In an executive track, you have to be more formal. GUYS can get away with wearing Loony Toons ties with thousand dollar business suits. That's totally unfair. There is none. It's not fair, but that's the way it is.
Men often get what they want just because they ask.
It's that simple. Don't take their first offer. Don't back down off the phone. Don't back away when someone gets into your space. And don't wear stupid shoe.