Whether its right or its wrong -- I'm taken more seriously when I dress for the occasion. Suits (usually skirt suits, sometimes pant suits) if I'm in an important presentation, court, or a meeting. Likely the same if I'm meeting new clients. I can dress more casually for normal days at work (but I always have a suit in my office in case something comes up). I know that I should not judge people based upon how they're dressed -- but I admit that if I don't already know them I often judge them by their appearance. It's a natural human reaction and I know others do it too. When things are important I don't want to have to fight a bad first impression. Throw in being a woman in a *formerly, may still be in certain situations* typically male -dominated area and, well, what I'm wearing is often the least of my worries so it's easier to dress as expected.

Rebecca -- thank you for the reading suggestions. Those sound interesting.