In order to answer this question appropriately, we would need to know what you cook and how much.
In my own kitchen, I don't need several sizes of skillets, 5 different pots, and a varied amount of lids so buying a set was never in the cards for me.
I just use the following:
-Dutch oven. Excellent for just about anything.
-Tiny covered pot.
-Non-stick skillet
-Stainless skillet
-Stock pot
I only really use a few cooking utensils as well. High heat rubber spatula, plastic spatula, whisk and wooden spoon.