"Whereas I can't imagine a return to a time when ppl (well, women) aren't expected to enhance their appearance"
Every culture has messed around with themselves, whether it's heavy eyeliner, Egyptian style, or a bone/claw inserted somewhere, or just body painting, changing our look is something that we have always done.
There is no individual look, Lady GaGa comes close occasionally, but even my Gothic DD relies on those gone before her for inspiration, in the same way my Spray Tanned other DD's do.
Regardless of what you wear, you then look to join your respective tribe at times, Festivals, Concerts, Science Fiction Conventions etc.
We all fit in, or stand out somewhere.