1.  How should I express myself in an office setting?

The CEOs Say . . .
58% patterned neckwear and shirts
15% jewelry (rings, earrings, bracelets)
15% cuff links
5% whimsical neckwear

"Having great style is something people notice over the course of time. But having bad style is noticed immediately." —Brett Fahlgren, director of special events, Prada

Match Colors, Mix Patterns
Your shirt and tie should share a shade. But if you're going to match patterns, "make sure they're a different scale," says Lynne Marks, president of Atlanta's London Image Institute. "For example, choose a larger pattern for your tie while keeping the shirt reserved."

Avoid Pattern Blindness
Your shirt and tie are the palette from which you paint the colors of your soul. Just keep the palette small. "A large pattern is far more casual than a small one, so if you work in a conservative office, stick to small checks and pinstripes," says Marks.

Go Light on the Bling
Just because you're the king of accounting doesn't mean you need to wear a diamond-studded tie clip. In addition to a dress watch and a stylish belt, "a nice signet ring or wedding ring is all you should wear," says Marks.

2. What's the most important accessory for a new hire?

The CEOs say . . .
50% well-polished shoes
18% a smart attache case
15% an elegant  watch
8% matching belt and shoes

"Who wants a sloppy employee in an era when you can go to jail for reporting incorrect financial data?"  —Tom Markert, global chief of marketing, ACNielsen

Shine with Spit
"It's that old military concept: Spit, polish, and repeat," says New York City shoemaker Warren Edwards. "You want to rub the polish in a circular motion—don't just slap it all over the shoe—then add some water and really polish hard."

Cut the Cream
Wax-based polishes last longer. "Any wax will work better than the sponge-on liquid polish that everyone is selling these days," says Edwards. Select a brush with long, sturdy bristles.

Store with Care
"Shoes will develop creases and the toes will turn up if you don't store them on trees," says Edwards. "Shoes are made on the principle of stretching leather. If you don't guide them back into place after they've been wet or you've worn them all day, they'll deform."