John T. Molloy's New Dress for Success

by John T. Molloy

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.

Genres: Self Help, Business, Nonfiction, Collections, Fashion, Finance, Reference

390 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

Reviews

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

After I read this book, I felt like Bruce Willis when he realized he was dead at the end of The Sixth Sense. As the different scenes flash by and all the strange occurrences now make sense, this is the way I felt about my wardrobe and my experience with dress in business.

I personally came from a lower-middle-class background, and every statement he made was, in my experience, bang-on. Of course, I only realized this after reading the book. People in my background would buy something like a black raincoat, for example, because they saw it as "safe" and wouldn't want to buy a beige one first, since they're not sure if they can wear it. For whatever reason, people of my particular class saw gray suits as probably the third suit you should get, behind a dark blue solid suit and a blue pinstripe (no vest, of course). Because blue works with everything, right?

Well, not for me, not anymore. Now I feel confident about my ability to put together a suit and wardrobe that will convey the image I want, and to dress appropriately for all business occasions.

As some others have said, there are some passages that may strike people as funny, like the ones about minorities and dressing for success with women. I have to say, though those sections may seem to be in bad taste or insensitively written, I couldn't find anything wrong with them from an informational standpoint. After all, Molloy writes from his research (which we assume exists) and does not attempt to change the prevailing opinions about Afro haircuts, for example. He only reports the reactions that those haircuts do receive. Some of his observations may have changed in the past 40 years...but I kind of doubt it.

If you already think you're a knowledgeable dresser, this could be a tough read. Molloy is funny and hard on styles that he disagrees with, associating them with low-class people, circus clowns, and gigolos (to name a few).

[HuntertheFoot · Rating 5 out of 5]

To everyone reading this, just know that this book is a book that every man should be required to read to be successful. John T. Molloy's "Dress for Success" is the book that every man seeking a high paying corporate job, or just seeking to make a really great and long lasting first impression, should read. The book's contents are exactly what the title says. It teaches a man how to Dress for Success, it starts with the author saying that everything he says in this book is absolute, research-driven, proven truth. He shows how he did his research and how hundreds of experiments have proven him correct. "This research is unique in concept, scope, and results. It has been conducted over a period of 26 years and include the opinions and subconscious reactions of over 60,000 executives." then he begins talking about what sort of clothing to wear and how to wear it, he also talks about how to get suits cheap and still have a great quality. I strongly suggest it to read so that you have a greater chance of succeeding in the job market. "And it is possible for me, based on the research i have done, to teach you to dress for success." And he does, with every suggestion he makes, he has pages of research to back it up. The only thing I can say against this book is that all the research was done in the 50's and the book itself was written in the 70's, so it may be a bit old with the changing styles and preferences of the 21st century. however, most everything that is said in this book is still proven to be true, I know through personal experience, but you may ask any large corporate executive or even government officials. This book, however old, is still a vital part to success in the corporate world. To sum this all up, this book is absolutely vital to a man's success and it is the most recommended book for everyone.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this many years ago. It's way out of date, but it was full of good advice.

[Susan Molloy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was loaned this book when I was early into my career. I found it interesting at the time and useful for business attire hints and rules.

NOTE: I am not related to this author.

[David]

Back in the day, my mother thought I should read this so that I could make myself presentable. Thanks to this book, I've probably forgotten more about types of suits and ties than most of my friends ever knew. This sort of thing loses relevance quickly.

I did take one thing with me: Whenever I buy a pair of jeans or a t-shirt with a skull on it, I ask myself what John T. Molloy would think of what I have become. Then I struggle to not laugh in the store. My face becomes a grimace as the grin is forcefully suppressed. It's a kind of humor you can rarely share with others.

Unless you work in a bank, this book is probably almost Victorian by today's standards.

[Matthew Lamb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book should be read by every young man out of college. This explains the importance of image and presentation of oneself. This is extremely helpful and worthwhile. A must read for anyone striving to succeed.

[Gary Zackery · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read it
took what I needed
Laughed at the rest
I recommend it

[Sokhan Sngoun]

Good book