Workplace Fashion: To Wear or Not to Wear?

This morning, on my way into work,  I overheard a conversation between two girls on the topic of dressing for where you want to be in your career.
 
2 girls on the Brown line:

Girl 1: "Project what you want, dress the part and you will get it"

Girl 2: "It makes sense. If you go into work looking like a hot mess it reflects what people think of you and your ability."

 
That conversation came on the heels of a conversation I recently had with a friend about work attire. It seems to me, once something is mentioned or heard it pops up all over the place. Such as, the following article that I randomly found the other day while doing research...
 
From an article in The Business Journals: 

"You may not like it, but your work attire does affect the perception of your ability to handle bigger jobs -- in other words, your “promote-ability.” 

For the full article click here
 
I think choosing what to wear and how you present yourself to the world speak volumes - maybe more than one would like to admit, but we live in a world of first impressions - this especially true in the business world.
 
I recall a conversation, at a former job, between me and a higher up about someone at the company who "is a great asset, but doesn't have the "look" to be in front of clients/media." I sat speechless. I didn't know how to respond. I just took a mental note - it was great insight into business place culture/expectations.  
 
Where I work now is an office designed for companies that telecommute. I see my 3 other co-workers usually daily and then maybe a few other people who work in the same shared office. I think because there is not a strict dress code I am guilty of not always giving much effort into my outfit for work. Maybe I am running late in the morning and decided to forfeit make-up. Or, just throw my hair up and put on a headband. Voilà!  97% of the time, I just made that percentage up, I will ensure I am dress professionally. You never know who you will run into. I recall one Friday when my boss was downtown for a meeting and afterwards asked the 4 of us Chicago employees if we wanted to get drinks. Oh, this day was not one of the 97% times- yeah, this day, I decided to not wear make-up, throw my post showered, uncombed, wet hair in bun and wore jeans and a blousy top.  Now, this was a Friday, so I was not radically causal, but I was very aware of my laid back appearance. I wondered if my boss took notice.


From an article in The Wall Street Journal:

"Clothes generally won't be the sole determining factor in whether a person moves up the corporate ladder. But it makes a difference."

For the full article click here
 
I do think it is important to stick to your own sensibility with clothing, but remember YOU are a brand. What vision do you want to present to the office, colleagues, clients, ect?  
Am I alone in this thinking? Thoughts?  

Oh, and for fun I found this quiz -
http://www.psychologies.co.uk/tests/what-do-your-clothes-say-about-you.html
 
I got "Seductive" .... It's true - I don't like leaving people feeling indifferent. I like black and white - yes or no - situations. No grey area for me.

Enjoy!