Customer Reviews

John T. Molloy's New Dress for Success

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1 star:		(3)

 

 

you plan to keep allowing your girlfriend, wife, mother or frat buddies to influence your mode of dress for the white collar office of the 20th Century.

I first purchased John T. Molloy's DRESS FOR SUCCESS (copywrite 1975) in 1987, shortly before embarking upon my initial corporate trip up the proverbial ladder.

I reside in Kansas City, Missouri - not exactly a fashion capital of this nation, nor any other. This is also currently (in 2002) the #2 most obese city in our nation (and I think has been in the top 10 most obese cities for the last 20 years). Purchasing suits and other clothing in this city has been more than a difficulty for me, at 6'3" and 185 athletic, trim #'s.

However, I stumbled across this particular book, shortly before graduating from college. I used a portion of my last student loan to purchase six suits (3 double breasted), eight shirts (all white, button down collared), four pair of shoes, black & brown, wingtip laced and tassled loafer, as well as a dozen extremely tasteful silk ties in the $30 to $40 range and a dozen pair of over-the-calf nylon socks, in 1989...And I was pretty much set.

I never felt out of my league and within 30 months my salary had tripled and I was able to begin purchasing work clothing which more closely mimicked that of my executive VP's. I pretty much memorized entire passages of Mr Molloy's 1975 printing and adapted by observing my 'superiors' tastes and styles, bringing myself up to early 1990's styles.

I should add, that prior to 1989.....I had never purchased nor even worn, anything remotely resembling a $600 business suit. Yet I did discover great looking suits (under $400) which required minimal to substantial alterations ( and I followed Mr Molloy's advice to a T ). I've never felt outdressed, overdressed or clownishly inept in business settings on either coast, or anywhere else while working for four Fortune 500 corporations in the last dozen years. My career is within the IT field, yet I've interacted daily with senior executives as well as newly hired staff for 90% of my career.

Talent, savvy AND dressing for success (without blowing your bosses OR your customers out of the water) will add up and help you to become successful, yourselves. Business casual doesn't equate to dressing down to the level of casual business. Never wear a dress shirt without sporting a tie; never wear a tee-shirt that can be seen under your dress shirt; never purchase suit clothing which wrinkles too readily; never let your suit jacket bunch up around the back of your neck; never allow your slacks to hike up so far that they expose your calves because you chose stockings which are simply too short and inexpensive; never purchase a cheaply made, inexpensive tie; simple rules like these are so easy to follow and will always pay off for you.

Buy this book, read it, pay attention, and apply Molloy's inexpensive lessons. 15 yrs from now, you'll feel like writing a coherent and helpful review, yourself.

The moment I first picked up his 1975 printing, is one I'll long remember.

I'm leaving the military, and read this book on the advice of a couple different headhunter firms. It is a little out of date, but still is a great book.

Here are some great quotes: "You do not want to look like Lou Costello with his pants under his armpits, and you do not want to [sag and] look like a member of the lower middle class." (pg 47). [If your cuffs are higher than 5.5 inches from your thumb], you will look like a Broadway crapshooter, a fashion model, or a dandy." (pg 52). "You can, if you are already very rich and very successful, or if you desire to have an affair with an Italian contessa, wear silk shirts." (pg 71). "You will never, ever, as long as you live, wear a short-sleeve shirt for any business purpose, no matter whether you are the office boy or the president of the company..." (pg 86). "When we showed the picture with the monogram showing, the answers were not positive; in fact seventeen percent of the respondents identified him as a hooker-booker." (pg 87) "One of the things that made the evening so memorable was that at one point all of the young men got together, put their hands on a Beatles album, and swore that they would never, ever, ever, wear a tie." (pg 92). "Do not wear [a bow tie] to business unless you are a clown, a college professor, or a social commentator." (pg 115).

I could go on and on. This guy is hilarious, intentionally or not, and gives some good general fashion advice. Sure, things have changed a little, and the "four pages of full color photos" are a little '80s looking, but reading this book will save you from many fashion mistakes. At least it has caused me to develop an agenda as I shop for suits, and I have planned my interview attire.

