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As we get older and wiser, we find that little things give us the edge in business. When all things are equal at the office, dressing for success can be a satisfying and surprisingly simple way to maximize your effectiveness on the job.

Today, men are investing time and effort in their work wardrobes."Sure, most offices have relaxed their dress codes … but young guys are abandoning their jeans and T-shirts at least for the office and moving into dressier clothes. So those of us over 40 had better stay competitive and command some respect," John Jones, Fashion Director at MR (Menswear Retailing) trade magazine, says.

To update the style of 40-plus guys, we asked John Jones and two other names in the business of men's fashion for their best tips on workplace attire. Here's what they had to say:

1. If you need to dress in a suit, always have a navy one.
"Select a navy suit that can be worn as separates," says Tom Julian, SVP and Director of Trends for McCann Erickson advertising and fashion expert for Oscar.com for the past 12 years. The flexibility factor plays well for today's workplace dressing. The navy blazer from the suit will work with khakis or dark denim, or even newer this season, he adds, with pinwale corduroys.

2. Make sure the suit cut is up to date.

"The biggest trend we're seeing is actually the trimmer suit," Jones says. "We recently shot a traditional suit that was about five years old but still in great shape on a model. Then we shot the same model in an updated trimmer suit and wow, what a difference! The newer suit features a narrower, notched lapel with a higher gorge and two button close. The pants have a flat front, but we hear that the pleated pant is coming back. Pants are slightly shorter, now, hemmed with a minimal break," Jones says.

3. For a more casual take on the suit, wear it with a French cuff shirt and expressive cuff links ... and skip the necktie.

Julian says the trend towards the French cuff shirt as a strong distinct look for the workplace is mixed in casually with jeans.

4. If you don't have to wear a blazer, try a zip front cardigan.

A zip front cardigan is a great way to inject some new style into a work wardrobe for fall, Jones says. It replaces the hooded sweatshirt or the cardigan sweater and can even be layered under a suit or sport coat.

"Some guys think cardigans look like Mr. Rogers," Julian says. "But the new ones are trimmer models of the old classic … they look clean and modern."

5. Max out your navy suit's wearability over the work week by mixing patterns in both shirts and ties.

"Add in a shirt with a checked pattern or stripe and bring the entire look together with a floral pint tie," suggests Alana Kelen, Senior Stylist for VH1 and Wardrobe Consultant for WNBC News.

A helpful rule is to use one common color in the shirt and tie patterns.

"For example, a subtle lime green plaid or pinstripe shirt can be finished with a paisley tie with hints of that same lime green," she says. "As a safer bet, you can trade out the plaid shirt for a light lime solid shirt."

6. Try new fall colors in shirts and sweaters to make your classic suits and trousers look new.

"The dress shirt companies tell me that everybody is maxed out on freshening up their closets with basics in white or blue, so it's time for heather grays, blacks and antiqued pastel shades," Jones says.

"The must-have colors for fall that translate into casual business attire are grey, navy, deep purple and cobalt blue," Kelen says. "Add a bright pop of color to navy or grey trousers with an eggplant, purple or cobalt polo shirt."

7. Find a personal shopper or a knowledgeable salesperson in stores in your neighborhood.

"Don't be afraid to consult with an expert sales person," Jones advises. "I find that most guys leave their clothing decisions to their wives or girlfriends, and that's not always the best way to go. Sometimes wives and girlfriends look at their men through rose-colored glasses. They might not have the best handle on what proportions and styles work best for them."