Back to work wardrobe help needed please

[cleas]

After 5 years of self employment and a maternity break I am finally going back to 'proper' work (ie where I actually earn some money!). I need a new work-type capsule to start. Looking good would also help with confidence issues too I think as it feels like such a long time since I was in an office environment. So, could you wonderfully stylish ladies help me out with a shopping list? I'll be IT contracting in a semi-smart corporate environment. I've spent the last few years in jeans and converse so don't know where to start. I'm a 'boyish' (although hate that term) 5'10" if that helps. Not a huge budget but will find the money somewhere if it's worth it!

I am more of a lurker, than anyone who actually know about fashion, and am 5 3" - so not exactly the same shape as you! But when I returned to work a few years ago, I really needed to not have to think about what to wear to work in the morning. For work I have:

2 dresses - machine washable which I wear all year around
2 black skirts - one knee length pencil, one flared midi
1 black blazer
2 pairs of trousers - one wide leg grey, one straight leg black
2 machine washable silk pussy bow blouses (one navy and red pattern - three-quarter sleeves, one - green and black pattern long sleeves)
1 (ick) navy polyester short sleeved blouse - doesn't need ironing - so fantastic
2/3 t-shirts - short sleeve v-neck and long sleeve crew news (the long sleeved ones can be worn under the jersey dresses in winter)
1 fine knit cardi
2 pairs of heels - one mid, one high (I am short!)
1 pair of black ankle boots

If I'm wearing the t-shirts I tend to wear a 'statement' necklace or earrings. I can mix and match all of those items, so don't have anything to think about in the morning.

I must say I struggle a bit if it gets really hot - not that I've had this trouble so far this year! But from time to time I have to dip into my non-work wardrobe. From there I use a pair of navy 7/8 light-weight chinos, and a couple of cotton shirts.

Hope that helps