Since I started interviewing for office jobs and then started working for a company strongly linked to marketing and advertisement, I started to adopt the corporate business style of dress...I found it easy to be neither skanky nor old woman-y. I shopped at NY&Co, Gap, JC Penney (believe it or not, they have stepped up in their style), Macy's (clearance!), and Parade..OH! and Target's got some sophisticated inexpensive lines now too.

Start with the basics..black boot-cut pants, black skirt(just below the knee), Black jacket (go for a stylish cut). You can add more stuff later like pin stripes/brown/khaki bottoms. Your shirts are where the style really comes in. I sport a lot of lace trim tops because they're pretty and kinda vintage looking. Go for bright/bold colors and prints too. The round-toe pumps and square toe boots are in now. AND cardigans, any color! With Jewelery..you want simple and elegant while sometimes a pair of chandliers will look great against a simple outfit. I'll go shopping with you if you want! ;)