HOW TO DO WORKWEAR ON A GRADUATE BUDGET

Dressing for your first job post-university can be a real challenge. When I started my first job in London as fresh-faced 22 year old (I'm a haggard 24 year old now, mainly thanks to my daily TFL commutes), I struggled to find smart, yet fashionable workwear on my meagre graduate salary.

I think there's a real gap in the market for a high-street store that is a one stop shop for young female professionals; ideally I'd wear Reiss and Whistles head-to-toe, but when you're earning pennies not pounds, that isn't realistic. So my advice is to shop around; Primark, Topshop and Zara have some great affordable separates that can be dressed up with nice accessories (my Zara bucket bag, for example, is great for corporate wear chic). For any of you fresh graduates embarking on your new career this year, I've challenged myself to shop the net for a capsule work wardrobe, with no piece costing more than £50.

1. Black jersey collar dress, Dorothy Perkins, £16.00.
2. Blush collar shell top, Dorothy Perkins, £25.00.
3. Marc B Lolita bag, Topshop, £39.00.
4. Cat print laptop case, ASOS, £10.00.
5. Lassoo points, ASOS, £28.00.
6. Leopard print cardi, Warehouse, £40.00.