Dressed For Success

Album: Look Sharp! (1989)
Charted: 18 14
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The phrase "Dress For Success" comes from John T. Malloy's 1970s books Dress For Success and its follow up Women's Dress for Success. These books started off the idea that working men and women should dress in a professional manner so as to be taken seriously. John T. Malloy was America's premier scientific image consultant and his books kick-started the image consulting industry and encouraged corporate women to wear for work full-jacketed sober suits.
  • Marie Fredriksson of Roxette explained: "I was so mad when I did it. Everything about that session went wrong, we argued about the arrangement, we changed the key, I was dead tired of the song when I went in to do a guide vocal. Did it in one blast and suddenly realized, 'hmm... this is it.'"

Comments: 3

  • LtsThis is a great song! One of the best pop/rock that is. Very intense!
  • Paul from MelbourneMost Roxette lyrics confuse me. lol.
  • Craig from Sturgeon Bay, WiConfused about some of the lyrics to Dressed For Success. the grey believers, another town where I get close to the bone/ blow the dust/ hitting a spot?
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Krishna Das

Krishna DasSongwriter Interviews

The top chant artist in the Western world, Krishna Das talks about how these Hindu mantras compare to Christian worship songs.

Gary Brooker of Procol Harum

Gary Brooker of Procol HarumSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer and pianist for Procol Harum, Gary talks about finding the musical ideas to match the words.

Did They Really Sing In That Movie?

Did They Really Sing In That Movie?Fact or Fiction

Bradley Cooper, Michael J. Fox, Rami Malek, Reese Witherspoon, Gwyneth Paltrow and George Clooney: Which actors really sang in their movies?

Linda Perry

Linda PerrySongwriter Interviews

Songwriting Hall of Famer Linda Perry talks about her songs "What's Up" and "Beautiful," her songwriting process, and her move into film music.

Penny Ford of Snap!

Penny Ford of Snap!Songwriter Interviews

The original voice of Snap! this story is filled with angry drag queens, video impersonators and Chaka Khan.

Thomas Dolby

Thomas DolbySongwriter Interviews

He wrote "She Blinded Me With Science" so he could direct a video about a home for deranged scientists.