When I think of the most iconic fashion television shows, usually Gossip Girl and Sex and the City lead the pack. Sure, those television shows had amazing costume design and epic handbags, but they aren’t the only shows from the 2000s that feature fashion. I’ve been binging a lot of older television lately and thought I’d round up a few of my favorite shows that had some fantastic fashion from the 2000s. Do any of these shows give you all the nostalgic feels too?
The Hills
Ah, The Hills. One of the most nostalgic shows from my adolescence, I was a huge fan of this “reality” show. Chronicling the life of Lauren Conrad and her posse, this iconic show gave us so much more than just 23 minutes of a scripted spectacle. We got fashion, drama, and best of all, we got Speidi. I was a huge fan of Laguna Beach, The Hills’ predecessor, and was thrilled when MTV filmed a show based on LC moving to Los Angeles to pursue a job in fashion and landing at Teen Vogue. This is one of my guilty pleasure shows, but it’s still fun to watch on a rainy day. The show is full of epic 2000s fashion to feast your eyes on. LC even receives a Chanel Medallion Tote from then-boyfriend, Jason. I am not ashamed to admit I actually bought the same bag 10+ years later after lusting for it so much when the show was on air. I love a good nostalgic fashion moment! MTV is streaming The Hills on demand now.
Ugly Betty
One of the biggest breakout shows from the 2000s, Ugly Betty premiered in 2006 with a bang. The show centers around Betty Suarez (played by the lovable America Ferrara), and is a classic fish out of water storyline with a fashion twist. Betty lands a job at prestigious fashion magazine Mode, and similarly to The Devil Wears Prada’s Andy, Betty isn’t interested in fashion. Hired as an assistant to the Editor in Chief of Mode, Betty slowly starts to break out of her shell and shine. The show was styled by none other than Patricia Field herself, so you know you will find some eye candy when watching. Field is known for her legendary styling, and I love watching Betty’s quirky style evolve. My favorite bag of the series was a 2005 limited edition velvet Fendi Spy…I am still lusting for a Spy bag. Maybe someday. Ugly Betty is streaming on ABC now.
The OC
The OC is one of the most iconic shows from the 2000s, I still consider this show to be a favorite of mine. I remember gathering each week in my best friend’s basement to watch the newest episode during high school. The fashion, the drama, the soundtrack….this show had it all. Premiering in 2003, The OC follows the lives of four teenagers from different backgrounds. The OC is the poster child for 2000s fashion, with characters Marissa Cooper, portrayed by Mischa Barton, and Summer Roberts, portrayed by Rachel Bilson, emulating the ultimate cool-girl style. Mischa Barton revealed in an interview with Elle Magazine in 2014 that she had Chanel send looks for the show. Can you imagine having Chanel on speed dial? California here we come! I’m not sure if Marissa Cooper carried the Chloé Paddington, but I vividly remember actress Mischa Burton photographed with it all around town…I was dying to have one. You can stream The OC now on HBO Max.
Entourage
I didn’t watch Entourage when it originally aired, but recently I binged all eight seasons with my husband. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it as much as I did, and I certainly wasn’t expecting to see any fashion on the show, but I was pleasantly proven wrong. Entourage is loosely based on Mark Wahlberg’s experience when he broke into stardom in Hollywood. The show centers around the life of Vince Chase, portrayed by Adrian Grenier, and his group of best friends who help him rise to stardom. Fashion doesn’t play a front and center role in Entourage, but it’s still fun to watch and reminiscence on fashion from the past. Entourage originally aired in 2004 and is now streaming on HBO Max.
Did you watch any of these shows and enjoy them as much as I did?
What a wonderful article, makes me feel a little too old and nostalgic ??
where are pics of the bags (other than the hills)??
yeah cute article except no bag pics… don’t really want to google “the OC handbags” or something.
We added a few pics – will make sure to have pics from the series next time!
Were the right pictures posted? I see a bathroom shot, an ocean shot and presumably an office shot, but where are the bags? I have no idea what bags they wore since I was too busy working and raising a family to pay attention to any of these shows.
We added a few pics – will be sure next time to make certain we can find pics to go along with the post!
OMG how could you forget Empire?! Cookie has the best bag collection of any character ever, and Anika’s are fake or knock offs half the time which is always hilarious. We are rewatching during Covid, go vicariously to all their parties.
Ah, I fell off of Empire but yes – Cookie’s bag collection was amazing!!!
All but one (Ryan) of the four teenagers in The OC were from the same (very wealthy) background. The show is about how Ryan- a poor kid from broken family in a poor neighborhood- came to live with a wealthy family in Orange County, CA and the friendships and romantic relationships he forages despite feeling alien.
Dirty John on Netflix has a whole plot line about a safe for purses + a Chanel Milk Carton Bag. would def recommend.
Is that from Season 2? I’ll have to watch!
no from season one!