Key Takeaways
1. Dress for the Success You Envision, Not Just the Job You Have
The way you dress—or package yourself—is the one thing over which you have absolute control.
Project the Image. Dressing for success isn't merely about fitting in; it's about projecting the image of where you aspire to be. This means understanding the "executive look" in your chosen field and gradually incorporating elements of it into your wardrobe, even before you attain that position. It's about signaling your ambition and readiness for advancement.
Beyond the "Acceptance Look." While it's crucial to initially dress in a way that aligns with the existing culture of a company or industry, don't remain stagnant. Once you've proven your worth, subtly elevate your style to reflect the next level. This could involve investing in higher-quality pieces, coordinating outfits more meticulously, or adopting a more polished overall appearance.
Authenticity Matters. While projecting an image is important, it must be rooted in authenticity. Don't try to be someone you're not, but rather, use clothing to express your potential and capabilities. The goal is to enhance your natural qualities and present the best version of yourself, not to create a false persona.
2. Know Your Body Type and Dress Accordingly
Women come in a vast variety of recognizable basic types: the cute type, the majestic type, the dainty type, the boyish type, the clinging-vine type, the outdoor-girl type, the sexy type and many others.
Analyze Your Figure. Understanding your body shape is paramount to dressing well. This involves honestly assessing your proportions, identifying your assets and liabilities, and choosing clothing that flatters your figure. Don't blindly follow trends; instead, select styles that complement your unique shape.
Embrace Your Type. Recognize your natural "type" – whether it's classic, bohemian, dramatic, or romantic – and let that guide your clothing choices. This doesn't mean limiting yourself, but rather, using your type as a foundation for building a cohesive and authentic style.
Camouflage Strategically. Use clothing to create optical illusions that enhance your best features and minimize perceived flaws. This could involve using color, pattern, and silhouette to create a more balanced and flattering figure. For example, vertical stripes can elongate the body, while darker colors can minimize problem areas.
3. Accessories: The Secret Weapons of a Successful Wardrobe
The ‘Successories’ of Your Wardrobe or Accessories Season the Costume.
Transformative Power. Accessories are the unsung heroes of a successful wardrobe. They can elevate a simple outfit, express your personality, and create a variety of looks with a limited number of core pieces. A well-chosen hat, scarf, or piece of jewelry can make all the difference.
Strategic Selection. Choose accessories that complement your overall style and enhance your best features. Consider your face shape, skin tone, and body type when selecting jewelry, hats, and scarves. Avoid accessories that are distracting or overwhelming.
Quality over Quantity. Invest in a few high-quality accessories that will stand the test of time, rather than a multitude of cheap, trendy items. Classic pieces like a leather handbag, a silk scarf, and a string of pearls can be worn with a variety of outfits and will always be in style.
4. Underneath It All: Foundation Garments are Key
The habits of some new brides on that most idyllic of all vacations were a great shock to me on a recent trip to Bermuda.
The Foundation Matters. What you wear underneath your clothes is just as important as what you wear on the outside. Foundation garments, such as bras, girdles, and slips, provide the support and shaping needed to create a smooth, flattering silhouette.
Right Garments for the Right Clothes. Different outfits require different foundation garments. A form-fitting dress may require a seamless girdle, while a loose-fitting shift may only need a comfortable bra. Choose undergarments that are appropriate for the style and fabric of your clothing.
Confidence from Within. Wearing well-fitting, comfortable undergarments can boost your confidence and make you feel more put-together. This inner confidence will radiate outward and enhance your overall appearance.
5. Color is Your Ally: Use it Wisely
Color is probably more important than any other factor in dressing for success.
Know Your Color Aura. Understanding your natural coloring – skin tone, hair color, and eye color – is essential for choosing colors that flatter you. Determine whether you have warm or cool undertones and select colors that complement your complexion.
Color Psychology. Colors evoke different emotions and project different images. Use color strategically to convey the message you want to send. For example, blue can project trustworthiness, while red can project confidence and power.
Versatility and Accents. Build a wardrobe of versatile neutral colors that can be easily accessorized with pops of color. Use colorful scarves, jewelry, and handbags to add personality and interest to your outfits.
6. Camouflage Strategically: Conceal and Enhance
Camouflage, just as it deceives the enemy in wartime, can be utilized by you to help conceal your secret shortcomings.
Optical Illusions. Use clothing to create optical illusions that enhance your best features and minimize perceived flaws. This could involve using color, pattern, and silhouette to create a more balanced and flattering figure.
Proportion and Balance. Pay attention to proportion and balance when choosing clothing. For example, if you have wide hips, balance them with broader shoulders or a more voluminous top. If you have a short torso, elongate it with high-waisted pants or skirts.
Acceptance and Confidence. While camouflage can be helpful, it's important to accept and love your body as it is. Focus on enhancing your best features and projecting confidence, rather than obsessing over perceived flaws.
