When I was in HS, the official dresss code for quiz bowl competitions was "coat and tie". Now, it was implied, or at least tradition, that this was the male dress code, and girls were simply to wear "Sunday best".

Not my team. We wore coats and ties regardless of gender. I don't think I've worn a tie since, however. Even if I didn't live in SoCal and work in industries where shorts are more common than suits, it's not expected. However, having done both, I'd wear a suit and tie over hose and heels any day.