This Christmas I was blessed to be able to spend a lot more time with my sister and her family than I usually do. She and her husband have two girls. The oldest is ten and growing so fast that we can’t keep up. The five-year old has more sass than she has height…not sure where she gets that from…Anyway, as my sister and I were on our annual Christmas Eve dummy mission (don’t ask), we naturally started talking about the kids. The baby is a fashionista in training. She loves clothes and takes her time getting dressed. The oldest likes picking out her own clothes nowadays, yet another reminder that she’ll be a teenager soon. The problem? She loves prints and enjoys putting them together lol.

My sister was bemoaning the fact that this adorable child refuses to select outfits that match (note that I said “select”; her mom rearranges her outfits before she wears them) and puts way too many prints together. I laughingly commented on the fact that the tween is actually keeping up with current fashion trends since putting multiple patterns together is no longer a faux pas as long as they “go”. For example, people who wear this trend well may try to mix a very neutral and understated print with a busier one, or simply find pieces with the same print but different sizes. It’s really just making sure that things complement each other…which is a basic style rule, fyi.

I’m not a fan of this trend myself. I’m extremely matchy-matchy, actually. Just ask any of my college roommates. However, I think this trend really reflects my developing viewpoint on life: Sometimes things won’t seem like they will fit or “match,” but the key is to find something complementary. As I grow older, I find myself departing from my self-imposed guidelines and rules and just letting things be. It’s much less stressful and shows that I have faith that things will be taken care of.

A quick Google search led me to this fashion site http://bit.ly/1lG6Mmu that does a great job of breaking down the do’s and don’ts for mixing prints. And while I don’t think I’ll be doing much mixing of prints myself, I am adapting a few of Jane Chung’s tips for other use.

         “Pair a neutral print with a busier one”

Make complicated issues work for you. For example, if you’re an educator and the copier is being dominated in your work area and you desperately need assignments copied, use this as an opportunity to work on your students’ penmanship and focus by having them write down the instructions for the assignment instead. In doing so, you will have gotten around your frustration about the captured copier, given your students a mini-lesson in a couple areas, and saved trees! (And of course this NEVER happens at schools…)

       “Use prints to draw the eye where you want it to go”

If you really don’t have the time or the energy to remedy a situation or issue, at least take the time to make sure that it’s not doing more damage than necessary. Many stylists talk about using belts to emphasize waistlines and jewelry to draw the eye upward if you have a prominent tummy. Translated into practical use: If there’s a problem you absolutely cannot change, then make the effort to change the things you can. This may sound like a prayer you’ve heard somewhere…

          “Add a solid item to break up the prints” and “Use accessories to dip your toe into mixing prints”

We really do have more power and control over things than we think. Even in situations that may seem out of your hands, you can always control your reactions and perceptions. If you’re in a chaotic environment you must be your own stabilizing “neutral.”

         “Keep your silhouette simple”

This tip is super easy to adapt: Keep it simple. If you have an insignificant issue, let it remain insignificant. Don’t give it more thought than it deserves.

I tend to stare too hard at the “prints” in my life (read: problems) and forget that some things are truly out of my control. It’s up to me to find the best way possible to dress up these prints and then LET THEM BE. Whenever I find myself worrying aloud to one of my parents, they quickly cut me off and remind me that many times we truly do speak/think things into existence. I’m trying to be more open-minded and optimistic as I grow older and experience different things. Who knows, maybe you’ll catch me mixing patterns soon.