1940s: With the world at war, airline uniforms had a decidedly military bearing. But crisp pleats and good posture weren't enough: warm smiles were also considered part of the job. Chicago & Southern's flight attendants were trained to reflect the hospitality of their airline's southern roots
1965: Emilio Pucci creates the "Gemini 4" line for Braniff Air. The uniforms feature astronaut-like bubble helmets, which, according to flight attendants, were "very difficult to hear in." They did, however, provide complete hair protection on windy days
1968: United Airlines introduces an A-line dress for its stewardesses — a marked departure from the ubiquitous skirt-suit that ruled the more conservative airlines for 30 years
1970s: Southwest Airlines experiences a dramatic jump in ticket sales when its flight attendants start wearing white go-go boots and hot pants. The airline adopts a new motto to match ("Sex sells seats") and begins serving in-flight drinks with names like Passion Punch and Love Potion. Not to be outdone, TWA follows suit in 1971, sending its attendants into the air wearing Valentino-designed hot pants
1970s: Same decade, different direction. Designer Mary Quant gives Court Line Aviation flight attendants the radical option of covering their legs. In addition to long pants, Quant's line includes double-breasted overcoats and aprons for prepping meals