7. Shop Smart: Plan and Prioritize
First, organize your purchases. Don’t be carried away by that cute little orange dress when you have no suitable shoes, bag, gloves or hat to go with it, unless you can afford a complete set of accessories for every outfit.
Create a Plan. Before you go shopping, create a plan that outlines your needs, budget, and style goals. This will help you stay focused and avoid impulse purchases.
Prioritize Essentials. Invest in high-quality essentials that will form the foundation of your wardrobe, such as a well-fitting suit, a classic coat, and versatile separates. These pieces can be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits.
Shop with Intention. When you're in a store, ask yourself whether each item fits into your overall plan and complements your existing wardrobe. Avoid buying things simply because they're on sale or because you like them in the moment.
8. Dressing the Part: Family Success Reflects on You
If you are married and a mother, your sense of the fitness of things will be judged not alone on what you wear, but on how your husband and your children look every day in the week as well as on Sundays.
Family Image. As a wife and mother, your attention to style extends beyond your own wardrobe. The way your family presents themselves reflects on your taste, care, and dedication. Ensuring they are well-dressed contributes to the overall family image.
Husband's Wardrobe. Take an active role in curating your husband's wardrobe. Offer guidance on color coordination, fit, and appropriate attire for various occasions. A well-dressed husband enhances your own appearance and reflects positively on your partnership.
Children's Style. Teach your children the importance of dressing appropriately for different situations. Instill in them a sense of style and respect for their clothing. Well-dressed children reflect positively on your parenting and values.
9. Age is Just a Number: Dress Youthfully, Not Childishly
Youth is the keynote of the age we live in, and it has become the greatest selling force in the merchandising of everything a woman wears or uses.
Embrace Youthfulness. While aging is inevitable, you can maintain a youthful spirit and appearance by dressing in a way that is modern, stylish, and flattering. Avoid clothing that is frumpy, outdated, or overly conservative.
Avoid Extremes. There's a fine line between dressing youthfully and dressing childishly. Avoid clothing that is too trendy, revealing, or age-inappropriate. The goal is to look vibrant and energetic, not to mimic a younger generation.
Focus on Fit and Quality. As you age, fit and quality become even more important. Choose clothing that flatters your figure and is made from high-quality materials that will stand the test of time.
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FAQ
1. What is "How To Dress For Success" by Edith Head about?
- Comprehensive guide to dressing: The book is a practical manual for women on how to use clothing and personal style as tools to achieve various forms of success—professional, romantic, social, and personal.
- Hollywood expertise: Drawing on her decades as a top Hollywood costume designer, Edith Head shares insights from dressing movie stars and translates them into actionable advice for everyday women.
- Focus on self-presentation: The book emphasizes the importance of "packaging" oneself appropriately for different roles and situations, much like an actress preparing for a part.
- Broad scope: It covers everything from business attire and dating wardrobes to dressing your family, building a functional closet, using color, and shopping smartly.
2. Why should I read "How To Dress For Success" by Edith Head?
- Timeless fashion wisdom: Edith Head’s advice is rooted in classic principles that remain relevant, focusing on appropriateness, self-awareness, and confidence rather than fleeting trends.
- Practical, actionable tips: The book is filled with checklists, wardrobe charts, and step-by-step methods for analyzing your figure, organizing your closet, and shopping efficiently.
- Boosts self-confidence: By learning how to dress for your goals and body type, you can enhance your self-image and increase your chances of success in various areas of life.
- Insider Hollywood perspective: Readers gain unique access to the strategies used by film stars to create memorable, flattering looks—adapted for real-world use.
3. What are the key takeaways from "How To Dress For Success" by Edith Head?
- Dress for your goals: Your clothing should align with your ambitions, whether in business, romance, or social life, and help you "play the part" you want to achieve.
- Know yourself: Honest self-assessment of your figure, coloring, and personality is essential to making smart wardrobe choices.
- Plan and organize: Building a successful wardrobe requires planning around your lifestyle, activities, and budget, rather than impulsive or wishful shopping.
- Details matter: Accessories, undergarments, and grooming are as important as outerwear in creating a polished, successful image.
4. How does Edith Head define "dressing for success" in her book?
- Packaging for impact: Head likens dressing for success to product packaging—your appearance is what attracts attention and opens doors.
- Appropriateness is key: Success comes from wearing clothes that are suitable for the occasion, your goals, and your personal type, not just what’s fashionable.
- Control what you can: While you can’t change your physical features, you have complete control over how you present yourself through clothing and grooming.
- Confidence through clothing: The right wardrobe can help you feel and appear more confident, competent, and attractive, which in turn influences how others perceive you.
5. What advice does "How To Dress For Success" give for dressing in business settings?
- Research your field: Learn the dress norms of your industry and company before interviews or starting a new job.
