I found this book back in 1989, and have used it to great benefit. I wish I could find other works that have a similar approach and theme. If you find one, please let me know, prkwycoc@gate.net. This is truly an excellent book on helping personal productivity and happiness!

This is one of Molloy's first books. Its unedited style is great if you like to get to the heart of the matter: he tells it like it is. The techniques are great, but to me his best insights come in the single chapter on creative people. He surveyed people in non-artistic fields whose jobs are to create and who had succeeded at it by some objective measure: recognition in the field, patents, etc. He also interviewed their spouses and bosses. The habits and thought patterns of creative people differed significantly from those of the rest of the population. My arms ached from retrieving my jaw from the floor as he described - and reasonably explained - one personal characteristic of mine (I'm an academic researcher) after another. He talks about how some of the same characteristics that make someone creative separate him or her from societal norms. He also presents a set of principles that lead to creativity. He claims that many of these can be learned, and also states that many companies preferentially recruit such people. This book has changed my life and I wish I could get a copy of it rather than permanently borrowing my sister-in-law's!

This is an excellent guide to very practical methods of improving one's work behaviors. Charts are included to teach one how to exactly monitor on-task and off-task behavior, how to find the things that distract one from concentrating and working, etc.

This is a one-of-a-kind book, but if one is interested in improving one's ability to work in a concentrated manner, this is excellent and well worth having.

Let me start by stating that Mr. Malloy does know his material when it comes to corporate executive success. His guidelines pertaining to body language, posture, dress, and communication are apropos in a business setting. Even the chapters on business parties, executive spouses, and dining etiquette are sound advice for anyone striving for the epitome of the corporate world. This book left a terrible taste in my mouth. I felt compelled to write this review immediately after finishing it. The writer fails in his efforts to portray 'success' in any but an 'upper middle class' clique. If you, like myself aspire to become a 'successful' entrepeneur, investor, salesperson, etc., this book may be a disappointment. John T. Malloy writes from the perspective of a 'hoyty-toyty', 'upper-crust', 'already made it', success 'expert'. I finished reading this book because I did find it interesting, but it left me feeling as though I am just a blue-collar failure, which I AM NOT. Just the fact that you read my review shows that YOU ARE A SUCCESS too. Readers are all successful, in differing degrees. There are successful people in all walks of life. Just follow simple guidelines, follow mentors, have faith in yourself, and it will happen.

I have an extensive library of personal development books. Molly's 'Live for Success' ranks as one of my 5 top success books. I've been studying this book for a few years now..I only wish I had read and applied this when I started my career.

This book is required reading. It's brutally honest. 'Live for Success' doesn't contain positive affirmations or spritual guidance..this is a book about facts: namely that your socio-economic status (or more importantly how it is percieved by your mannerisms and vocabulary) results in a higher percentage chance of success.

But Molly doesn't stop there. He goes on to explain how the physical and social characteristics of the upper middle class such as body language, face masks, clothes, and success patterns can be mimicked by beer-drinking, dirty t-shirt wearing, couch potatos in order to achieve real results. These results are professional and social successes..READ: higher income and success. He has researched examples of these techniques.

Indeed, as a former beer-drinking, dirty t-shirt wearing, couch potato, I've applied them and they work effectively. I've doubled my income over 6 digits, am at the top of my game, and enjoy a bright vibrant future. And, you can do it too. Read this book, study this book, and apply it. You will be amazed.

I only wish Molloy came out with more material along this line such as more socio-economic mannerisms going into grooming, looks, body types, etc.. Perhaps more material on lifestyles, what to do in certain situations, etc.. Molloy's research is eye-opening.

This is a book that must be studied, not just read. I think this book is more effective than 'Think and Grow Rich'. This is the real world. Not just thinking about feeling good, but tools and techniques to shred the competition right away.

I first read this book over ten years ago when I was in college. I liked the well researched style Molloy uses. His comments and advice can be very blunt, but he makes the point. Much of this excellent advice can not be found in other books.
For example he opens with a chapter on how people spot lower socioeconomic level traits in others. I see these things all the time (i.e. slouched posture, mouth resting open.) More importantly he tells you how to change your own style in case this is not something your parents taught you. The chapter on table manners is enough to buy the book.

