If by that he means you've got to be on good terms with the powers above, then yes I would agree. If he means that you have to look good in black then I doubt it
Lol, I got to agree with MGatiss.
To me it sounds as if this guy was a 'career ref' who didn't achieve the level he desired and there is a little bitterness left over.
Yes, you do need to be seen to be doing the right things by the right people, and you do need to be on good terms and moving in the right circles, as with any career.
Stay active in your area, attend the meetings, work on your game and improve. You will get noticed for the right reasons.
As an aside, I was attending a Federation meeting, as representative of a juniors club I am involved with. The meeting was chaired by the head of our Federation, was quite lively with all the region's clubs in attendance trying to agree to this year's competition structure for u9s through to u15s.
At end of the meeting, I simply went and introduced myself to the Chair, "Hi Peter, thought I'd better introduce myself as we have never met before" - to my surprise he knew who I was, what I did for a living, that I had coached last year's championship-winning team and was an active referee.
Moral of the tale - Do what you do to the best of your abilities and you will be seen, and recognised, for doing it!