by Heather Russell

Created on: July 13, 2007

Whether you know her as the volatile Marissa Cooper from television's "The O.C." or simply from her appearances on magazine covers and fashion pages, chances are you've noticed Mischa Barton's unique style.

The key to Mischa's style can be summed up in three words: effortless, quirky, and cool. She is the epitome of California casual, and always looks as if she'd be equally at home on the beach or a trendy restaurant. The fact that she always looks relaxed, confident, and comfortable in her clothes makes her style even more enviable; who wants to be uncomfortable? With a little bit of time and effort, you can pick up Mischa's style for a lot less than the star herself!

The first signature element in Mischa's look is the loose, flowing top. Pick one in a light color with some kind of detail like embroidery or beading. Cotton works great for daytime, while a shiny or sheer fabric easily makes the transition to night. Check out victoriassecret.com or Old Navy for some beachy choices.

The next element is a narrow pant. If you like the current skinny jeans, choose a pair in a light gray, or even a light colored denim if you're feeling bold. While leggings might not completely capture the star's level of sophistication, they are more comfortable than skinny jeans, and will also nicely balance the more voluminous top. Old Navy and The Gap make surprisingly comfortable skinny jeans, with enough stretch to take you through the day, and leggings are fairly ubiquitous, appearing at Target and H&M.

Part of Mischa's effortless chic lies in her accessories. Pick statement pieces in wood, like large bangles or a large wooden disc on a chain. If you're not comfortable with larger pieces, layer a few complementing necklaces, like gold chains with quirky charms. Nordstrom's Brass Plum department has a cute selection beginning around $5.

Successfully achieving a new look is never limited to the clothes and accessories. In addition, try something different with your hair and makeup. Apply Jergen's Natural Glow for face (bonus: it now comes in an SPF 20!) , and sweep a natural bronzer over your cheekbones and forehead, where the sun would naturally hit. Use a highlighter for some shimmer on your eyelids and the apples of your cheeks for a paparazzi-ready glow. Toss on a brown mascara and some lip gloss for a polished look.

For the finishing touches, nothing beats the relaxed look of beach hair. After showering, spritz a texturizer through your hair. Use a volumizing spray at the roots, or an anti-frizz serum if you need it. Loosely braid hair, and either blow-dry on low or let your hair air-dry. When your hair is dry, lightly finger-comb the waves, being careful not to break them up too much. Then grab your oversized bag and you're ready to go!

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