The best part is at the beginning, when he tells you not to listen to your wife. My wife always tells me what to wear, and it's nice to have a legit book that I can cite when I don't listen to her. It's true, the surveys and facts cited aren't particularly academically rigorous, but it's worth heeding, none the less. As a testament of the quality of this read, just look at the cover- despite being forged during the fashion nightmare of the '70s and '80s, the dark pinstripe suit, white shirt and tie are very appropriate, even today. That's his whole point- eschew fashion for the time tested, well respected look. It's a starting point, at least.

The controversial point about Afros and hair grease for Hispanics is not controversial, in my book. He's not saying they're bad- he's just saying that in his experience, ethnic looks do not sell well to people from different demographics, which is probably true, even today. He also advises Southerners not to wear cowboy hats and bolo ties to NYC, and that doesn't seem to have stirred up controversy. In my opinion, that's the exact same thing. He's not telling people they can't dress as they like- he's just pointing out that any difference from the norm does not maximize your efficacy.

This book is a definite buy, particularly as cheaply as it is offered used. And by the way, does anyone know what a "dandy" is?

After spending years in High-Tech in the suburbs, I recently took a corporate job in downtown. Upon accepting the position, I learned that the dress code was corporate, meaning suits everyday! I went home to my closet and let my eyes wander over my collection of khakis and golf shirts with software company names on them. The job started in one week. I found Dress for Success to be my saviour.

A lot of the criticism of the book seems to be that dress styles have changed over the years and the book needs an update, possibly a section on Dress Casual. Believe me, there are still many places where people wear suits everyday, and some of these people have a lot of power and money, and they have not gone out of business like the "dot-commers who wear sneakers."

Dress for Success helped me build a basic wardrobe. And I have received many compliments on suit combinations that are right out of the book.

Remember, Molloy is writing the book to help people dress for success, not fashion or fad. He has written the book for people who wear suits, not for people who work in environments that are dress casual and they never have to interface with anybody else.

I do agree with some of the other criticisms. He does gloss over some important things, (shoes, etc.,) and some of his methodology is sketchy. But after being thrust into the corporate world, I can tell you that his conclusions are eerily accurate. You can deviate from the general principles of the book, but I feel that you do so at your own peril.

This book, taken with due care, is still the Bible for how to dress for success. There have been some contemporary changes in business dress. But if you are not a rock star or a computer whiz, don't bet your career that dressing like one will get you to the Executive Suite.

Look instead in business periodicals and you will see that almost all of the top dogs in power positions dress as though they were Malloy's models. Those who want to get there someday will dress as though they already are.

I say as a business consultant that this book has enhanced more careers than a lot of the Business Schools have done. A great deal of career success is all tied up in other's perception of you.

21 year old managers wearing pinstripe in a godawful blue/purple color with a shirt with a neck two sizes too small because they hear that pinstripe is 'powerful'. Older men wearing 'Cool Business' thinking it makes them seem more dynamic and 'with it'. Men allowing their wives or girlfriends to dress then for business. Guys wearing ties that make you wonder if their team lost or they're pledging a frat. Men wearing brown suits to a management meeting. All doomed to make their career progression a lot harder than it has to be.

Take the straight route. The tried and true. Do not fall for the lines about how 'things have changed'. If things have changed, why do the President and most Senators - where the projection of power and confidence are critical - still dress straight from 'Dress For Success'?

Your first impression and perception by others is fast - and permanent. Molloy's book is the inside lane on how to make a great impression and reflect a perception of executive capability.

After reading Dress for Success numerous times, I feel it is of great help in informing men on such topics as how a shirt should fit, how to tie a tie, how to get a suit fitted, etc. However, in the last ten-plus years corporate dress has changed more than in any previous period. The reader today has to keep in mind that the book was written in 1988 and as such should be considered in the proper context. Subsequently, it does not take into consideration the proliferation of casual attire in the business environment, and it predominantly considers how to dress like an executive, which may not be possible for an entry to middle level manager on a limited budget, even if clothing is bought on sale. The notion of borrowing to build a wardrobe also seems outdated. Today, society has become considerably more conscious of value and is less likely to drop large amounts on wardrobe. It is often hard to visualize what is meant by soft blue, light blue, midrange blue, dark blue, navy blue, etc. Some closeups of fabric swatches would help. As a college student, it would help if a whole chapter were devoted to college interviewing rather than a few pages.

