What to Wear with a White Coat (Plus Tons of Healthcare Clothing Tips!)

We’ve already discussed what to wear to a white coat ceremony here at College Fashion, but what about after? What do you wear when this is what you’re going to be wearing in every day of your life? Well fret no longer. Today, I reveal our ultimate guide to white coat outfits and what to wear under a white coat.

Health care professional clothing is a subset of business formal. However, it’s made easier by the fact that the white coat itself counts as your jacket. So instead of needing an actual suit, you can wear a skirt and blouse with a white coat, or blouse and trousers. 

Be careful though! Being in a hospital generally entails a lot more standing or walking than other business formal fields (I always get my 12 hours of standing per day!) so stilettos are probably not your friend.

Below are four white coat outfits to get you started, then scroll further because I’ve got tips on how to dress up your scrubs, too!

1: Pharm White Coat Outfit

Products: Sheath Dress – Dress Barn (only $30!), Necklace – Etsy, Earrings – South Moon Under, Heels – Amazon

The most important thing to consider when wearing a dress or skirt in a professional context is length. You need a skirt that is knee length or below. This black sheath dress is long enough and figure-flattering while not being too tight. The lack of sleeves would be inappropriate, but since it’s under a white coat, it ends up being tasteful and classy. 

Pair the dress with some nude low wedge heels. The small heel adds to your professional appeal while being low enough to remain comfortable while walking around.

Finally, add this adorable handmade pharm necklace from Etsy, featuring a mortar and pestle. And don’t forget a tiny bit of sparkle for your ears.

2: Dentistry White Coat Outfit

Products: Red Dress – New York & Co., Black Heels – Amazon, Earrings – Kate Spade, Tooth Necklace – Etsy

These low wedge shoes are actually the same ones in the above photo, but in black. They would go perfectly with a red wrap waist dress, while remaining comfortable to wear while walking between exam rooms. 

This dress covers the knees and arms and is tied gently around the waist in a flattering drape. When you’re not working, it would work just as well as a dress to go out for a dinner date! Add this cute little tooth necklace to have the perfect accessory to wear for any occasion. Again, finish with simple studs.

3: Radiology White Coat Outfit

Products: Pants – Gap, Blouse – H&M, Red Flats – Walmart, Skeleton Earrings – Etsy 

For an easy go-to outfit, go for some black slacks and a patterned blouse! Cigarette-style pants are a nice way to tie in a current trend while still being formal enough to wear at work. One of the important parts of having your clothing look formal is material. So make sure your pants are appropriate! Don’t substitute in dark jeans and hope no one can tell the difference (guilty!).

This cute blouse features cheerful polka dots and a tie bow that will definitely earn you some compliments. Add red flats for a pop! 

Demonstrate your dedication to imaging the human body with these skeleton earrings. Aww, bones are both cute on the screen and cute on your ears!

4: Medicine White Coat Outfit

Products: Blouse – Mango, Midi Skirt – Amazon, Studs – Kate Spade, Medicine Necklace – Amazon, Heels – Marc Fisher

A-line midi skirts are a great way to balance comfort and professionalism in the workplace. They’re long enough to cover the knee while being looser than a pencil skirt. Feel free to stride along like the free woman you are, your steps unhindered. 

Since more of your leg is showing, add a pair of pointy toe heels to fully commit to the “I’m a French lady walking along the Seine” vibe.

Use a striped blouse and a sweet silver necklace to keep the look soft and romantic. The nice thing about this necklace is that unlike many EKG necklaces, this one is somewhat accurate. Finish with pretty, feminine earrings.

For Extra Fun: SCRUBS. 

This is a discussion of what to wear with real life, real hospital-issued scrubs. 

This is not a discussion of nice, flattering, “buy them yourself and look cute” scrubs. You’re fine. you already look good. You don’t need this.

This ain’t Grey’s Anatomy. I’m talking the scrubs on the right here.

Here are my tips for scrub wearing. 

Products: Fleece-Lined Leggings – Anthropologie, Long Line Bra – Target, Memory Foam Shoes – Skechers, Liver ID Pull – Awkward Yeti, Folding Clipboard – Amazon

1. Bralettes. 

Scrubs are loose. Everywhere. Use this to your advantage and free yourself from boob jail. “But Christi”, you say, “you don’t understand. Bralettes are only for girls B cups and less. I’m unable to free myself.” 

“NONSENSE!” I say, confidently, perhaps even arrogantly. However, somehow, not unattractively so. “You have yet to try the long-line bras from Target. Even my busty self can wear them and I haven’t worn a single letter bra size since high school”. You are convinced. You buy one. It is amazing. You thank me mentally when you put it on, daily.

2. Tennis shoes

Not just any tennis shoes. Get memory foam tennis shoes. I got my first pair of memory foam tennis shoes while waiting tables and I was convinced. If you’re going to be on your feet all day, these are the babies you need.

3. Leggings

Fleece-lined leggings will save you in the winter months. Scrubs allow wind to blow through you, causing endless sadness and cold. With a pair of fleece-lined leggings, you can keep your bottom half reasonably warm.

4. Folding clipboard and anatomy ID pull

These clipboards are amazing; they fold in half and fit in a white coat pocket. You can buy notebooks that fit in them perfectly, or you can even purchase ones that fit an iPad mini if that floats your boat. 

Add on a cute ID pull like the ones sold by the Awkward Yeti and you’ll be styling for sure.

Final Thoughts

Do any of these outfits look like something you’d want to wear? What about in a different career? Let us know!