Summer's new wardrobe on ''The O.C.''

Our favorite O.C. character is in mourning. Perhaps it’s over the show’s anemic ratings, but more likely it’s because her best pal, Marissa (Mischa Barton), kicked it in last season’s finale. Instead of dressing all in black or rending her garments like a normal person, Summer (Rachel Bilson) has been acting out in an eco-friendly wardrobe that she once would have ewwwww‘d at. ”She’s completely left behind her old self,” says costume designer Robin Lewis-West, who oversaw the transformation from couture to crunchy as Summer entered Brown University. We kind of dig the duds, however, and decided to see where they came from. Lewis-West promises Summer will return from Planet Veggie Burger in the next few episodes. Hopefully, the show’s ratings will perk up as our heroine does.

UNIVERSI-TEE
Show some school spirit in a Chip & Pepper vintage college tee, or wear your politics with a ”More Trees Less Bush” baby-doll teE.

SWEATER WEATHER
Bring cozy back in Vince’s Intarsia cardigan — Bilson wore a different zip-up version on the season premiere. Lewis-West picked this company’s chunky, nubby sweaters for their ”feral, vintage-looking” prints.

AU NATUREL WOMAN
The actress’ makeup is more toned down this season with slight hues of pink. To get the look, apply Stila’s ”banana” Lip Glaze and ”bud” cheek color. Then reuse the aluminum blush container to help save the earth!

SOMETHING TO WALK ABOUT
To get from class to class, Summer usually kicks around in comfy shoes by Kenzie or Michael Kors. For a similar fit, try these suede Vans Classic Slip-Ons LX with shearling lining.

SISTER’S TRAVELING PANTS
For a more grunge vibe, Summer wears mostly cords by Juicy Couture, or J&Company.