I can only imagine what's it like being a woman, much less an attractive woman. I can see how it can open doors, but also be annoying. A double edge sword. I think this is more than a female thing. There are so many studies that show how 'attractive' people are more likely to be promoted over less attractive people, even when the lesser attractive was more qualified. There is definitely a 'pretty' bias in human thinking.

I have mixed feelings about the part of you being called out for being a distraction for dressing nicely. On the one hand, I think you should be able to dress as you want and support individuality. What you wear shouldn't affect your performance. (Collectively, it's been measure that casual Fridays are less productive, but is that because we dress more casually and are less serious? I don't know.) On the other hand, there is reason men tend to dress 'uniformly.' It's a way of squashing independence and rivalry. It unifies us. One thing school uniforms do is decreases anxiety about appearance so we can focus on school... But I doubt we will ever promote everyone wears a uniform to work. As a man, I am rather envious of the fashion options women have available. I am also fashioned challenged, and I am sure I take social penalties for not being more 'thoughtfully engaged in my appearance.' In that regard, I am not getting any 'pretty' bias, but I am less likely to be engaged, too, or if I am, I am likely to be dismissed, as opposed to a female who dresses down or doesn't wear makeup is at risk of severe social penalty.

That's neither here nor there, I guess, how I feel on the subject. I am smart enough to know much of my lack of confidence comes from low esteem, and family of origin issues. But I think I would trade some of my perceived mental and emotional capabilities for just being attractive.