MY FASHION FASTING JOURNEY | KAIROS GLOBAL | NOVEMBER 2026

Author: Jyothsna DSouza

Audio

Intro: Jyothsna DSouza shares how she abstains from mindless buying.

Fasting is a way to discipline oneself, particularly during Lent. Other reasons for fasting can include strengthening prayer, expressing repentance, or interceding for others. Beyond these, motives could be purely self-driven, such as developing self-mastery, overcoming an addiction, or something as mundane as losing weight. 

For me, discipline and self-mastery are necessary to make a sincere offering to the Lord. Simply giving up sweets or meat wasn’t too difficult. As I thought about what else I could give up, my mind turned to a few challenges in my life, those little areas that needed improvement. 

When I opened my wardrobe and an avalanche of clothes literally tumbled over me, I found my problem. I was a very disciplined shopper, really. I didn’t shop for occasions, but I loved occasions to shop, avoiding anything full-priced, no matter how attractive it was. But if I saw a beautiful, heavily discounted piece, I got a huge dopamine kick – the thrill of discovering a perfect outfit for a steal. The downside of this strategy was that great outfits were on discount everywhere: in malls, online and in thrift shops. 

When stuffing my clothes back in the wardrobe became an ordeal, and my shoes wouldn’t fit in the shoe rack, I decided this was one area of my life that really needed discipline. This was going to be my year of fashion fasting – no buying clothes, shoes, jewellery, or any items for a year. Period. The easy way out when you have an overloaded cupboard is to give things away, but I didn’t stop at that. My fasting began in November, and so my Christmas outfit was a repeat. Normally, I would have felt conscious about not having a new dress, but strangely what I experienced was high self-esteem. 

Being a mother to two daughters, I have to keep visiting shops and malls to buy things for them. Temptations are always around: gorgeous shades, exquisite fabrics, intricate embroidery, flattering cuts…the perfect dress.  I remind myself of my promise to the Lord, who has blessed me bountifully with all that I need.  That is what gives me the strength to resist. 

Now, whenever I see a beautiful dress with a 75% off tag, I feel great not because of the dress itself, but because I have the willpower to resist that temptation. That gives me a bigger dopamine kick – the ability to say NO! 

Some tips to get you through the temptations that fashion brings: look out for lasting fabrics and designs that transcend trends. Balance your collection with a few outfits for every occasion, so you are not trapped into emergency shopping. Fashion fasting is not denial. It is a treat to yourself, a boost to your self-confidence, as you lead an eco-friendly life and make sustainable choices, and most importantly, seek first the kingdom of God. 

If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith? So do not worry and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear?’ All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides (Matthew 6:30-33).

Jyothsna DSouza is a Chartered Accountant and a mother of three, with a passion for writing, involvement in social causes and designing creatives to evangelise.