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Pinstripe suit Freemans, pounds 105

For once, working women don't have to do much to their working wardrobe to be at the pinnacle of fashion. Designers have taken inspiration from the boardroom, and the pinstripe suit is the outfit for autumn/winter 1997.

As every office girl has known for years, however, pinstripes do not necessarily demand designer prices. This navy and white pinstripe trouser suit from the Freemans catalogue sells for an extremely reasonable pounds 105, a snip in comparison to its catwalk counterparts, 10 times that price.

This is a fashion trend that, untypically, fits in with the day-to-day dressing of working women. The added bonus for busy women is its mail- order accessibility.

The single-breasted jacket is fully lined and cut into a neatly fitted shape to flatter those from size 8 to 18. Team it with either a straight- leg matching trouser for pounds 35, or a sleek pencil skirt at pounds 27. Wear with a modern knit (polo-neck or v-neck) for a contemporary feel, or go for classic style with a simple white shirt. Finally, team with knife-point stilettos and clutch bag for real "office bitch" status

Charlie Harrington

Freemans 0345 900 100 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). Pinstripe jacket WD 218 52, Pinstripe trousers WA 439 52, Pinstripe Skirt WO 482 92.