Customer Reviews

Casual Power:: How to Power Up Your Nonverbal Communication & Dress Down for Success

5 star:		(30)
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3 star:		(4)
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1 star:		(2)

 

 

For women, most of what department stores carry is "failure clothing"-learn how to spot it and how to avoid it. First read John T. Molloy's original "Women's Dress for Success" from the 1970's-the scientific research gives the essential understanding that clothing and colors have on other's psyches. John gives the psychology behind the color and style and Sherry will show you how to put "current classics" together in a cost effective "Capsule Wardrobe". Both teach you how to "cross shop"-go to the most expensive store in town and look at, feel, try on (but don't buy) a skirt suit. Then go to the cheapest and do the same-it's fun even for someone who really hates to shop.

As a female scientist for a proclaimed "business casual" large male-dominated corporation, I decided to try a little "experiment" on my coworkers about 3 months ago (poor buggers didn't know they were lab rats). I wore the color combinations Molloy suggests and the current classics Maysonave shows in Casual Power. I was both angry and delighted. I was angry that nothing has really changed much in 30 years-my male coworkers can dress like man-children (short-sleeved plaid shirts and rumply dockers) while I'm treated equivalently or better only when wearing a skirt suit with the right color combinations (2 colors, solids, high contrast). I'm also delighted that this really works! The change in the way I'm treated and the way I feel in my clothes works in harmony to command more respect, confidence and opportunity in the workplace.

Formerly a devout garage-sale junkie I am now a "no more 'McSly'" convert with a streamlined "capsule" wardrobe. Imagine compliments like "wow" and "great job" and "I'd like you on this project" and "I need your opinion on this". John showed me how to avoid "failure clothing" (butterfly barrettes, sailboats, flowers, rounded collars, mustard or lavender suits) and Sherry showed me how to turn 3 suits, a few shirts, a few pieces of jewelry, 2 pr. of shoes and 3 scarves into a great wardrobe.

I am an image consultant. I give seminars and workshops for corporations on the importance of appearance and corporate protocol in the business world. One of my major seminars deals with the problem of looking like a professional in a dressed-down world. Sherry's book is the best I have ever read on the subject. In fact, it is so good that I am using it in all my seminars as a textbook. And I have given it as a gift to all my private clients as well. The book is clear, crisp and utterly professional. It has wonderful illustrations and clear explanations for the psychology behind color and style. And it gives excellent guidelines for dressing well at every level of business dressing whether dot.com casual or more traditional and conservative. I couldn't recommend it more highly, except to say I wish I had written it myself. Adele Riepe, Image Solutions, New York

Sherry's book is enjoyable, informative and timely. It was much needed in an age where many companies are struggling with the definition of casual attire in their workplace. I've recommended this book very highly to several of my colleages who have founded Internet or dot-com startups and have to deal with blue jeans and torn tee-shirts, even in the front office. In an industry where even the slightest competitive advantage can translate into a several million-dollar contract, the power of personal presentation is ever-so important and Sherry Maysonave provides readers with several formulas for success. It was a quick read which was essential for the millions out there like me who have 70-80 hour work weeks. Her examples of "what not-to-do" were extremely informative as were all of the psychological details behind each approach, especially for those who may "overlook" the impact that even slight changes to their attire can have. Highly recommended. Must read for employees wanting to increase and solidify their personal personna - all HR managers worldwide should be distributing to their new employees!!

Whether you are a pro at putting outfits together or a bumbling brut (me), CASUAL POWER by Sherry Maysonave will lend some insight into what's right and what's not in the world of business casual. I know a number of people able to string outfits together but making an impact or statement with non-formal clothing takes skill, taste and experience. Someone like me who has spent a small fortune on clothing to make it easier to put outfits together will really benefit from Ms. Maysonave's book. At the very least, I've made some progress in understanding clothing faux pas' and coordinating shirts, slacks, shoes and sport coats. And whether one wants to admit it or not, appearances do matter.

Casual (and perhaps Grunge) dress has long been the norm for high-tech environments. I consulted for a software company during the 90's that sported a dozen or so software engineers. These guys and gals had an unwritten credo to determine who could wear the most disgusting, outrageous T-shirt, on a daily basis. While it provided much-needed comic relief, it was tragic nonetheless.

For most men going casual, the challenge lies in locating the compromise between too stuffy and weekend slob. With the interpretation of casual so varied, Ms. Maysonave offers a general rule of thumb - remember there's a difference between casual dress and business casual dress. Additionally, no matter what one decides to wear to work, conducting business is the name of the game. For me, the need to change from "Dockers" casual to business casual came with too many unexpected client drop-ins and opportunities to meet new clients.

