E-Mail This Article to a Friend The clash Patterns, colors, and fabrics collide this fall BY NINA SCHWARTZ

Boston is a lovely place to live. It’s small enough to walk in one day, but big enough that you find something new each time — and you can find baked scrod and gourmet sashimi on the same block. Is it, as Oliver Wendell Holmes once said, the hub of the universe? That’s up for debate. But is it the hub of the fashion universe? Sadly, no. Boston stores frequently are more than a few steps behind. They often pick up trends a month in, sometimes overlooking cutting-edge styles in favor of the new fleece from the North Face. And one fad this season has been decidedly passed over on the streets of Beantown: mismatching.

Fashion nowadays is no longer exclusive. We scrutinize runway shows via the Style Network, we read Vogue, we watch Sex and the City. We have tapped into the force of couture. We get it. So what do we do with all this power? Naturally, we take it upon ourselves finally to wear what has been, in the past, verboten. You might not see this up and down Newbury Street, but just because Boston is behind the times doesn’t mean you have to be.

Personally, I’ve been mismatching my clothes since I was old enough to dress myself. But for those of you still chained to the drudgery of color-coordination, we’ll take baby steps. Mixing fabrics is probably the most basic and subtle way to start. Try a pair of flannel grandpa-plaid trousers ($138) from J. Crew with a satin-and-lace shell cami ($39.99) from Banana Republic. Or how about corduroys ($49.99) from the Gap, paired with a waffled long-sleeved T with a velour-trimmed, off-the-shoulder neckline ($58) by Rebecca Beeson, available at Jasmine Sola. Look at that! Three seemingly contrasting fabrics in one fluid outfit!

Colors are the next step. Benetton’s fall runway line looks like ROY G. BIV exploded: green sweater with blue tights and yellow pumps, blue jacket with purple sweater, rainbow shirt with yellow tights and purple shoes — all in the brightest, loudest shades imaginable. Try Banana Republic’s satin-stripe tank sweater in royal purple ($37.99) with a J. Crew denim pencil skirt ($68) and a pair of Jonathan Aston tights in yellow ($9), available at Mytights.com. Pull it all together (in a not-at-all sort of way) with a pair of leather Steven by Steve Madden pumps in electric blue ($89). Or for a daring and mod look, go all-black except for Steven by Steve Madden’s pink-blue-red-and-yellow suede Bettina boots ($199.95). You get the picture.

Now you’re ready, young grasshopper, to delve into patterns. And here’s where you don’t need my help, because virtually anything goes. The Gap’s new "How do you wear it" campaign features a tweed plaid blazer ($68) over an argyle sweater ($29.99) over a checked shirt ($29.99). Throw in some Chinese Laundry snakeskin pumps ($54) from Jasmine Sola. Or try J. Crew’s leopard-print cardigan ($88) over a pinstriped shirt with a horizontal-stripe tie belt ($28). How about pinstriped pants ($118) from Banana Republic with a brown-and-pink polka-dot tote ($145) from Luna and pink paisley corduroy ballet flats ($138) from J. Crew? Well, for gosh sakes, why not?

So you see, though frightening at first, this new style is a blessing. No longer (or at least for the remainder of the season) must you drag your girlfriend/boyfriend/husband/salesclerk into the dressing room to reflect on the preciseness of your outfit coordination. Just let go, close your eyes, and grab something. Chances are, it goes with what’s in your closet.

Where to find it:

• Banana Republic, various locations; www.bananarepublic.com

• Gap, various locations; www.gap.com

• J. Crew, various locations; www.jcrew.com

• Jasmine Sola, 344 Newbury Street, Boston, (617) 867-4636; 37A Brattle Street, Cambridge, (617) 354-6043; www.jasminesola.com

• Luna Boston, 286 Newbury Street, Boston, (617) 262-3900.

• Steve Madden, various locations; www.stevemadden.com