I recently updated my work wardrobe and I can tell you what I do, although not all of it will be relevant. My tops are mostly from Ann Taylor or Nordstrom. Ann Taylor is really great for work appropriate tops, many of their tops have sleeves and if you go to the sale rack with a % off, they can be quite affordable. I have a few tops from Loft but I can't wholeheartedly recommend them because the quality is not great but they are worth a look and usually quite affordable.
My bottoms are pencil skirts (I know they are out for you) and white jeans or black slim pants. I find that keeping the bottoms to known silhouettes and playing with tops for variety and interest keeps things streamlined. I suggest you find 2-3 bottom silhouettes that work for you. I duplicate my bottoms, meaning I have multiple pairs of the exact same slim black bottoms and white jeans to avoid laundry bottlenecks. Pants and jeans are hard to fit, so it makes sense for me to stick with a few that work.
Also, to really up the professional aspect of your style, I recommend a third piece like a jacket or cardigan, or even a necklace to "finish" the look. Jackets can be pricey so you could start with cardigans.
Below is a post on what I am wearing to my new job which starts tomorrow. It won't all work for you but there might be some inspiration.
Congrats on the new job!
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....-on-style-
