Fashion from Episode 3: The O.C. Loves LaCoste!
by Karla Stevens

Hello fans and fashionistas! Rumor has it there's been quite a bit of talk surrounding the good old-fashioned Lacoste shirt. In last night's episode we saw Jimmy Cooper sporting the alligator on his yacht while chatting over breakfast with Marissa and later on, Sandy Cohen having a power chat with Caleb Nichol. It was actually Marissa who wore a fuchsia pink gator shirt with rainbow sleeves last season and made it an overnight sensation. According to all the folks over at Lacoste they couldn't keep it on the shelves.

And it's only getting hotter. Call it gator-chic. Somehow the shirt that once classified the uber-prepster is now a hit on the runways and is a must-have for every style maven. At a glitzy U.S. Open party, celebs like Hillary Swank, Christy Turlington and Ed Burns, Mario Batali, Natalie Portman and Christie Brinkley were all spotted wearing the alligator shirt.

This year the Lacoste shirt celebrates its 60th birthday and has expanded far beyond the original cotton pique polo with its signature gator. At the most recent runway show, models strutted down the catwalk wearing tight-fitting sleeveless gator shirts with self ties, flouncy short skirts with lace-up sandals and super chic golf caps. So if you're packing a bag for St. Barts or Palm Springs anytime soon, or just want to be in vogue on the tennis court, it might be wise to have a few gators stashed away.

In the old days-1927, that is-the legendary tennis player Rene Lacoste was nicknamed "the alligator" by the American press. He later designed a line of tennis shirts for his own use on the court with a tiny alligator emblem. To the best of the company's knowledge, this was the first time a brand name appeared on the outside of a shirt.

Mind you, it's important to know how to wear the old school classic in a fresh way. For you gals, pair a tight-fitted alligator polo with a great pair of wide-legged trousers, a couple of long strands of pearls or beads and a super chic golf cap. Presto, you're ready for an evening at the Ritz.

Hot tip on size: You no longer have to sneak into the boys department for that tight fit. The company now designs the women's shirt with a sexy snug look. And for the fellas, keep it simple. Toss the shirt on with cargo shorts and flip-flops for your days on the yacht. And if day runs into evening, slide into some khaki's and you're good to go. My recommendation: Bills Khakis and Tod's loafers and you'll be on the Fortune 500 list in no time.