You’ve seen her before. She’s just a little over 40 but looks twice her age. Her hair–in a ponytail that touches the elastic waistband of her mom jeans–hasn’t been cut in 10 years. But that’s all about to change. You see, it’s reveal day.

As she steps through her wall-sized “before” picture, the audience gasps, her children tear up, her husband can’t wait to get her home, and her rescue-team members discuss their makeover strategies. She’s a little over 40, but now she looks half her age. The applause is deafening.

I imagine myself in her shoes; daydreaming about how confident she must feel. And then she’s asked, “Will you keep this look?”

I’m jolted from my dream state by my own response–“Heck, no!”

The Trouble with Extreme Makeovers

Yes, I’ve oohed and aahed while watching makeover shows. But the reality is that the people being made over aren’t likely to keep the looks. At least, that’s my reality. The haircut, the color, the clothes–there are just too many pieces to the fashion puzzle that also have to fit in with my life of many details (a life years away from being considered an empty nest, I might add).

But I do want to have that well-put-together look. I just don’t want to spend hours trying to make it happen. I guess what I want is effortless style. I want to be a fashion-ease-ta!

Applying the Kaizen Philosophy to Style

Since I discovered the Kaizen philosophy, I’ve been applying it to different areas of my life. Kaizen is a philosophy of making little changes on a regular basis. Because the steps are so small, the changes bypass the tendency to be overwhelmed and scared. As a result, “one-thinging it” creates the kind of momentum that produces big, long-lasting results. So why not apply that same approach to fashion?

One-Thing Makeover

If you want to re-invent your style, make one change at a time. Everyone can make one change. Here are a few ideas to get you started on your one-thing makeover:

• Read in style.
Changing something as simple as your reading glasses can give you a fresh, new look.

• Shape your brows.
The Middle Eastern practice of eyebrow threading has become a popular way to remove hair. It’s also known to last longer than other hair-removal techniques.

• Get your curves back.
Try these Japanese-inspired obi belts to cinch your waistline.

• Get a flattering haircut.
Whether your hair is long, short, or thinning, you can find a cut that’s especially flattering for women over 40.

• Change your mind.
Vow not to say another unkind word about yourself or your body. This tip that I got from a colleague can completely change the way you feel about yourself and therefore change the way you present yourself to the world.

I believe everyone can benefit from a one-thing makeover, whether you’re completely style-challenged or have all 10 of the essentials that should be in every woman’s wardrobe.

So, what one thing will you do?