I have been in the professional world for ten years now and still recall and use something from this book at least once a month.

Although seemingly outdated, I found Molloy's advice on proper work attire to be interesting and beneficial. Molloy's book offers tips on business attire--jackets, suits and dresses. Ironically, now a days, casual seems to be the trend. Molloy does devote a chapter to the Casual Business Dress, but the novel primarily focus on the dressy look. Molloy's bottom line is, conservative is the key. Molloy explains when its most appropriate to wear suits or jackets and even more specifically which fabric makes a person look most professional.
I particularly enjoyed reading the chapter which talked about colors and the influence wearing, for example, red to a job interview opposed to blue. I found it interesting that red is the most powerful color and that most successful women in the country wear red jackets. Red attracts attention and shows authority, but if power isn't the look which is appealing, darker colors seem to represent authority. I also found it interesting that wearing pastels and traditional feminine colors wont attract the power, and is an "invitation" to be challenged by male co-workers.
Overall, I found this book to be interesting, yet I don't know how much of what Molloy writes I truly believe. Of course the conservative look is more appropriate in the business office, yet so many jobs are now transitioning from "traditional business attire," to comfy and casual a book specifically devoted to the casual dress seems needed.

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.

After reading John T. Molloys book, "The New Dress For Success", I was encouraged to here someone hold the line of proper dressing for men. Even after thirteen years the book is still quite up to date. Not every company goes for the "Business Casual" look today and that is a fact. Mr. Molloys principles for suit shopping and investment are an absolute must for any man who works within corporate America. This book was written with everyone in mind that wants to make the proper impression, therefore not every subject was delt with in extreme detail. The reader must bear in mind, the author is not laying down laws unchangeable, but rather explains unwritten rules our western society adheres to. And these rules, formerly unspoken, are now revealed in his book. Many chapters are an absolute necessity for todays emerging young men who are mostly ignorant or rather purposely negligent about their professional appearance. I'd say well done, John. Business Casual will not outlast the traditional and professional dress code for men.

Smart womem dress to get better jobs and better pay. Mr. Molloy tells you what to wear and why.

Molloy's original Woman's Dress for Success Book is well written and full of information for women entering the work force in the 1970's and early 80's. It shows what the first professional working women had to go thru to establish themselves in a man's world. But not much of the book is relevant to the year 2000. I hope Molloy pulls up a chair to his computer soon and gives us an edition for the new millenium

Well, fellow book lovers, if your loved one has terrible fashion sense in the workplace or is just bothered by the way she looks when she goes out. "The New Woman's Dress for Success" is a perfect "How to Dress" book for the new wave. It carefully depicts situation by situation which apparel is acceptable for the work place. I feel that this book should be read by every woman. However, the tips in this book are quite self-explantory. Take some time and read up on this book ladies...

