For the leather jacket crowd - accessories are essential: 1) you need a video of "12 o'clock high", for layovers; 2) remove the support ring from the inside of your hat (a 50-mission crush is essential) 3) be sure to wear the hat while in flight, and if you don't have one of those WWII headsets -- put your David Clark's over the hat. The accessories complete your image.
For the blazer set - Be grateful that it isn't double-breasted, with 8 emblazoned brass buttons. In case it is, don't forget to bring along a pic of your "boat" (ship) when in public. That way you won't have to talk with folks interested in the Navy. Just show them your boat pic. Carriers are popular, submarines out.
For the sweater w/epaulet set - a pic of your blackhawk makes good conversation. Infrareds over your shoulder add the final touch.
If you're a hat hater - Just be happy that it isn't white. (You won't know what that means unless you're "mature").
Whatever your preference - do remember that Shoes always complete the ensemble. Next round of negotiations you should make that a priority.
Nike's with a little color go well with leather. If you can't get "color", black will do. Can't get sneakers - settle for boots.
For the blazer crowd - Variety is the spice of life. Loafers with tassels are really "cool" for the younger group. If they won't let you do that, settle for the penny loafer variety or a pair of boots, they're cool too. Whatever you do, be sure that the visible material NEVER shines - that's tacky.
Wing tips for the top 100 on the list.(be sure they have leather soles - you can get a long term medical leave that way and collect disability). If you don't like the wing tip, a plain toe is optional. You seniority gives you the right to shine them. (You're even allowed to use the "patent-leather" look - big savings on polish.)
For the double breasted crowd - Sorry, no options. Plain toes only, and like it or not, you WILL shine them. Don't sweat the shining. With your pay scale - your can afford to have it done by that dude in the terminal.
Pants - Overcoats
Under 30 - Baggy, too long, waist line on the hips. (Boxer color optional. No whities. Especially if you wear leather). If you wear the blazer, pants color and material need not match blazer. (Tie doesn't have to match - stains fashionablel). Overcoat optional (you can freeze if you want to). Coat dosen't have to match blazer or pants. Trench coats with belts are cool - at least one size too big.
>30 <40 - Pleats with the Blazer. No pleats with leather. Correct length. Crease optional. Nothing from Wal Mart. (Tie matches blazer or pants - stains optional) Overcoat style optional. Trench coat popular, color matches blazer - sometimes.
>40 <50 - Correct length. No pleats. Creased always. Color and material matches blazer. Clean. Impecably tailored. Nothing from Wal Mart or Pennys. (Tie matches blazer - never stained) Over coat of high quality. No trench coats. Color and material match blazer and pants.
>50 <60 -- Do whatever you feel like doing. Nobody cares anymore and seniority has its privileges. (Suspenders optional) Colorful ties popular during holidays.
Exception -- The double-breasted crowd must ALWAYS wear creased trousers of correct length. Color AND material must match. Pleats are out. Top coat, if used, must also match in color and material. Overcoats match. No trench coats.
Ladies
Younger - Never wear hat; it disturbs the hair style. High heels or low quarter dress shoes. Fashionable is king.
Mature - Hat optional. If used, designed for female and fits. High heels for terminal. Flats for ramp and aircraft. (Hand bag provides storage space).
General
Does it matter how you look? That depends on who's doing the looking.
Afterthought. -- Since we no longer carry "business travelers", and first class is gone or going, maybe we don't need to look like "business people" anymore. Perhaps the more we look like the "leisure set" the better off we'll be?
