Interview Attire for Females?

Pants suit or dress suit for females interviewing in ortho? Or is it region dependent?

I would go classy dress suit.

This is orthopedics....not Neurosurg or GS! With the overwhelming number of male attendings in orthopedics a nice black or red cocktail dress with a pair of pumps would get you a lot further than a suit of sort. Just sayin'

Joking aside, whichever you choose would be fine I'm sure. GL!

B4B out

on all of my interviews (residency and fellowship) i was the only female wearing a suit with a skirt. take that for what its worth. that said, black, navy or grey with conservative blouse is optimal. personality is great, but interview is not the time to assert your individuality and flair for style. revealing (cleavage, short skirt) may get you noticed, but does not inspire confidence in your intelligence or judgement. hair in a flattering style and conservative (or often no) makeup are good.

Wear whatever you are comfortable in. If you're comfortable with what you're wearing, you'll have confidence during the interview.

Just use some common sense. If you're dressed up as if you're going for a night out in the city, it's going to leave people with the impression that you're a party girl and they won't take you as seriously. You'd better have an amazing application.

Likewise, if you're dressed so conservatively that you're uncomfortable, or it stifles your outgoing personality, you'll blend in too much and hurt your chances. The interview process allows us to look for people who we can work with for 5 years and people who will represent our organization to patients in a positive manner.

Remember, even the male applicants are choosing their ties carefully and ironing their clothes the night before too...

ghostx9, i don't know your level of training (student/res/staff) or location, but in the south, i'd venture to say it's not possible for a female applicant or resident to blend too much.
i'm not saying your advice isn't good, i'd just advise applicants to be aware of geographic considerations as well. you are far more likely to be well-received in bright colors or clothes that show your individuality in large metro areas like new york or san francisco. in smaller programs and more conservative markets, blending is a very good thing.

cheers
fg