Red Socks Don't Work: Messages from the Real World About Men's Clothing

Covers suits, shirts, ties, trousers, shoes, and socks, discusses accessories and business style, and includes tips on grooming

Upon first glance, this book appears to be a tongue-in-cheek look into men's clothing and/or body language. Closer inspection reveals that it is a serious attempt to discuss proper male imaging. While there is value in projecting a professional image, the author takes the subject to extremes. Will an MBA grad really take time to read about the no-no's of dandruff, when not to wear suspenders, the fat wallet syndrome, and the value of shoe trees? Perhaps a more apropos subtitle might have been, A Guide for the Clothing Impaired. The paragraph on the history of the necktie is the most exciting tidbit of information it contains. No doubt, men who need to know how to dimple said necktie in order for it "to jut out exuding confidence" will find it useful. While Karpinski's experience has been honed from years of working as both a menswear buyer and image consultant, it seems highly unlikely that men who are afraid to ask for help shopping will ever find, read, or carry this to the checkout desk. Recommended only for collections desperately seeking titles on image consulting for shy male yuppies.
Vicki Gadberry, Mars Hill Coll. Lib., N.C.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.