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John T. Molloy's New Dress for Success

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Description

All the changes that have taken place in men's wardrobes in the past fifteen years are incorporated into this highly successful title. Contains 30 percent new information and a four-color, four-page illustration insert. Read more

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Warner Books


Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 1, 1988


Edition ‏ : ‎ Exp Updated


Language ‏ : ‎ English


Print length ‏ : ‎ 390 pages


ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0446385522


ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 27


Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 13.6 ounces


Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.25 x 1 x 8.13 inches


Best Sellers Rank: #282,727 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #17,032 in Business & Money (Books)


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Top Amazon Reviews


  • dated, but the best I've found
Format: Paperback
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 It is a little out of date, but still is a great book.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? ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2006 by alabamagene

  • Successful dress is never out of date
Format: Paperback
Dress for Success is the first and one of the few books that scientifically analyzes how people react to specific colors and fabrics and combinations of clothing. The science is based in cultural norms, gender, socioeconomic levels, customs, and psychological biases that, when systematically compiled, can predict with extreme accuracy what the reaction of a co-worker, boss, acquaintance or date will be. Such reaction trends remain accurate for at least a decade or two. They don't fluctuate by quarterly season or what Hollywood or Paris says or by the latest famous designer's whims as much as we would think. This book is not theory. It is application. I personally applied these principles to my life and working environment and within a month my income and confidence levels doubled. These principles work. Even my long term outlook and life goals continue to be strengthened and uplifted. This is powerful stuff. Apply these principles promptly. You will be greatly benefited. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2012 by Steve in Tustin

  • It ain't changed in the Boardroom
Format: Paperback
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. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on August 23, 2006 by D. Korschgen

  • DRE$$ BY NUMBER$ (and cash on them!)
Format: Paperback
This is what I admire about you Americans! You're always bent on solving problems for the average person. From scrubbing floors to tightrope walking. Take this guy, for instance: John Doe T. Molloy notices an everyday problem: vendors aren't selling as much as they'd hope to. Does some research on his own. Comes up with a diagnose: ain't dressed properly. Gives a solution: Dress this way: A, B, C, D, E, F, G. Do's and don'ts. If on a budget, spend on this, save on that. Writes a book, makes a profit, makes a name, makes a business. Makes it Big Time. Period. Whether he actually solves your wardrobe problems or not is immaterial; the point here is Mr. Molloy has brought home the bacon to Mrs. Molloy ever since. And chances are, the average Joe who buys his book probably ends up not only improving his appearance, but his sales as well. Why? Because now he's clothed in security blankets every day on his way to work. All thanks to Mr. Molloy practical advise. I ask you, what other country functions this way? If this book was British, be assured it would tell you which St James shops are best to buy this and that. If it was French, it would be about why you Americans have no style and never will. If Italian, about fabrics, fashions, cars, drinks and women. A Mexican book would dwell on the futility of dressing smart, since one looks like s#-t anyway. Only in America would anyone tell you what to wear in order to make a buck! Hats off! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2009 by Paco Calderón

  • Good Advice that withstands the test of time
Format: Paperback
I highly recommend reading this book before shopping for a new business wardrobe. This should be mandatory reading for graduating college students (read it during your junior year) and military personnel transitioning into civilian employment. While the information is somewhat dated, the principles are sound and are just as relevant today as they were in the 80's. Mr. Molloy provides an education, based on research and requires you to do your homework before you start shopping. He tells you what to look for and more importantly, how to shop (what to wear and bring) and what to buy to build a wardrobe that will provide sufficient flexibility. Company cultures differ by industry and the 'dress code' may differ depending on where you will fit into the overall structure of the company. My recommendation would be to read this book first and take notes, then apply what you learn and invest in 3 suits. Once you land the job, round out the rest of your wardrobe after you have had a chance to determine the norms of the company and the industry as a whole. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2014 by Joseph Nosse

  • The best mens style book out there. I wish there were an updated edition...
Format: Paperback
Molloy wrote "The Bible" of mens professional style back in the day, and backed it up with research. I recently read it again, against 2012 notions of mens style. Some of it is out of date, but much is still applicable and it's backed up by real research. A number of mens style books are written by writers that got interested in the subject and then wrote a book.This one is much more detailed than those books. I sure wish there were a 2012 updated edition.... ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2012 by Kurcules

  • Best Kept Secrets Are Inside This Book. I Hope You Don't Read It, Because That Will Give Me Even A Greater Advantage Over You.
Format: Paperback
Bought this as a gift for my son because he got a job as a business executive in sales. My husband and I had read John Molloy's "Dress for Success" books for men and women in the '80's and the information is still valid for even today. It's based on statistical data, not what's fashionable for the times. Just for fun, I put on my navy business suit and went shopping in it. I had people jumping in front of me to open the door! Sales people were climbing all over each other to wait on me. When my husband and I fly and want to upgraded to First Class for free, we dress accordingly. Those who believe it doesn't matter how you dress are dead wrong, because it is an instinctive, emotional response. Why do you think Police Officers wear dark navy blue? It commands respect (in most cases). ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2015 by Countess50

  • Good read for an up and coming professional or one that needs to take it to the next level
Format: Paperback
This book may be old but it sure isn't out dated. I work in a fortune 500 company and have been slowly moving up the ranks to my current role as a manager and as I have progressed I have been given more and more exposure to our executive management team. Because of this I knew I needed to look the part and after researching and asking a few successful colleagues of mine I stumbled across this book. I have only begun the transition of my own wardrobe, but I have seen many of the topics and pointers displayed in the attire of our executive team. looking forward to completing the book and transitioning my wardrobe to one of success. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2013 by Justin

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