- Aim for the "acceptance look": Dress to fit in with the organization’s culture, favoring simplicity, neatness, and good taste over flashiness or extremes.
- Evolve as you advance: As you move up the career ladder, shift from the "acceptance look" to a more distinctive, executive style that signals leadership.
- Organization and preparation: Plan your outfits ahead of time to ensure you’re always appropriately dressed and avoid last-minute stress.
6. How does Edith Head recommend dressing to attract and keep a romantic partner?
- Dress for the man’s type: Identify what kind of man you’re interested in (sportsman, sophisticate, conservative, etc.) and tailor your wardrobe to appeal to his preferences.
- Be feminine, not flashy: Head argues that men prefer women who are attractively but modestly dressed, reserving overt sexiness for private moments.
- Maintain standards after marriage: Continue to look neat, fresh, and attractive for your husband, avoiding the trap of neglecting your appearance at home.
- Adapt to his interests: Whether he’s sporty or intellectual, show interest in his world and dress appropriately for shared activities.
7. What strategies does "How To Dress For Success" offer for building a functional wardrobe?
- Start with foundations: Every wardrobe should have a versatile suit, a "costume" (dress with matching coat or jacket), and a simple dark dress.
- Chart your activities: Analyze your lifestyle and list the types of events you attend to determine what clothing you actually need.
- Inventory and edit: Regularly review your closet, remove unworn or unsuitable items, and identify gaps to fill.
- Coordinate colors and accessories: Choose a color scheme so accessories can be mixed and matched, maximizing outfit combinations.
8. How does Edith Head suggest women can use color successfully in their wardrobe?
- Analyze your "Color Aura": Assess your skin, hair, and eye color to determine which shades are most flattering for you.
- Use color strategically: Dark colors slim, light colors add volume, and certain hues can make you look younger or more mature.
- Accent with brights: Use vivid or trendy colors in small doses (accessories, trims) rather than as the main garment, unless they suit your coloring.
- Avoid unflattering trends: Don’t buy into fashionable colors that don’t suit you, no matter how popular they are.
9. What is Edith Head’s method for figure analysis and why is it important?
- Objective self-assessment: Use a "head-in-a-bag" mirror test and body outline tracing to evaluate your true shape without bias.
- Identify your type: Determine if you’re average, tall, short, overweight, underweight, or a combination, and note specific features.
- Dress to enhance and camouflage: Choose clothing styles that accentuate your assets and minimize your liabilities, rather than following trends blindly.
- Fit is crucial: Proper alterations and fit can make any figure look its best, regardless of size or shape.
10. How does "How To Dress For Success" address the role of accessories and undergarments?
- Accessories as "successories": Hats, jewelry, shoes, handbags, and scarves are the "seasoning" that can transform basic outfits and express individuality.
- Avoid excess: Too many or mismatched accessories can ruin an outfit; edit for harmony and impact.
- Undergarments as foundation: The right bras, girdles, and slips are essential for shaping your silhouette and ensuring clothes fit and look their best.
- Update with fashion changes: As outerwear styles shift, update your undergarments to maintain the intended look and comfort.
11. What shopping strategies does Edith Head recommend in "How To Dress For Success"?
- Shop with a plan: Set a seasonal budget, make a list based on your wardrobe needs, and stick to it to avoid impulse buys.
- Coordinate purchases: Buy items that work with what you already own, especially in terms of color and accessories.
- Beware of bargains: Don’t buy discounted items unless you would have paid full price and they fit your plan.
- Try before you buy: Move, sit, and check fit from all angles to ensure comfort and appropriateness before purchasing.
12. What are the most memorable quotes from "How To Dress For Success" by Edith Head, and what do they mean?
- "Think of yourself as a product." — Head encourages women to approach self-presentation as a form of marketing, where appearance is key to "selling" oneself in any arena.
- "Clothes can make you look the part you want to play, but they can’t replace the ability to play it." — Dressing well opens doors, but true success requires substance and skill.
- "If Cinderella had Edith Head, she’d never have needed a Fairy Godmother." — The right wardrobe can be transformative, giving women the power to change their lives without magic.
- "Don’t be a slave to your clothes—let your clothes be slaves to you." — Choose clothing that serves your needs, flatters you, and supports your goals, rather than being dictated by fashion or others’ opinions.
Review Summary
How To Dress For Success receives mixed reviews, with an average rating of 3.80. Many readers find it entertaining and humorous, appreciating its vintage perspective on fashion. Some praise the timeless advice on wardrobe building and color selection. However, critics point out the book's dated and sexist content, reflecting 1960s attitudes. Readers are divided on its relevance today, with some finding valuable tips and others dismissing it as outdated. The book's vintage charm and historical insight are frequently mentioned as positive aspects, despite its controversial elements.
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