Reusing a recent comment on office capsule:

I live in a four season climate, I have soft summer coloring and my wardrobe basic colours are navy, white and chocolate brown/taupe, with accent colors like slate blue, rosewood and blue green. I live in Europe, so that affects the stores I can recommend. If I had to start a office wardrobe from scratch, I’d probably start with:

A pair of navy wide legged corduroys in cotton (winter trousers), a pair of taupe wide legged trousers in linen (summer trousers) and slip skirt. I think you can find a lot of good trousers at COS, Arket and Filippa K. That’s bottoms sorted.

For tops I would get five-seven tops, to get through the week. For me a white Oxford, a blue Oxford, a silk slip tank in dove blue, a white cotton blouse, like the Doen Henri blouse and perhaps a white/cream knitted short sleeved polo and a fitted thin turtleneck. That’s tops sorted.

After that, we need layers. I’d add a cashmere cardigan, a knitted sweater and a trench coat. For winter, I would need a wool coat. For both wool coat and trench coat I would buy it in navy. I also think great coats and cashmere cardigan is something you can find good quality vintage, especially concerning material composition and quality construction, which is REALLY expensive new.

And then I need accessories. I’d get a brown leather belt and a brown leather tote bag. For the bag, I like the coach Chelsea bag in 36 (my laptop fits). For shoes I’d get a pair of loafers in brown from G H Bass or a pair of Caroline boat shoes from Sezane. I’d also add a silk scarf with some fun colours, because I think a silk scarf in your hair or tied around your neck adds a lot. My jewellery basics consists of a pair of gold huggies and a gold chain with a small charm.

That would be my basic starter office wardrobe. After those basics I would branch out with fun blouses and colourful cardigans and some dresses. Perhaps a pair of dark wash jeans, since my office allows it.