If you're just starting out, I suggest you visit either Costco or Sam's club and grab the Wolfgang Puck set. I had this set in my restaurant, beat the crap out of it and I still have it today.
Yes, there's All Clad, etc. but the WP set meets all my criteria.
1. Stainless Steel.
2. NO nonstick.
3. Pourable lip - I don't have All Clad because I don't like the way everything dribbles down the side of the pan anytime you pour something out of it. Pet peeve but it annoys me enough to resist purchasing the brand.
4. Riveted handles (NO spot welds) and all-metal handles (no plastic).
5. Sandwich construction (bottom of the pan has copper interior with stainless steel around it).
6. Very few (if any) bulls**t pieces. I generally steer clear of sets but there wasn't a piece I wouldn't use.
I have many pieces of cookware I've collected over my lifetime . I have Le Creuset, French crepe pans, stockpots, cast iron frying pans, you name it - but the Wolfgang Puck set remains my #1 recommendation of a "set" of cookware; especially for someone just starting out.
Check this out if you can - it's an album I have on Facebook called "Gear." You don't have to be a member to view it.