37 showstopping looks from the Miss USA pageant over the years

• The Miss USA beauty pageant has taken place every year since 1952.
• During each pageant, contestants wear a number of glamorous looks to impress the judges, from leotards to sparkling ball gowns.
• Hopeful contestants have also worn daring necklines and flowing skirts during the competition.
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Since the Miss USA competition began in 1952, contestants have worn a number of glamorous looks in the hopes of advancing to the Miss Universe pageant.

In the earliest days of the contest, for example, women like Miss New York and Miss California won the crown after wearing tight leotards and minidresses. And by the '70s and '80s, pageant contestants were all wearing sparkling gowns.

From floor-length dresses paired with gloves to ensembles with daring necklines, here's a look back at some of the most show-stopping looks worn throughout Miss USA pageants.

New York's Jackie Loughery became the first Miss USA in 1952 while wearing a leotard.

She was given a fur-lined cape to wear over her strapless leotard.

Carol Morris, who was once Miss Iowa, was crowned Miss USA in 1956. She wore a William Cahill coronation ball gown during the competition.

She ended up taking the ball gown home as one of her prizes.

Terry Lynn Huntingdon was first named Miss California, and then became the eighth Miss USA in 1959. Like the pageant's first winner, she was crowned while wearing a leotard.

She showed off her a few of her prizes — a cape, trophy, and scepter — while wearing a pink leotard.