BEYOND THE BLUE AND WHITE | KAIROS GLOBAL | NOVEMBER 2026

Author: Sangeetha Joseph 

Audio

Intro: What we wear does not add worth to us, children of God, writes Sangeetha Joseph.

Coco Chanel, one of the most influential fashion designers of the twentieth century, expressed a broader understanding of fashion: ‘Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street; fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live.’ The other day, I attended a school Mass where the priest asked the students who they were planning to dress up as for All Saints’ Day. One by one, the children called out names of different saints. 

Then a little girl, perhaps ten or eleven years old, stood up and said that she wanted to dress up as Mother Teresa of Calcutta. 

The priest asked her, ‘Why do you want to choose Mother Teresa?’ 

Her answer caught my attention. 

‘I love her outfit,’ she said. ‘I love the blue lines on the white.’ 

Then she added something even more beautiful: 

‘And she fed the poor.’

For some reason, her simple answer stayed with me. Perhaps it was because I was reflecting on writing this article. Mother Teresa died decades before this little girl was even born. For her, Mother Teresa could easily have been someone she knew only through a storybook, photographs, or something she had learned at school. Yet this child was drawn to her. Yes, she noticed the simple blue-and-white sari. She noticed the clothing – the outward appearance. But somehow, that appearance led her to something much deeper: love for the poor, humility, compassion, faith, and a life given in service to others. 

What a beautiful picture of what our outward appearance can do. Perhaps the question is not whether our clothing should say something about us. It inevitably does. The deeper question is: What does it point to? That little girl's answer reminded me that what we wear may be the first thing someone notices, but it does not have to be the last thing they see. 

Do Everything for the Glory of God

The Bible does not give us a catalogue of acceptable fashion trends for every generation. Styles change. Cultures change. What is considered fashionable changes. Even our understanding of appropriate clothing can differ from one culture to another. Perhaps an important principle we can keep in mind when choosing our fashion or personal style is this: Does it give glory to God?

The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that ‘the world was made for the glory of God’ (CCC 293). Everything God has created is meant to reveal and communicate His goodness, truth, and beauty. We, too, are created with a purpose – to know, love, and glorify our Creator. St Paul reminds us, Whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). This principle can be lived out in everything we do – in fashion, personal style, clothing style, architecture, our work, our creativity, and every gift and talent God has entrusted to us.

From Trends to Truth 

Looking back on my childhood, I remember how special it felt to receive a new dress or a school bag, perhaps once a year. We had few choices and did not think much about constantly changing styles or trends. What we had was often enough, and receiving something new was a joyful occasion. Today, fashion is not limited to clothing. It encompasses accessories, jewellery, hairstyles, hair colour, hair products, nail care and colours, skincare, makeup, fragrances, personal style, beauty trends, and even how we present ourselves on social media. It has become a way young people express identity, belonging, confidence, and individuality. Recent research shows that Gen Z spends a substantial portion of its disposable income on clothing and shoes, with younger generations spending about 7% more on these items than older generations. A Piper Sandler survey of more than 13,500 US teenagers found that clothing accounted for 20% of teen spending, followed by food at 19%. Shoes accounted for another 8%, while fashion accessories represented 5%. Together, clothing, shoes, and fashion accessories made up roughly one-third of the spending categories measured in the survey. 

As fashion and personal appearance have become increasingly important in our culture, the challenge also grows for those who seek to remain rooted in Christian values. As a mother raising teenagers, I have seen firsthand how discouraged and frustrated they can feel before a wardrobe, trying to find something that is fashionable, comfortable, and still faithful to Christian values of modesty. Many people understand that modesty is important, yet may still wonder what it truly means in everyday life. Perhaps the best place to begin is with this beautiful truth as Apostle Paul reminds us, For we are God’s masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10). Just as a gifted artist carefully brings a canvas to life with every brushstroke, God has lovingly fashioned each one of us with intention and purpose. Our features, personalities, talents, strengths, and even the qualities we sometimes consider imperfections are part of the uniqueness of His creation. As Rick Warren says, ‘God made you one of a kind.’

The Royal Identity 

The world may teach us to chase perfection, but God invites us to embrace the identity He has lovingly given us. What, then, is our true identity? Scripture gives us a beautiful answer. St Peter reminds us: You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people (1 Peter 2:9). What is Royal Priesthood? It means that our identity begins with belonging to Christ the King. If we know we are beloved sons and daughters of the King, already known and loved by our Heavenly Father, do I need a particular brand to tell me that I am worthy? Do I need a certain accessory to make me feel beautiful? Like the little girl who was attracted to Mother Teresa, one of the simplest people to have lived, who owned just two pairs of saris, do the latest trends, brands, colours, and beauty products really make me more beautiful in the eyes of the world? Or am I already secure in the beauty and dignity of being a child of God? 

There is nothing wrong with enjoying beautiful things, caring for our appearance, or expressing our personal style. But perhaps we need to remember that these things can enhance our appearance, but they can never increase our worth. Because before we ever chose a hairstyle, wore a beautiful dress, put on a piece of jewellery, or followed a fashion trend, God had already called us His own. We do not need to decorate ourselves to become worthy of love. We are already loved. As the Psalmist in 139:13-14 says, For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that fully well. 

A small old tale that comes to my mind. A man was invited to a grand banquet. Because he had been working all day, he arrived in his ordinary, plain, and slightly worn clothes. The host and the guests ignored him, placed him at the very edge of the table and offered him no food. He quietly slipped out, went home, and put on his finest, expensive and heavily embroidered fur coat. When he returned to the banquet, the host bowed deeply, seated him at the head of the table, and served him the finest delicacies. Instead of eating, he began taking spoonfuls of soup and pouring them into his fur coat, whispering, ‘Eat, Coat, Eat!’ When the astonished host asked what he was doing, he replied, ‘When I came in my regular clothes, you offered me nothing. When I returned in this coat, you gave me a feast. Therefore, the food belongs to the trend, not to me. My Worth did not change between visits, only my fabric. Our worth too does not change as we change fashion. Our worth belongs in Christ.

A social worker by profession, Sangeetha Joseph resides in the US with her husband and their four children. Beyond professional and family life, she is actively involved in parish ministries. Her interests include singing, baking, and lending a compassionate ear to those in need. Through her faith and service, she hopes to make a positive difference in the lives of others.