Wearing more makeup and high heels is better for business

Steve - the answer is most definitely NO !

I am all for looking good both in and out of work, my fiancees positive influence i guess, as i wasn't too fussed before 

There is no place for sexism in or out of work though.

My deliberate "angle" for reporting this obviously wasn't wasted 

I think the expression "dressing appropriately" applies to men and women.  In over 30 years working in offices I've seen the female inappropriate range from flip flops, full back tattoes (I thought it was a patterned underlayer of a top) and cami tops.  The highlight for the men has to be sandals with no socks even in the winter. 

Ah mine is Steve in his shorts wearing boots, but I didn't tell you 

I think there should be a "dress code" but i cannot see how you can enforce skirt length or makeup on the females, well males too if that takes your fancy ! 

We do have an informal smart casual approach, its usually a logo'd shirt with black chinos/jeans to a shirt & tie when we have visitors. Common sense stuff really.

I personally think if you turn up scruffy, your work will reflect that

Had to respond to this. Sex sells, end of. If you have a trade stand and you need 5 volunteers, who will be your first choice? Don't believe me, then go to any trade show or sales event and see who is drumming up trade. Your workforce are an asset and you want your best assets selling and driving business. 

Most "volunteers" you are referring to on trade stands are hired help from agencies. 

Do you think they care what they wear as long as they take home a wedge of cash at the end of the day?

I get the there is sexism out there and it is wrong but if these woman are prepared to wear precious little whilst lying over the bonnet of the latest Ferrari in a Motorshow, as long as they are not forced to do the job, why do car companies do it then?

Back to the o/p - as i have already said, in the "office" environment you cannot dictate to any employee what they wear, with the exception of uniforms. That opens up a different can of worms! 

As the OP, glad we've had a friendly debate!

Yes, motor shows are well-known for having scantily clad ladies draping themselves across the cars.  However, at specialist shows you tend to get staff in business dress even if they have come from an agency.  Earlier this year, a temp in London shouted foul because she was asked to dress more appropriately for a reception assignment.  Having seen a picture of how she was dressed, I agreed with the company's stance.  I think recruitment agencies should find out the client's dress code and advise workers accordingly.

Now I've taken the lid off.....

Not sure if this fits the o/p but along the vain of the reception comment, what about tattoos?

Would you employ someone and give them a customer facing role if they were covered in tattoos? 

Being honest i am not sure i would want this type of thing on my reception desk.

Exactly!

I know of someone who is saving hard to have a tattoo on her ankle removed so that she can apply for a cabin crew job with a well-known middle-eastern airline.   The no visible tattoo rule also applies to those employees choosing to wear trousers.