John T. Molloy

Rated: A

Going through my library, I rediscovered my copy of Dress for Success. I bought it when it first came out, as I was starting my career as a wardrobe person in the entertainment industry and used it as a reference for many years. I just reread it and much of the information still holds true, though time (forty plus years) has passed since the first publication. If a person wants to fit into the conservative Red State mentality, it still contains good advice. I personally wonder if the bias show more between grey and blue suits still exists. show less

I appreciate John Molloy's research into business clothing; however, this book is only helpful if you work in a company where clothing is not too casual, or if you need to figure out what to wear for job interviews. If every day is "business casual" at your job, this book will help you figure out the best colors and quality, but it won't help you understand what to wear. John advocates always wearing a business-like skirt when possible, and always having a jacket on hand. In my job as a show more computer programmer, where most men where slacks and polo shirts, this would be too formal.

The book is somewhat repetitive, but it helps to drill a certain attitude into your mind - clothes are important, quality is very important, and navy blue is always a good choice (although hard to match). There are a few black-and-white illustrations, but they're outdated (or designed for an older crowd than Generations X & Y). show less

I think this book is great. I am a young (under 30), short girl. Do you know how hard it is to be taken seriously in an all-male manufacturing environment? These are classy ways to still be a woman and taken like the professional I am. I notice the difference in obeying the rules and then sometimes just wearing whatever I want. This book is valid to my career. I am a Finance Manager, the financial consultant to the business.