I too, like to shop at Ross.
If the pants match the jacket color-wise but the cloth isn't exactly the same, do you think I'd get crucified by adcoms?
huuuuugeee fashion nut here. I made the thread in the resident/physician pod forum about how pods dress to work.
Do NOT match pants with jacket color. Ever. Unless you buy a full suit. Else it'll look bad and look like you failed at matching.
Second, the average person usually doesn't know or care behind the basics of fashion. And in a med school interview, you can get away with not wearing the best brand or not having things perfect. It's more about just looking presentable and usually a suit will suffice. What you say is more important.
Third, you said you're on a budget. Depending on what you like / comfortable with, you can score some pretty quality expensive suits for a like a fraction of the cost. IF--BIG IF--you don't mind going thrift or used. Completley up to you.
But you sound like you're going to go pants and blazer vs. A full suit. That works too.
For just pants:
-Lands End
-J. Crew Factory
-Ebay (you can score brand new with tags. Just know the brands you want)
-LL Bean
-Marshalls
-Burlington Coat Factory
-TJ Maxx
The idea is that well fitting clothes that complement your frame will ALWAYS look best. So when you buy these pants, consider going to a tailor and dropping a few bucks to get them hemmed in a way where there's very little to no break (the pants just slightly touch your shoes). It'll look clean and neater that way.
Now you have a charcoal black jacket? If it's not too late, would you consider grabbing a navy one?
Post pics of your blazer please. (If you don't mind)
Here's a full suit for $225. (If you don't mind the thrifting route). Normally costs in the $500 range. Good quality too.