Sincerely yours truly,

Justin "The Azian with an attitude" Yang

If you are a woman, interested in etiquette, want to raise the amount of respect you receive (or money you make), then get a pen and read this book! But, if you're just looking for something interesting to read, this is your warning! STAY AWAY! This is a book that's meant to be read only if you are going to use the knowledge gained from it, so unless you're ready to take notes for future reference, there are plenty other great books for you to read.
NEW WOMAN'S DRESS FOR SUCCESS is a book that gives you step by step directions to being a successful working woman. According to the author, "research shows that when a woman dresses for success, it doesn't guarantee success, but if she dresses poorly or inappropriately, it almost ensures failure." Thus, he takes this opportunity to guide woman through everything from language, to make up, accessories, and dress for every occasion from casual days to company outings and dinners. His statements are based on reaserch (first and second hand) and serve to correct stereotypes and inform the average woman of what to do to be treated fairly and put herself on equal footing with a man (especially when it comes to respect, authority and money).
While many critics are offended by some of his comments or conclusions. . . those stating that it is better if one is thin, or gets plastic surgery once old, or wears certain things "to be on equal footing with a man". . . they are the harsh truths of the day to day working world as much as many don't want to accept them, and as unjust as they may be. Furthermore, Molloy's book is based on fact, not personal opinion. He is not propogating plastic surgery or thinnes, but merely stating that those with these qualities get further.
Molloy ackgnowledges that there is no one way to be or dress; everything depends on the individual. However, there are more successful ways of carrying yourself, and that is what his book is out to do: help women higher their chances of becoming more successful (based on proven techniques and strategies such as wearing certain colors to get more attention, or others to make your guilty client appear more innocent before a jurry). These are suggestions, that an old fashioned mom would've taught you regarding dress. However, in today's world, Molloy is here to do that and I found it informative especially because I plan to work in the political field.
Its only problem is the constant repetition of the same facts. . . and while this may be good if you are really into the book and want the facts to stick. . . I found it annoying. The book should've had better editing and been numerous pages shorter. So, while a pretty quick read, it's a tedious quick read. But once again, if you're out to take notes, this is the book for you! (and it even comes with a calendar in the back to test out his theories for yourself).

The book, New Women's Dress for Success, by John T. Molloy is not a story with a plot. The book is a guide for how women should dress for their different jobs. Molloy asserts that physical appearance is a larger factor in success than women recognize. Although his ideas may be ingredients for success, they also ride the edge of being offensive as he details the values of a male-dominated white, middle- to upper-class society.
Mr. Molloy explains that in order to be successful and be treated like you are successful, you must look and behave in a successful manner. The key to looking successful is dressing and acting in an upper class style. For example, he suggests that a woman must wear high quality/expensive clothes, and speak properly. This conveys an image that fits with the business world. "If you are not sure, buy the most expensive, traditional model and you will be right 80 percent of the time," says Molloy when discussing how to choose the proper attire for the job.
Molloy emphasizes that dressing appropriately for interviews is important in getting the job. He notes and reinforces that there is a double standard depending on whether the interviewer is a man or a woman. "If you are being interviewed by a man, it is best to dress as if you already have the job and have even received two promotions." He recommends that when a woman is the interviewer that one should dress for the job for which she is applying. "Both men and women doing the hiring rejected women who came looking too cute, too delicate, too feminine, or too sexy." Molloy also notes that poor hygiene, heavy make-up, long nails, and small clothes always are inappropriate and give the image of a lower class look.
Molloy makes some recommendations that are good common sense. For example, he says, make-up should look natural and clothes should look professional. He asserts that a jacket always helps to make you look professional and that wool is always the best material. He states that different colors make people see you differently. Lighter shades make you look friendly, while darker shades make you look more intimidating. These seem like good suggestions and are easy to implement for most people regardless of their economic resources.
Molloy, however, also addresses issues of weight and for some women this may be both intimidating and offensive. In an ideal world, women would not be treated differently in a business environment because of their weight. "There is no getting around it: thin is upper class, thin is beautiful, and thin is in," says Molloy, recognizing that this is not an ideal world and women are discriminated against because of how much they weigh. While Molloy suggests that women should exercise and go on diets, he also makes some suggestions for over-weight women. For example, he discourages tight clothing and light colors.
Overall, this book can benefit any businesswoman who is trying to be successful. It will teach her how to increase the likelihood of people treating her as a professional, but she will have to endure the facts of the double standards that exist for women in the marketplace. Despite these issues, Molloy's book will help any woman to be successful.

In this informative novel, John T. Molloy goes into great detail explaining what styles, colors, and fabrics are most appropriate for different situations. His main focus throughout the novel is on a more dressy look. Above all, John T. Molloy emphasizes the confidence one can feel in a conservative look. Conservative is guaranteed to be appropriate. Overall, I felt that this book had a lot of suggestions to offer for a woman in or entering into the workforce. I would like to think that appearance does not keep an educated and ambitious person from achieving their highest in the workplace, but apparently, we live in a society where it seems almost impossible to not "judge a book by its cover." I don't know if I would ever take his advice to heart, but after reading New women's dress for success , it will be hard not to think about the suggestions he offered.