Every once in a while, a hit TV show comes along that contains just about everything we love in a series: romance, friendship, and, of course, tons of outfit inspiration [1]. And while Gossip Girl [2] was full of chic NYC style [3], and Sex & the City has always pretty much been #lifegoals [4], somewhere in between, The O.C. had us pining for that cool, Cali-girl look.
Between Marissa Cooper in her jean skirts and knit shrugs to Summer Roberts rocking the heck out of a Wonder Woman costume, we'll never forget all the hits that came from those four, fashion-packed seasons. Read on to see why we'll always have a soft spot for The O.C. — even if it's been long enough that Seth's now a dad [5] and Ryan's about to become one [6] — as we look back on some of its best, aughts-tastic outfits.
There Were Plenty of Aughts Outfits
Hip-hugging styles.
Preppy argyle sweaters.
Polos, head scarves, and messenger bags.
Plus We Can't Forget the Shrugs
Who didn't have a short-sleeved shrug?!
There Was a Ton of Formal Outfit Inspiration
When in doubt, wear some gloves and a flower in your hair. It's the early '00s way.
Printed and flowy for prom.
We're digging Taylor's red dress.
Not entirely sure what's going on with this one. Did we really wear stuff like this?!
Summer's pretty wedding dress was on point.
The Girls Loved Their Accessories
Long strands of pearls for Marissa.
And Summer had this embellished headband. Blair Waldorf, is that you [7]?!
Those hoop earrings! Worn by (blond!) Olivia Wilde [8]!
Summer was a fan as well.
There Were So Many Hats
So, so many hats.
Like these warm and furry ones.
Beanies were big.
And Anna loved rocking this cap style.
Chrismukkah Had a Dresscode All Its Own
That little Santa yarmulke!
And Seth's festive sweaters.
The Characters Liked to Dress Up
Sexy, sexy.
Remember when Summer surprised Seth as Wonder Woman? All the awws.
Or how about this Spiderman moment? One word: hot.
Olivia Wilde Definitely Brought Some Edge
Her character, Alex, dated both Seth Cohen and Marissa Cooper.
And Little Shailene Woodley Rocked Some Preteen Choices
Spaghetti-strap dresses. Those were the days.
Even the Moms Were Stylish
Julie was always wearing tight, revealing dresses and, sometimes, bikinis.
See?
Really — it was often hard to tell who was the mother and who was the daughter. It's probably why they shared a man at one point . . .
We were partial to this polished look, though.
Kirsten was always a fashion-forward mom, especially with this waist-cinching belt.
And this relaxed, Cali-girl tank.
Yep, Marissa Definitely Got It From Her Mama
Loving the pearls and that tube top. Very 2005!
A two-toned polo and a midlength patterned skirt — Abercrombie, anyone [9]?
Short, frilly, and sexy. Marissa was totally the Serena [10] of The O.C.
Surprisingly enough, this cutout dress seemed very sexy at the time. We've come a long way!
We're still a fan of this basic ballet flat.
Summer Could Wear Pretty Much Anything
Like graphic t-shirts.
Wink, wink!
A bikini — and some belly button embellishments?
Polished and professional.
Interview ready in florals and heels!
Summer even was a fan of the It bags of the aughts [11].
Remember when she werked it in a fashion show?
Still, Fashion Girls Loved Anna
This girl had some pretty quirky style!
She loved color.
And hats!
Anna also had the best graphic t-shirts.
She cleaned up nicely, too.
Seth Was Obviously the Cutest Nerd Ever
With blazers and button-downs.
Look at those pajamas!
And we can never forget when guys (and, OK, us too) used to layer their shirts like this. T-shirts over long sleeves? Why?
Really — what was up with that?
Ryan Had That Tough but Sweet Vibe Going On
He was always just chillin' in t-shirts and jeans.
Sometimes, he wore an open button-down with a tank underneath.
But when he cleaned up, it was pretty spectacular.
But even Ryan did the layering thing from time to time!
The Couples Were Supercute together
Matching in their black tops!
Marissa, getting tough, too.
We just can't!
This Was Definitely a Stylish Crew
#FriendshipGoals
Even if their outfits were very, very aughts-tastic.
But if you grew up during this time, you most likely dressed like this too!
We Miss The O.C.!
Reunion, guys?