It’s not an exaggeration to say that early 2000s TV series The O.C. was a fashion sensation—defining the wardrobes of countless teenagers and birthing Mischa Barton—the ultimate Noughties It-Girl.
Even years after it first aired, revisiting the old series is an enjoyable experience (we suggest a guilty pleasure re-watch this weekend), but be warned: the outfits haven’t aged quite as well as Rachel Bilson.
From Marissa Cooper’s pleated denim mini skirts, three-quarter jeans and rainbow boleros (the horror), to Summer’s penchant for printed gypsy dresses and peasant tops (lest we forget her hippie period at college), The O.C. is a masterclass in Noughties style.
Here, we round-up the most memorable looks—the good, the bad and the Highly Questionable. Prepare for fashion whiplash.
1 / 29
Summer’s upper-arm bangles.
2 / 29
This black cut-out number on Marissa.
3 / 29
Embellished singlets for Summer and Marissa.
4 / 29
Marissa’s sequins and neutrals.
5 / 29
Marissa’s surprisingly elegant Debutante Ball look.
6 / 29
Marissa’s memorable Chanel senior prom dress.
7 / 29
Marissa’s knitwear and nightie combination.
8 / 29
Marissa’s vintage band t-shirt and crimped hair.
9 / 29
Marissa’s cropped tweed jacket and three-quarter-length jeans.
10 / 29
A crocheted cardigan and side-plait for Marissa.
11 / 29
This pleated denim mini and rainbow cardigan.
12 / 29
A skinny scarf.
13 / 29
This pink satin number.
14 / 29
A boho coffee run.
15 / 29
This flapper-style slip dress.
16 / 29
A cropped peasant top for Summer and cargo pants for Marissa. Shirts over t-shirts for Seth and Ryan.
17 / 29
Summer’s Debutante Ball look.
18 / 29
The eternal “cute top” and jeans pairing.
19 / 29
A khaki mini and military-detail top.
20 / 29
Marissa’s blue polka dots.
21 / 29
This frilled white frock on Marissa.
22 / 29
This floral-and-lace confection on Summer.
23 / 29
School-friendly attire.
24 / 29
A serious trench coat and headband moment from Marissa.
25 / 29
Marissa’s bright green polo top.
26 / 29
Summer’s wedding dress.
27 / 29
Low-slung cargo pants and casual blazers.
28 / 29
A plunging halter top and tiered boho skirt.
29 / 29
Summer’s decorative belly button sticker and terry towelling shorts.
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