It depends. Some people will write you off and you can't help it, regardless of how you look. Some will admire you for how you look. Some won't care and will just judge you by your music. Some won't stumble on you at all.
However, I think it is kind of the same as with the Reactions vs. Results with girls. Looks and style alone will get reactions, but nothing of substantial quality. The question here is to ask yourself whether you would be happy with something deeper and long-term or short-term and shiny. That's not to say that only small fanbases are loyal or heading towards this kind of popular 'real music' mental model based on existence of something universal that is considered a standard and if you are out of it, you ain't 'real'. Not even trying to point out the short-term as bad. Everything has it's place.
A quick glance at the music world today will give you an basic idea though. Looks alone will get you just as far. Good music will get you just as far. Well-balanced lifestyle with following your purpose in mind ? - that I would see as making good music from the heart while keeping looking sharp and being an interesting person would work the best.
Because, you know, what is attractive and successful ? There isn't a definition written in stone for that one. How many stars in the music biz had all the fame and even something considered 'happiness' by some and still were depressed and committed suicides. You can have all the music skills you want, all the fans you want, all the looks you want, all the fame and money, but if you aren't doing what you truly believe you should do and you aren't doing it GOOD and HARD, you won't be content anyways.
That's what differentiates artists for me. Looks play a role in that, but do you think people simply listen to an artist or become fans just because of the way he looks or what kind of music he makes? I believe it is about the artist, as a person. And these characteristics are part of that certain personality.
There is plenty of good rock, jazz, pop, classical or whatever musical works and songs. People stay with an artist for what he is as a person and what he does as a person. If it was only music, you could get that anywhere.
Looks just like any other characteristic affects your overall image and your overall image affects other people. But it is just a mere part of the whole equation.
Half-assed living won't be solved by any shortcuts. Not in music, not anywhere.
I would like to point out that I had the general 'you' in mind, my intent wasn't to write this personally. Anyways, this is my take on this.