All in all, the book is a great asset for any man, but an updated version would be of great benefit.

I'm 25 and have worked in the corporate world for about 2 years. I'm in the typically casual area of Technology, but in a large Banking firm (one of the biggest). When the whole company went "corporate casual" I wasn't sure what to wear. We got corporate discounts to some of the more trendy yet sleightly upscale places like Banana Republic and J Crew, so I went out and bought a bunch of pants and shirts.

After reading Dress for Success, I see just where and how I went wrong. John Molloy speaks with authority, as well he should. His methods are based on scientific research, not opinion. He's conducted numerous studies on the effects of various types of suits on different segments of the population, most importantly, people in positions of power (your boss, major purchasers, etc.). Also on the middle class, on different regions of the country, women, etc. If you're a salesman in Tulsa Oklahoma looking to increase your sales, this book is just as effective as if you're a young New York Lawyer taking his first case, or if you are a Financial Analyst at the New York Stock Exchange.

While it seems simple, and when I try to explain it's precepts to others, they dismiss it as being simplistic, or believe they already know everything they need to know, this book has revolutionised the way I view clothing. You either dress in a way that will impress your audience (i.e. your boss, your customer, etc.) or you don't. When I try to explain the differences to people who haven't read the book, they don't understand. It's too subtle.

Most people from a working-class background don't understand, or pay attention to the way the upper class dress. Fewer still pay attention to how their clothing may affect how they are perceived. Any attempt at describing the 'rules' would be an oversimplification.

Reading, not skimming, the chapter on how to put a suit together taught me a lot. I'm now confident that I can buy a suit (where just a few weeks ago I would've had no idea where to begin).

I even play a game now where I look at the business people, and others who are more casually dressed, and try to guess their income level, where they will peak in their career, what their socio-economic background is, etc. I've even gotten my girlfriend involved in this game. It's great fun in restaurants.

What was previously unconscious is now a conscious process. My perception has been heightened, my eyes opened. I now know why I think someone is competent and why someone else is not, and I know how my working class background clearly shows through in my wardrobe, even when I think I'm dressing well.

Now that I am aware of how appearance affects myself others, I can Dress for Success.

Many will gripe that it lacks in details in some specific areas. For example, there is no mention of how many buttons a suit should have. Let me defend this book by saying that no matter what it will raise your standards for dress. Some things, you will just have to observe. What kind of shoes does your boss wear? his boss?

Though there is no real mention of "business casual" in this book, many of Molloy's criteria, and thinking patterns can be used to build a casual wardrobe. Obviously, dress as well as the people you want to impress. Be observant of how they dress. Shop (or at least browse) in upscale stores, etc. More importantly, dress in a way that will impress them.

More than the details (and there are plenty) this book's contribution has been to the way I see myself, and the way I see the role of clothing and appearance. For that, I thank John Molloy. No other book can do what this one has. If you are considering it, buy it. It's like getting a peak into the other man's head and knowing what he thinks of you.

This book also has sections on how to compensate for being overly large or small. How to dress to impress women, how to dress in different parts of the country, etc.

I'm also interested in Casual Power by Sherry Maysonave. I own and didn't like Color for Men. I own and do like (but have only skimmed) the Etiquette Advantage in Business.

Write with questions, comments or to discuss.

What are you looking for in a guide to business dress? Nearing the end of school and needing to learn how to dress like a professional? Wanting to tweak your wardrobe to squeeze every ounce of potential out of it?

This book is a tried-and-true primer on conservative dress. The original version (1976) and this version convey essentially the same message. Go with what will make your superiors comfortable. Avoid fads and build a predictable wardrobe. If it works, don't fix it. This works.

