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I would get two pairs of dress pants, a few blouses, and maybe a blazer? Then you can mix those up and dress them up or down with heels and necklaces.

@Mrs. Turtle: have you ever looked at Ann Taylor or LOFT? (they're both under the same parent company, I think LOFT is supposed to be a little younger.) I'm under the impression they have a lot of really reasonably priced professional-looking things that would work for what you're talking about. If you're not into dresses, I'd get 1 simple pair of pants, 1 solid-colored skirt, 2-3 blouses, and a pair of heels that works with both the pants and skirt. And a new lipstick! does wonders for confidence

I had good luck building a small professional wardrobe for part time work by getting black skinny pants at j crew, jctew factory or banana republic, and button down or "pop over" style shirts from those places.
I can wear the tops with jeans or dressier pants, it's easy and cheap to get a new shirt, and it works in most weather. I do have some corduroys I mix in in the winter. I would wear black flats, typically, but could do boots or clogs too.
I don't really like dresses and live in a rural area too where I would probably feel overdressed if I wore a blazer anywhere besides court or an interview.

Sounds weird but you could also try amazon. They carry a lot of normal brad clothes and if you have prime - free shipping! When I find something I like I check for it on Amazon haha. You could also get by with some black pants and a few tops from Target. I'm a lawyer and half my wardrobe is from Target

I love machine washable Express slacks and loose fitting prettier tops with a cardigan or blazer. Banana outlet was my go to when I worked in an office.

Does your mall have a Macy's?

Macy's suit section has Calvin Klein suit separates. I particularly like the dark gray pant suit the way the jacket is cut. I would get the gray pantsuit and two blouses from anywhere even the Juniors section. The black CK pants are nicely cut too. Pair the black pants with a white Oxford shirt or other shirt and colored sweater or cardigan for a casual look. The pants will be long enough any comfy pump with a 3 inch heel will work.

I would also check out Zappos once you have stuff in mind. They ship for free and do free returns. And they carry a decent variety of clothes. Not as extensive as amazon, but I hate buying things from amazon that might need to get returned because it's a huge hassle.

@erinbaderin: Agree with this "recipe".

I am trying to do more of a capsule/uniform style. I have 3 pairs of black pants (skinny, regular and joggers). I also have a pair of navy pants and khakis but those are left over and not often worn. I also have 2 black skirts (a pencil and a midi from Old Navy).

Basically I just do black buttons and a variety of shell tops that mix with the various pants/skirts. I have casual cardigans or blazers that mix in depending on on dressy I feel.

Target has great clothes on a budget. If you are in a rural area I would suggest a nice pair of dark jeans with almost any shirt and a blazer.

@Mrs. Turtle: Have you looked at ThredUp? They sell a lot of NWT and practically brand new clothes. I just received my first order-two BR wrap dresses and 2 silk blouses (1 WHBM and 1 BR) for a little less than 1/3 of what I would have paid retail. I am very pleased with the condition/quality--everything arrived exactly as described. If you have an idea of what brands/cuts fit you best/work for your body, this could be a good option for you to explore.

I've had good luck at Target, JCPenney's and Kohl's. All of them have decent regular prices and great sale prices. Plus, I've usually been able to find stuff on clearance and pair it with a coupon.

Since this is your first foray into dressier clothes, I'd go cheaper till you find types of clothes you like or have a better idea of the dress code in your area. I bought a ton of dress slacks only to discover that I vastly preferred dresses instead!

@Mrs. Turtle: Looks great!

@Mrs. Turtle: Very nice! I think if you had 2-3 tops like that with 2-3 cardigans/blazers you could easily put together a few outfits.

Two things: try banana republic. There is almost always a 40% off sale (they have a 50% friends and family coming up, see if you have a family or friend who gets the coupon!!).

i just bought this:
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1056194&vid=1&pid=585661002
its super flattering. easy wash and wear.
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1056192&vid=1&pid=590735012
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1056192&vid=1&pid=588233002

plus a cardigan or two:
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=51420&vid=1&pid=584351012
slightly longer
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1078839&vid=1&pid=488166032

plus a slimmer cut pair of pants in black & navy
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1009305&vid=1&pid=183602012

you can wear those with flat

I would buy mainly neutrals (ivory, navy, black, grey) and punch things up with a fun necklace.

Lastly: find a tailor. It will be worth it, I promise. If you do a big shop, one or two things will need to be altered and you will feel GREAT in them

ETA: Banana has tall sizes.

@Mrs. Turtle: Yes! Button down and slacks still makes for a nice outfit. You can even add a cardigan if its the right cut.

@Mrs. Turtle: Honestly, if you like them, wear them, but there are so many options out there for women that are much more flattering, especially if you're busty. The main thing I don't like about them is 1, that you really need to tuck them in if they have shirt tails, and 2, unless you get the ones that are tailored with darts, they just don't accommodate a chest and tend to gap and pull.

I won't say no one wears them around here, but really, in my 20 years of working, it's only men that wear button downs.

@looch: I do, unfortunately, see standard button downs on women--even the ones with the buttons to hold down the collar!