I believe women that dress sexy DO want the attention for them it is an advantage . But let me be clear........... attention is NOT an open floodgate to harassment/rape/unwanted touching etc. and yes it is a mixed signal . Welcome to life of man vs. woman

. In the OP's scenario the woman may feel that the way she dresses is a competitive advantage , show a little skin and a smile and that may land her a contract . As a society we are " generally " fixated with someone that is attractive or sexy vs. the junk yard dog . Or I could be full of crap

now get off my lawn !