Career and Corporate Cool™: How to Look, Dress, and Act the Part – at Every Stage of Your Career

Rachel C. Weingarten
John Wiley & Sons (2007)
ISBN 9780470120347
Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (8/07)


Rachel Weingarten’s bio is impressive.  It is obvious she knows what she is talking about when it comes to looking and dressing the part in a career.  As a previous workshop instructor of creating a successful outside appearance, I was very interested in reading Rachel’s book to see if there have been any changes in the years since I taught classes, or if she had any new information.  I must say, I was not disappointed!

My first glance at the book, I thought it was geared for women. This is not so.  The content of the book relates to both genders and rightly so.  Rachel covers aspects ranging from corporate culture, to attitude adjustments, to climbing corporate ladders, to social rules, to dressing away from the office, to being on the road, and to handling family emergencies.  These are only a few – I’m sure Rachel didn’t miss a thing.

As you can tell, dressing the part is not the only aspect that Rachel covers. She also delves into communication skills as well as networking, and how to generate success in both. “Career and Corporate Cool™” shows us how to express ourselves, not only from the outside but from the inside as well.

Personally, Rachel’s book was a refresher for me.  Being I have spent the past several years in an internet-based company, my “outings” with other executives are limited. However, Rachel covers many sections for us too. The chapter, “The Best Guest or Hostess with the Mostest” was enlightening.  Even though I pride myself in creating a party without losing my sanity, it was great to read Rachel’s tips and acknowledge why my parties are so successful.

The other area that I found of interest that applies to an internet-based company is her chapter on presenting oneself in phone messages, e-mails, and instant messaging. I laughed and nodded profusely as Rachel covered some of the aspects of what’s not cool and professional.

I particularly found her section of “hall of fame” interesting.  For one, the style of Jacqueline Lee Bouvier Kennedy Onassis keeps living on. Right now, the sunglasses she was so famous for are vogue.  Another is David Letterman and his sharp suits, and then there is Martha Stewart, who retained “dignity, class, and decorum” during her trial.  These are only a few of the people that represent what is “cool” in our society.

Rachel’s guidance is not to be taken lightly. She provides imminent advice and wisdom to keep us one step ahead by developing our own style and redefining success based on “Career and Corporate Cool™.”

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