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    1. Style

    Why you don't need a whole new wardrobe to nail that interview

    How to look chic without breaking the bank

    Penny Goldstone's avatar
    By Penny Goldstone
    Published 12 January 2018 In Features

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    How to look chic without breaking the bank

    In collaboration with Matalan

    Looking for a job? Forget the whole 'New Year, New You' message everyone seems so keen to push every January, because if you're already fabulous then why change anything? And the same goes for your wardrobe.

    There really is no need to buy a whole new interview outfit when refreshing your existing one will do - especially after everyone is broke after Christmas.

    So here are three ways you can update your wardrobe to look fabulous, without breaking the bank.

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    The elevated suit

    You might be fed up with your black suit and think it's not on-trend enough, but it may be the best thing you own, as it is quite simply timeless, and the easiest thing to update. Want a chic look? Simply add a slick of red lipstick, white silk blouse and suede mules. Want something a bit edgier? Team the suit with a red high-neck jumper and a matching red duster coat. Red is the colour of the season, so you'll look on-trend without spending a fortune.

    The not-so-boring pencil skirt

    As you might have guessed by now, nailing the perfect work wardrobe is all about reworking the classics you already have including, yes, the humble pencil skirt. It's having a bit of a moment this season, and comes in all styles, from formal checks to textured knits. If you don't have budget to invest in a new skirt, try accessorising it with something you wouldn't normally. For example, a grey skirt will look great with a slouchy jumper, in pretty much any colour - much less severe looking than a shirt.

    Marie Claire Newsletter

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    The go-with-everything trousers

    We all need that go-to pair of trousers that can easily be paired with anything from a printed top to a blazer or jumper. This season, it's all about velvet trousers, but if that's not your style, then any pair of black trousers will do. - it's all about how you wear them. Team with a slogan t-shirt, checked blazer and heeled court shoes.

    So you see, you don't need to break the bank to be stylish, you just need to re-invent what you already have to feel that bit more confident.

    And nail that job interview of course.

    Penny Goldstone
    Penny Goldstone
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    Contributing Fashion Editor

    Penny Goldstone is the Contributing Fashion Editor at Marie Claire UK. She writes about catwalk trends and the latest high street and Instagram sartorial must-haves. She also helms the Women Who Win franchise.

    She has worked in fashion for over 10 years, contributing to publications such as Cosmopolitan, Red, Good Housekeeping, and Stylist.

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