I’ve been bouncing between freelance gigs for the past few months and looking for my next permanent position. I’ve had loads of informal coffees and meet-ups and a handful of actual full-blown interviews.

Of course, all of these events required their own meticulously crafted outfit. Now some people (aka my ever-practical husband) may be of the opinion that when you’re unemployed (or under-employed), you shouldn’t be shelling out for new clothes. But I think that’s exactly when you should be buying new things. After all, there’s nothing more valuable than a first impression – and looking the part is half the battle. (Okay, maybe not half, exactly. But it definitely factors in.) Plus, having the right big-day outfit gives you just that confidence boost you need to nail an interview.