(edit: I just realized this thread was originally started in 2005...saw it bumped to the top today and couldn't help myself from contributing! Still feel like my advice below might be helpful to someone applying right now! )
As an upper level resident who sits on our program's recruitment committee along with the PD and PC and several other attendings, I can say what we really care about is interviewees looking clean and presentable. The only times we have actively discussed people's attire is when they show up totally underdressed (happened a couple times when interviewees lost their luggage while traveling) or poorly groomed. We once had an applicant with really messy hair, looked like she didn't even care to brush her hair before she came in. Or when they girls dress innappropriately - low cut blouses, tight skirts, etc. It's more important that you look well-groomed and have a nicely fitted suit.
As for skirts vs. pants, I don't think that matters that much either. Pick whatever is flattering and most comfortable. Personally I can't wear skirts without constantly having to tug it down or make sure the skirt sits straight on my hips, so I went for pants. I also think heels look more professional. Suits in my opinion just look totally awful without heels. The heels don't need to be super high or pointy for that matter - pick something about 2-2.5inches. But then again if you REALLY cannot wear heels without dying of pain then wear flats, because you will look worse hobbling around in heels while on a 45 min tour.
Color of the suit doesn't matter that much either - go with black, navy or something neutral (dark gray, dark brown). If you go with something other than black, make sure the shade suits your skin tone and doesn't wash you out. For example I am very dark skinned so I always stay away from brown colors. You can get great suits at Ann Taylor, and they will give you 15% off with your student ID. I went with a plain dark grey pant suit from there. They are currently having a 50% off sale for Black Friday. Their suits rarely go on sale, so this is a pretty good deal. Here are some great options:
http://www.anntaylor.com/tropical-w...olor=7241&colorExplode=false&catid=cata000013
http://www.anntaylor.com/all-season...olor=6600&colorExplode=false&catid=cata000013
http://www.anntaylor.com/all-season...olor=6508&colorExplode=false&catid=cata000013
To go underneath the blazer, the obvious simple choice is a plain button down. It looks fine but can sometimes give off a more masculine vibe. The alternative is a plain neutral colored shell. Just make sure the blouse has sleeves in the event that you remove the blazer in warm climates:
http://www.anntaylor.com/silk-roll-...olor=5335&colorExplode=false&catid=cata000010
http://www.anntaylor.com/crepe-spli...olor=1427&colorExplode=false&catid=cata000010
http://www.anntaylor.com/crepe-v-ne...olor=1246&colorExplode=false&catid=cata000010
That being said, here are some great options for comfy heels:
http://www.colehaan.com/bethany-pump-(65mm)---almond-toe-black/D42102.html?dwvar_D42102_color=Black&dwvar_D42102_width=B#cgid=womens_shoes_pumps&start=24 - Cole Haan, currently on sale for $129. They also sell these shoes at the outlet and they are even cheaper there. I love their shoes and I have several different pairs (wedges, boots, etc) that I wear at work.
These are great too, I own several Rockport shoes, also very comfortable for walking.
http://www.6pm.com/rockport-seven-to-7-low-pump-black-foil
Another simple Rockport pair, with a sturdier thicker heel for women who have trouble with stilettos:
http://www.6pm.com/rockport-total-motion-75mm-plain-pump-coach-croco?zlfid=192&ref=pd_sims_p_emr_1
For handbags, I personally went with a plain black leather Coach tote bag. Go for a structured leather bag, it just looks more professional. Stay away from any slouchy bags. I would also avoid any bag with large logos on it, it just looks super tacky. I chose a tote because I wanted to be able to easily store all the folders/papers they give you on interview days. Seriously, every hospital will hand you a nice thick folder at the beginning of the day and its annoying to carry it in your hands.
This is very similar to the bag I used:
http://www.coach.com/coach-designer...id=women-handbags-baby-bags&dwvar_color=LIBLK Only I got it for $150 at the outlet last year when they had a sale. So if you have time, I would definitely check out the coach outlet.
For those on a budget: Target, only $36
http://www.target.com/p/women-s-reversible-tote-handbag-merona/-/A-16628294#prodSlot=_1_7
Kate Spade is currently having a 75% secret sale - the link is on their facebook page. I'll copy and paste it here but not sure it will work..:
Here's the link to their secret sale:
http://surprise.katespade.com/on/de...bsoc=fbsoc_NovemberSurpriseSaleReminder1125PM
This bag is only $99 from the kate spade secret sale. If this link doesn't work, search for the "sawyer street maxi". They have a few other plain tote bags with more discreet logos.
http://surprise.katespade.com/on/de...UNS&cgid=ks-view-all#cgid=ks-view-all&start=9
Also from kate spade, search for "Newbury lane Loden" on the secret sale site:
http://surprise.katespade.com/on/de...01&cgid=ks-view-all#cgid=ks-view-all&start=47
Just focus on looking professional, neat and presentable. Put on some light makeup too (at the very least some mascara and tinted chapstick). If you can go the extra mile and wear heels and a nice handbag, then please do. I know appearances aren't everything, but it as someone who interviews applicants, it's nice to know that people put in a little bit of extra effort for the day.
If anyone needs more help finding appropriate clothing/accessories for interview day, please feel free to PM me! I will find stuff online for you and send you links if you need. I always joke that I should moonlight as as stylist at Nordstrom's...lol.
