White Coat Ceremony..what to wear ?

Question

Is it suit coat and necktie for males and dresses or business suits for women ?

What should a 52 yr old father, a 50 yr old mother, and 81 yr old grandmother of a 24 yr. old guy who is entering the 1st yr of medical school to become a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (in the state of Tennessee) wear to a White Coat Ceremony which is an invitation to a 6 PM dinner which is followed by the Ceremony ????

Answer 1

I went to my Doctor of Pharmacy White Coat Ceremony a year ago.  Some of these responses make me laugh.  Men should wear a shirt and tie.  (Dress coats are optional.  It's too hot to wear a dress coat, and you wouldn't wear a dress coat in the office under your white coat anyway.)  Women should be in dresses, business suits, or blouses and skirts/dress pants.  The audience should also dress appropriately.  If there is a fancy dinner (and not the refreshment buffet they fed us), then you may want to have the men in the audience wear a dress coat.  Up to you though.  Do you have a contact person you can ask questions?

FYI: The White Coat Ceremony involves the new medical/pharmacy students putting on their first doctor's coat.  They don't pick a white coat out of their closet or dress up in a white dress.

Answer 2

i'm not sure

Answer 3

Considering it's summertime, dad should wear a sports jacket, short-sleeved shirt and tie, plus slacks (of course!).  The women may want to wear tailored dresses instead of a pant suit - my "guess" is that grandmother would prefer a dress and, as dresses weren't designed as menswear, it's my opinion that women should be wearing a dress most of the time.   There may be a photographer to take a family portrait - much depends upon the tradition established.  Have a wonderful evening!    

Answer 4

A white coat dress code is as dressy as a black tie affair except white dress coats are in order for men.  Women have more options but given the white coat issue, I would probably follow suit as a woman and wear something elegant in white and quite formal. Your 81 yr. old grandmother can wear a formal gown or formal pants suit appropriate for her age.  

Answer 5

Check with your local formal wear rental company. They will most likely be aware of the local event and even if you don't need to rent something, you will then have the best idea on what to wear.

Answer 6

Yes, suit coat and necktie for the gents and dresses/suits for the ladies would be in order.

Answer 7

men should wear white suits and women should wear white dresses

Answer 8

The affair starts at 6:00PM, therefore, a dark suit or suit coat  with or without a tie for the males and dressy dress, dressy slack suits for the ladies. A dressed look can be had without a tie if the shirt has a Mandarin or tie-less collar.  This is not a semi formal or formal event.

Take Care: Have fun and congratulations to your son.