There's Levels to this........

There are key pieces to every wardrobe. the following are key pieces I think all professionals should own. Level 1 - A white dress shirt. Can be worn with many other things on the list and can be dressed up or down. Level 2 - A pair of Black Dress Pants. (Ladies you can add a skirt as well) Paired with the white shirt professionalism is on the horizon. Level 3 - A pair of Khaki pants. You never know when you need this for a professional outing that is not casual enough for jeans. Level 4 - A Blazer. Preferably in black to coordinate with your black slacks. You now have a suit whether you brought them together or not :). Level 5 - A Trench or Rain Coat. Keep you professional look even when its cold out. (side note: no baby phat bubble with fur or Wu-Tang leather, there's a time and a place for everything.) Level 6 - A pair of black shoes. Whether Female or Male black dress shoes are a good finish to a professional look. Level 7 - A watch. When you are on another persons time, a watch is a nice touch. These my recommendations for the foundations of a professional wardrobe.  There are always things that you can add but these are the basics that transcend gender and social class.