Karren: “I wear leggings in the boardroom!”
What are your rules for suit dressing? I love a trouser suit. For me, it’s not about how much money you spend, but how well it fits and how comfortable it is. I have very sensitive skin so all my trousers must be lined. Most of the tailoring I wear for The Apprentice is from Reiss, but I also buy from Joseph and Topshop, too. I’m responsible for everything I wear on the show; I don’t have a stylist. When we’re filming in the boardroom, quite often I have leggings on under the table because I like to be comfortable! After the series ends, I give everything away to friends, family, colleagues and a charity called Smart Works [Smartworks.org.uk], which supports women entering the workplace. What’s your idea of the perfect interview outfit? The most important thing to consider when preparing an interview outfit is the working environment you’re entering. Dressing for a bank interview versus an advertising agency will require a completely different look. I don’t mind trainers, but I’m not sure they’re always appropriate. Also, be certain not to overdo jewellery or make-up, and make sure hair is clean and fresh. Do you have an off-duty uniform behind closed doors? Always a tracksuit, leggings and sweatshirts. Anything soft. I never wear gym gear as I don’t go to the gym; I couldn’t think of anything worse! I tie my hair in a scrunchie, too. I own lots of trainers – I commute to work on the Tube, so I always travel to work in them. What’s your go-to look for glamorous events? I rarely get time to shop for big events, so I buy things to have ready to wear in my wardrobe. My failsafe outfit is an Ellie Saab tuxedo, which I’ve worn over and over again. I also love The Pretty Dress Company and Self-portrait for dresses. I recently wore a Vilshenko dress [approx. £1,250] to the NTAS at the start of the year and that’s my favourite look to date – I love the boho ’70s vibe. Is there an item of clothing you have in your wardrobe that you could never get rid of? The Chanel suit I bought for when I became a Baroness [in 2014]. I hate shopping and usually bulk-buy clothes online so that I can try them on in the comfort of my own home – but this was a special occasion, so I made a trip to Harrods especially. I’m big on clearouts; I’m not a hoarder, but I’ll keep this one for my daughter. [Karren is mum to Sophia, 21, and Paulo, 19, with her husband and former footballer Paul Peschisolido, 46]. Describe a typical day in the life of Karren Brady… I wake up at 7am, check emails, and leave our house in London to catch the Tube. En route to West Ham’s football ground [where Karren works as vice-chairman], I pick up a skinny flat white and walk 10,000 steps to my desk. That’s my exercise done. I’ve had the same M&S chicken sandwich for about ten years, which I buy on the way. I can return home any time between 6pm and 10pm. My husband and I take turns to cook – we use Hello Fresh delivery food boxes to take the hard work out of shopping and meal planning. Occasionally, we head to Japanese restaurant Zuma (in London) for dinner. I’m a big fan of Netflix, and I loved watching the Bodyguard on BBC1. Before bed, I have a bath, apply my go-to face creams and lash serum, then I check my emails and my pedometer app before switching off the lights. Catch Karren on The Apprentice, Wednesdays, BBC1, 9pm