There are millions of different colors in the world and even more shades! That's a lot of options when it comes to dressing children. After my first child, I quickly realized that not all baby clothes go together and a lot of patterns, mixed with colors, mixed with shades, mixed with fabrics, created a very hectic attire. I felt overwhelmed just having had a baby and decided one area of parenthood I could streamline was my child’s wardrobe. I created a color rule for his clothes.  Call it a baby uniform if you will.  Our gift-giving extended families were confused and it took some time to get everyone onboard. When we received a gift outside our colors scheme, I would try to return or regift it (most often the clothes were lovely, but I was relentless in making things easier and this felt like the best way forward). What were our colors you wonder? Red, white, and blue. Patriot? Maybe. But I also just think these colors often go well together. It might also be the reason so many countries use these colors on their flag. 

Yes, there were times I faltered. There were moments I was out of my element, and purchased a yellow hat! (God forbid my husband or mother tried to do that). And yes, most of the time I had buyer’s remorse after going outside my tri-color rule. How long did this last? How long can one mom stick to these self-inflicted limitations? Only until I had a daughter. It started with me seeing flexibility in the variations of red. I would ‘allow’ things to bleed over into a light pink. Eventually a bright pink. Eventually bright colored flowers of all sorts! Do I think our lives are better for this? Hard to say. I think a dress might be the easiest thing to get a child dressed in. I don’t have to match anything beyond bloomers, socks and a sweater. Once I let things slide with our daughter it seemed to be a free for all. I switched out my eldest son’s blue pieces for green. It is a conscious effort but when I did an overhaul of his closet during his last birthday, I made the switch all at one time. I love green and am happy to expand into another color. But hear me now, getting dressed in the morning is not nearly as easy as it was when I was sticking to three complimentary colors. As I learned from the French, everything needs a framework and within this safe space you can run wild. I feel when it comes to fashion, I need a framework and keeping my millions of color options limited to three gave me freedom in simplicity. 

Christine Russell Janis writes about life as a mom of four kids, living abroad, and travel on her life & style website ashadeofrose.com. You can also follow on social media @a.shade.of.rose.