Is the fame-seeking attire described by the questioner considered a sin, and is what her colleagues said true, or does it stem from something within their own selves?

Interacting with people requires patience, forbearance, and self-reflection to avoid problems, and responding to ill-treatment with kindness and forgiveness. As for clothing, adornment must be concealed from non-mahram (definition) men to preserve a woman's modesty and chastity. There is no objection to women displaying their adornment in purely female gatherings, although it is not recommended in workplaces to prevent disputes. "Libas ash-shuhrah" (clothing of fame) is that which draws attention, whether through extravagance or shabbiness, making its wearer a subject of pointing fingers, and it is disliked.