Casual Power:: How to Power Up Your Nonverbal Communication & Dress Down for Success

P.S. Be prepared to be beat up a little. This isn't a cutsy book. It's rough and to the point. I loved it!


Silly Stuff   February 21, 2004
 1 out of 21 found this review helpful

This book is basically an apology for dressing like a slob. The author is very careful to deny this, and keeps making reference to the minefield of problems associated with the dressing down trend in business, but she never addresses the real issue: people dress like slobs at work because they WANT to, and because being comfortable is more important than anything else in today's society. Calling it "casual power" is just a joke. Get real!


The threads do make a statement after all.   April 24, 2003
 19 out of 21 found this review helpful

Whether you are a pro at putting outfits together or a bumbling brut (me), CASUAL POWER by Sherry Maysonave will lend some insight into what's right and what's not in the world of business casual. I know a number of people able to string outfits together but making an impact or statement with non-formal clothing takes skill, taste and experience. Someone like me who has spent a small fortune on clothing to make it easier to put outfits together will really benefit from Ms. Maysonave's book. At the very least, I've made some progress in understanding clothing faux pas' and coordinating shirts, slacks, shoes and sport coats. And whether one wants to admit it or not, appearances do matter.

Casual (and perhaps Grunge) dress has long been the norm for high-tech environments. I consulted for a software company during the 90's that sported a dozen or so software engineers. These guys and gals had an unwritten credo to determine who could wear the most disgusting, outrageous T-shirt, on a daily basis. While it provided much-needed comic relief, it was tragic nonetheless.

For most men going casual, the challenge lies in locating the compromise between too stuffy and weekend slob. With the interpretation of casual so varied, Ms. Maysonave offers a general rule of thumb - remember there's a difference between casual dress and business casual dress. Additionally, no matter what one decides to wear to work, conducting business is the name of the game. For me, the need to change from "Dockers" casual to business casual came with too many unexpected client drop-ins and opportunities to meet new clients.

Regardless one's profession, if suit and tie aren't required, tasteful business attire is still appropriate and, in most circles, expected. This is particularly true of many of the successful individuals and those getting ahead in front of the trend.

CASUAL POWER is an easy-to-read book with many illustrations, color photos and tips to ensure success in dressing down powerfully. I highly recommend this book for most professionals, particularly those adhering to a casual dress code.


Enlightening   April 21, 2003
 3 out of 4 found this review helpful

This book was selected for our quarterly staff meeting, it was easy, fun, reading with pictures!

'Enlightening', on how clothing style and colors have 'powerful' interputations!

You'll want this one as a reference source!


Can't go wrong with this book   August 17, 2002
 8 out of 8 found this review helpful

This book is intended for anyone who doesn't need to wear a uniform to work because the whole workplace, and culture that matter (have you looked around your church lately?), is getting more casual but what exactly are the rules. The author gives you the rules to give you the type of appearance and command that you are looking for. There book is easy to read and fun. There are plenty of examples and how to's. I have spent several years in the career placement and services field and find this book very appropriate for those doing a job search as well as entry-level individuals. The book also would make an ideal gift for a college graduate. To close, you can read this book and walk away with information that you can use and that can make a difference in your life.