lol get a clue wrote:
She doesn't need to wear makeup and high heels to appear professional. In fact, she would do well avoiding them if she wants to be taken seriously in a professional setting and improve her chances of forward advancement. Studies have shown that men take women more seriously when they appear less sexual- wearing flats, little/no makeup, loose clothing, showing little/no skin. Most professional women who are being considered for executive positions take leadership classes and this information is discussed ad nauseaum. Women should smile less, point more, speak in a confident tone and not laugh at men's jokes to get their just due in the workplace. This is the world men have created. Enjoy!
This is utter BS. All professional women wear makeup. Not doing it would make you stick out as much as having facial piercings. And if there really were such studies being discussed ad nauseaum at seminars, then I think that my many female friends who attended HBS and GSB would probably know about it.
Heels are a little different, because that's a function of formality, office culture, and a woman's height.