In a 2011 study, men and women alike were shown photos of women with and without makeup on. The women wearing makeup in the photos were perceived as more competent and more likable to both male and female viewers. As unsettling as it is for us in 2016 to think that flawless lipstick is still necessary to succeed, it may be true. People judge a book by its cover initially. If a big boss only sees you but never gets to know you... how does this boss perceive you? How does this boss judge you?
As I recently moved to a military installment, I have met many new spouse friends and military friends alike. I am in Oklahoma. I am from Chicago. The style and presentation of self in the workplace are vastly different. I worried that my inability to put down the eyeliner in the morning made me appear stuck up. Was my desire to be polished in a casual workplace making me the office bitch? When I relayed these concerns to a female lieutenant friend, she shut me down immediately. "Don't let anyone make you feel bad about yourself because you take pride in your appearance," she told me. This is from a girl who wears camo and eyeliner! THAT IS A TRUE ROLE MODEL FOR STYLE PEOPLE!
In conclusion, as Daya says, "I don't wanna sit still look pretty." You don't have to sit still wherever you are. Break those ceilings. Lean in. Whatever you want to call "moving on up" these days. But you aren't less of a feminist or less of a hard worker if you look your best whilst doing it. Work that eyeliner. Test that lipstick. You could end up moving up the ladder for it.