There aren't a lot of glossy photos. This isn't GQ fad. Some sections are a bit light. So be it. A lot of what's missing in this book can be fleshed out googling for specifics, or by a few minutes flipping through another book in the book store.

While other readers are bothered by the authors "research methodology," I am not. Sure, there are times when it seems that the research is tailored to his message. However, the author has decades of experience. I have read several books on the subject, and they all essentially parrot this one. I accept that research is this author's schtick. As one or more reviewers might have complained, the research may appear flawed, but I contend the conclusions are valid.

So what if the research is meant to dazzle? When several other books on conservative style agree, then they must all be right. I was given my copy of this book by an executive friend of a major company. He chalks up some of his success to this book, and I can say that in dress he follows the advice of this book. I'm mid-career and see this merit of this book. He's at the top and swears by it.

The author hoped to convey three messages: 1) your attire is a tool, 2) the name of the game is efficiency, and 3) that the reader see that some of what is offered will add to his success. I believe all three were well-conveyed.

Finally, it's a quick read.

I recently realized that my 1999 review is one of the featured reviews! Boy have I come a long way since then, but the concepts in Dress for Success have not changed a bit. It continues to be the best book to use to get started. I continue to advocate for the following adjustments though:

-Eliminate discussion of blends and only focus on natural fibers.
-Add a section on shoes.
-New photographs. Although some styles stay constant, some of the pictures are dated. Also, spread the photos throughout the book as the concept is being illustrated, rather than clustered in the middle. Perhaps some illustration of the wrong choices as well as the right ones would help.
-Broader discussion for college students.
-Updated price information.
-Some studies and information on business casual.

This is one of the most valuable and useful books I've ever read. Until I read this book I had no idea how to dress appropriately for business situations. Now I can dress right for any situation (if I want to) and don't have to spend lots of money buying the latest fashion. It's not a matter of trying to impress other people, but knowing what's appropriate to wear in various situations, and taking control of how others will perceive you. I agree it would be very helpful to have an updated version (by the same author only). However, that does not diminish the value of this book

I read Dress For Success when I was a skinny, baby faced teenager. I was so impressed by the book's research and conclusions that I bought a custom made navy pinstripe "power suit", and accessories to match. Then I conducted a social experiment.

Dressed to the nines, I walked around the downtown skyscrapers and looked for a summer job. I was shocked by the reactions of strangers, and later by people who knew me well.

I was accustomed to being "invisible". Suddenly, people treated me with respect. When a less impeccably dressed septuagenarian walked up to a revolving door the same moment I did, he slowed down, and gestured that I go through first. I did. He treated me as if I were his superior. Yet I was still just a seventeen year old kid.

Although women had always ignored me, suddenly women flirted with me - one of them blatantly and persistently.

On my way home, I met a neighbor who I had known for years. In the middle of the street he engaged me in conversation. He asked me about my ambitions, and how I intended to realize them. Although he had known me for years, he had never really talked to me before. But suddenly, he treated me as a respected peer.

When I got home, my elder brother saw me for the first time in my "power suit". He swore at me, then stared at me, wide eyed, in stunned silence.

I had expected that I would make a good first impression when I was dressed in a "power suit". What surprised me was that even people who knew me well seemed to reassess me. It was as if they felt they had always underestimated me. It was as if suddenly they saw me as a different person.

Fashions change - even mens fashions - but the principles I learned in Dress For Success endure. The only reasons I give this book four stars and not five is that the information in the book has not been updated in about thirty years, and it does not dive deep into the fascinating psychology of the trappings of power. For this I recommend "Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion" by Robert B. Cialdini.

But perhaps I am being overcritical.

If you dress like a bum (as, admittedly, I still often do), you need this book. Don't argue with me, just get it and read it. It will be a revelation.

If you dress well, I still recommend this book. You will learn a thing or two, and you will probably tighten up your ability to dress to impress.

It is amazing how a minimum of effort in the style department can maximize results in both your professional and personal life.