highly anticipated New York Fashion Week are determined to flash the runways with their own bright colors of neon pinks, greens and yellows. Polished yet casual styles are also on the top list, among other surprises to be showcased to department store buyers.

The outlook is neon and bright for this year's New York's spring and summer fashion collection, according to a Reuters report.

The New York Fashion Week starts on Thursday. It is followed by events in London, Paris and Milan.

"Dressing up is the new cool, dressing down is old school," said Neiman Marcus Fashion Director Ken Downing.

Gnawing fears of a recession will not put down the stylists targeting department stores preparing the collections of new trendy fashion lines for the warmer months to excite consumers and encourage spending when they hit the stalls early next year.

"Designers are thinking about what does the customer not have and what ultimately will do well at retail, and customers respond to color," Downing said of what he expected to see at New York Fashion Week.

"I'm loving that contrast of neon, fluorescent color on top of bold, bright color," Downing said. "I hope that we do see more of it ... this accent of neon has a real newness."

High-End Shoppers are still Splurging

The U.S. economic recovery may be wavering and consumer confidence has wallowed at a two-year low, but people are definitely still shelling out money for good clothes. High-end department stores have earned the largest gains in sales and U.S. retail sales posted the biggest increase in four months in July.

Buyers from Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom are also expecting to see a sportswear influence on the New York runways. Gregg Andrews, a Nordstrom fashion director, describes a sportswear in today's fashion context.

"It really just means separates. It means separates that can be mixed and matched together," Andrews said. "Women no longer have separate wardrobes. ... They want pieces that do multiple things in their lives."

"We definitely think the whole idea of minimalism is going to continue with very clean streamlined pieces," he said.

Runway looks will be "clean, sleek and modern," said Fashion expert Jill Martin, author of "I Have Nothing to Wear!"

"Designers are concentrating on the details of their lines to show the importance of cut as well as color and print," she said. "You'll see subtle hues, neutrals, earthy tones, and monochromatic looks with accents of vibrant colors."

Almost a hundred designers are due to show collections for spring/summer 2012 to retail buyers, media and celebrities during New York Fashion Week, with dozens more showing at other venues around the city in time for the grand semi-annual event.