Regardless one's profession, if suit and tie aren't required, tasteful business attire is still appropriate and, in most circles, expected. This is particularly true of many of the successful individuals and those getting ahead in front of the trend.

CASUAL POWER is an easy-to-read book with many illustrations, color photos and tips to ensure success in dressing down powerfully. I highly recommend this book for most professionals, particularly those adhering to a casual dress code.

After seeing Sherry Maysonave on the 'Today Show' I have to admit that I was somewhat curious about her book and so I decided to buy it. I actually did this more with my son in mind than myself. As Greg is gettng ready to graduate from the University of Colorado in Boulder just the thoughtof what he might wear to his interviews was enoughto keep me awake at night! And even if he somehow could manage to pull something together for the interviews, what he would wear once he got the jobwas even scarier! Reading "Casual Power" was like a dream come true.Not only should this book be sold in every univesity and college book store in the country, in my mind it should be considered as a 'requiredreading assignment' in some business classes.....I thought this book was such a great tool that I ordered 5 copies as 'college graduation' giftsfor my sons friends. They're all on their way into the working world w/varying engineering/computer science type degrees...and yet most of them have little or NO sense of how to go about puting together a wardrobe that will work easily and asssure them of always being 'appropriately casual' No doubt a lot of people are going to find this book to be a very useful tool but for college grads...it's a no brainer!

"Casual Power" went right to my problem area. I have only been in the 'working world' for two years. Within the first year of my job, they switched the company's policy from 'business attire' to 'business casual.' While the initial announcement excited me (being straight out of college- I had TONS of casual clothes!), I then realized that it would be harder to dress each morning because I wasn't sure as to what 'business casual' actually meant- nor did they have a clear description.

After reading Sherry's book I was able to distinguish between 'business casual' and 'too casual,' and shop for the basic essentials to get me started out right.

Thanks Sherry...it was time someone addressed this issue!

This book is intended for anyone who doesn't need to wear a uniform to work because the whole workplace, and culture that matter (have you looked around your church lately?), is getting more casual but what exactly are the rules. The author gives you the rules to give you the type of appearance and command that you are looking for. There book is easy to read and fun. There are plenty of examples and how to's. I have spent several years in the career placement and services field and find this book very appropriate for those doing a job search as well as entry-level individuals. The book also would make an ideal gift for a college graduate. To close, you can read this book and walk away with information that you can use and that can make a difference in your life.

This is a very interesting, well-organized, excellent book! It contains so much detailed information that nobody would be confused any longer as to what to wear and how to wear it for any particular occasion. I was very impressed with the author for her deep psychological knowledge and observation. After reading this book,which is also amusing and intriguing, I could feel myself transformed in a way! Anybody can learn and benefit a lot from it, but for a business person, this book should be one of his or her deskside books. I also think that every company, big or small, should have this book in its library.

The book is very well organized into chapters for both men and women. She defines the different areas of casual dress and gives colored illustrated examples of each, highlighting those radiating in personal power. Even if you are on a very limited budget, she gives excellent examples of using two standard suits and how to maximize the use of these resources.

I do believe dressing well helps a bit in the area of "confidence building", however, I believe she exaggerated greatly the cases of how dressing up turned peoples' lives around. If a person freezes at the thought of giving presentation in front of a group, the change of wardrobe is not going to work the miracle of creating an excellent communicator or presenter overnight. We call it a well-dressed presenter with am empty package. I didn't buy that example nor the one of a some loser finding the love of his life after changing his work attire. To much sales hype for her own seminars.

The best points of this book were in the detail of what type of shirt, accessories and shoes to wear with a double- or single-breasted jacket.

This book not only educated me about men's casual wear but at the same time enlightened me on the subject of women's business fashion. I, like most men detested going clothes shopping with my wife. After reading this book, I really enjoy going out and helping my wife select various outfits.

I like to dress comfortably and casually. I work for a corporation that allows this and have worn cargo shorts, short sleeved shirts, and other very casual attire to the workplace.

When my company went through a shakeup (that eventually resulted with many employees being cut), I started to implement much of the advice from this book. Suddenly, though I had always been overlooked, I was noticed by management and was actually asked to apply for a more senior position.

In response to the person who says that a person in a low-level position can't benefit from _Casual Power_, I would say that it is not true. I'm in a completely entry-level position at a customer-service oriented phone call center. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, almost 2 million workers in America have a similar position. How are you going to stand out if you are one of these 2 million? Despite my entry-level income, I was able to afford better clothing at discount stores such as Target or by shopping online.

In addition, this book even has advice as to how to "power up" your look if you're stuck in a "work uniform" such as those worn in fast food or retail locations. It is for people at all levels in the work force.