Melbourne

Price has less to do with looking professional than fit does. Something that fits you well will always look sharp, and ill fitting items will look sloppy. Plain black or navy pants and a neat top, or dress (no overly loud prints), and a blazer will be good for nearly any interview. Go to the shops so you can try on different styles to find what works for you. Make sure it’s clean and unwrinkled when wearing for the interview. Lots to be found in op shops or target.

Not sure if you are eligible, but there is Ready Set and Fitted for Work as possibilities

The Vinnies on Auburn Rd if you live anywhere near it.

I went basic black pants with a plain t shirt/modest top or collared shirt/blouse under a nice cardigan or blazer. Usually from Target or op shop. They might be safe choices until you get in and can take cues from the other women there. Or ask about their dress code

Couple of random thoughts. I used to thrift a lot but last few years I struggle to find good stuff. Blazers are usually one thing that I have been lucky with and a good linen blazer makes things look better. You could look into capsule wardrobes for some ideas to build up basics that match. Get some stuff that you can afford in a few basic colours and buy a more expensive version as things wear out. I naturally wear a lot of black but have a bunch of bright scarves and fun necklaces for colour.

For good work stuff I tend to now do that - buy a few good things and a bunch of basics. Sportsgirl I like for linen and cotton. Vine apparel is an online store in Sydney that has good but cheaper stuff.

Shein and Kmart in all honesty. I like clothes, but am a bigger gal so struggle to find nice clothes that aren't black oversized tops. So I've been using Kmart for bottoms, they have different cuts of black work pants. Shein have some okay stuff, I'm fine with non natural fibres because it means I can iron less!