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@Tash
My girlfriend did one earlier this year at the start of the tri season...she had a similar conundrum to you I believe, in that the cost of kit was daunting.
Check Aldi - I was doing our weekly shop and saw they had some ladies and gents tri suits (not unlike the older Gore bibshorts) for £15. I had to go to a store further away to get the medium size though, which just fit her size 10-12 body. I've seen some knocking about for cheaper still, so I bet they've still got some. It's black and white with a bit of pink stitching/detail, and a front zip, so not a skinsuit. She was impressed with it - was fine for swimming in (although she was worried about top of bum crack showing through the white material at the back but it was fine since it was double layered), the pad was thin but effective for the cycle and the material dried quick. It was her first tri so it was a cost effective choice, I think she'll basically use that same suit until it falls apart.
I watched the event (in Southwell, Nottinghamshire) and everybody was wearing whatever, including skinsuits, so I reckon go with whatever you have and is comfortable. I'm even considering doing one myself, I've been kinda secretly making sure I can swim the distance over the last couple of months!