In my opinion: A pair of black pants and a pair of gray pants, a black pencil skirt, cardigans and other layering pieces. Start small, and you can add on more pieces (and more bold/trendy pieces) as your budget permits. I focus more on having a variety of tops rather than a variety of shoes/skirts/pants, but then, I also enjoy shopping for tops a lot more!

I'm curious to see what everyone else says, since I just transitioned from a more casual workplace to a more business workplace (both claim to be "business casual"). I definitely need to enhance my work wardrobe.

I consider the following 10 pieces as work clothing basics. Depending on the combination like jeans, white shirt, and jacket they can be casual or in the case of the suit pieces appropriate for an interview. Equally important as the choosing each item is making sure they all colors and shapes complement each other so they can be worn in combination. Because of the verity of combinations they can be worn in, these 10 items can take you through a work month, without appearing repetitive.

Clothing:
1. Suit Jacket, dark color
2. Matching slacks, dark color (if your office is more casual opt for Tan/Khaki pants)
3. Matching pencil skirt, dark color
4. Dress - shell
5. Dark jeans
6. White button down shirt
7. Sweater, V-neck (to allow to be worn over blouse and shirt)
8. Camisole (high pretty neckline, to show under sweater and suit jacket
9. Print or silk blouse
10. Cardigan

Shoes and accessories:
1. Heels
2. Flats
3. Belt
4. Scarf
5. Set of jewelry, Silver or Gold color

As funds allow, add for verity:
1. Print skirt, a-line
2. Striped/print button down shirt
3. Tan/Khaki pants
4. More print or silk blouses
5. Shirt dress

Hey Katheryn (love the spelling!),

I can definitely relate. I've always been on a limited budget, but I work for a very professional financial advising office. I think these other ladies have got listing the key pieces covered, so I'd like to share some tips that I've learned.

1. Every week, I try to put about $10-$20 away and then I hold onto it. Shopping at random times can be pricey...it's best to hold out for a sale. Right now a lot of stores are having their mid-year sales, and upcoming we've got labor day, and columbus day sales.
2. Go to decent quality stores, and judge the sales wisely. A buy one, get one half off might be tempting, but I believe you can find a better deal. My favorites are the stores that have markdowns that apply even to their items already on sale. A few stores that do this quite often are: The Limited, Ann Taylor, Chicos, J. Jill, and Express.
3. Don't be tempted to buy full price items. It's just not worth it. With a little bit of patience, you will be spending as little money as possible, but still getting a decent amount of things. I usually find 1-3 items per store that are super marked down, and rarely end up spending more than $50 per store.

Good Luck! And if you're ever in NY and need a shopping buddy, let me know! =)

I recommend buying the best your budget allows for the basics. Because they are staples of your closet you will wear them a lot and NOTHING is worse than ratty clothing when trying to be seen as professional. Sales, sample sales and stores that discount designer clothes are all good places to trawl and pick up items when the price is right. Seasons are becoming less pronounced so fabrics tend to be more year-round now too meaning that you can get an item on end-of-season sale that you can wear any time.
As some have already mentioned, a pencil skirt, pant and basic shift/ sheath dress are all good places to start. Make sure they fit! There's a reason those higher up execs all look so polished, it's the little things like the pant having the right length that can make a real difference. Same with shoes and accessories- little things like keeping them polished and cutting off loose threads can help them look more expensive than they are until you can upgrade.