If you’re anything like us, you probably grew up watching a number of fresh Aussie faces brave many a turbulent story line on iconic Aussie soap Home and Away.
We don’t say this lightly – the lives and loves of Summer Bay’s residents are drenched in drama, so much so that by age 18, some of the poor souls have experienced enough twists and turns to last them a lifetime – and added a fair few wrinkles to their sun-kissed faces in the process.
But wild story lines aside, there’s another glaring thing we’ve grown to concurrently love and loath about Summer Bay – its fashion sense.
Indeed, in a world where life revolves around the surf, the beach and the diner, you’d think clothing choices would be an easy feat.
Simply whacking on some thongs and a nice set of bathers for the beach would do the trick.
As for our favourite troublesome (and often parent-free) youths? Look no further than the iconic Summer Bay High uniform.
The classic jeans-and-a-nice-top combo is great-guns for a cheeky bev at Salt (formerly Angelo’s), and for the diner… well, anything goes.
But while the fellows of Summer Bay are generally pretty good at sticking to the ordinary when it comes to beach-town attire, there’s no going past some seriously questionable ensembles we’ve seen grace our screens in recent years.
Like stepping into a time warp of early 2000s fashion – along with a few rogue frosted tips (yep, never forget Noah), we’ve rounded up the most iconic fashion moments on Home and Away of all time, and boy are they a sight to behold.
Grab the popcorn and settle in, Alf and co really copped an eyeful over the years.
WATCH: The Home and Away cast share their favourite moments from 2019. Gallery begins after video…
Matilda
Let’s start with our favourite OG screen queen Mattie, whose iconic 00s cross-cardi’s paired with hipster trousers and gypsy skirts gave us all the fashun inspo we never knew we needed (no really, we didn’t).
And can we take a quick moment to appreciate Lucas’ T-shirt-over-stripy-shirt get-up? What a time to be alive.
Jasmine
Fast forward a few years and you can safely claim Jasmine (played by Sam Frost) is now the show’s biggest fashion muse – as far as Home and Away goes, that is. This humble fedora, babydoll-style tee and demin cut-offs are farmer chic at its best.
Jasmine 2
Just call Jasmine the queen of hats and country fashion. We’re big fans of this casual get-up.
Hayley
Hayley, AKA Bec Hewitt was a certified icon of Home and Away in her own right, but we have to take a moment for the various fashion wins… and losses her character endured.
Hayley 2
Tammin Sursok gave Bec a run for her money. Her character Dani’s uber low-rise pants combined with Hayley’s retro dress epitomised early 00s fashion. Let’s never revisit that, hey?
Kim-Rachel
And get an eyeful of those vests! But only for a moment, because we can’t look at them for too long without cringing. Rachel and Kim were basically the Ryan and Marissa of Summer Bay, OC styles.
Chris
The humble spaghetti strap will never die – and Hayley Smith (aka Bec Hewitt) is living proof.
Matilda
And let’s not forget the age of the hair quiff, which Mattie trailblazed with grace and precision. Seriously, who didn’t don this super fab hairstyle to high school back in the day?
Matilda 3
For real though, how did she make it look so chic? GHDs were SO much harder to manoeuvre around curls back then…
Belle
Summer Bay is known for its dramatic weddings, and in Belle’s case, her bridal look brought all the drama necessary. We’re a little unsure about this black and white tulle business…
Sasha
Speaking of hairstyles, Sasha’s gallant purple streak gave us the sneaking suspicion that she was a rebel in waiting…
Jack-and-Martha
The vest again! Our eyes, Jack, our eyes!
Olivia Ziggy
Fashion designer Olivia was also one to push boundaries, and not the kind of boundaries we’d envision on a Paris runway…
Geoff
Geoff’s mop of streaked hair belonged in the 00s, and hopefully it never crops up again.
Jai and Matilda
Jai was another troubled Summer Bay teen, but we can’t fault him for taking a couple of fashion risks – the skinny scarf adds some serious pizzazz.
Drew 2
We couldn’t have a Home and Away gallery without featuring the iconic Summer Bay High uniform – and a brief reminder that Belle’s choker was a total 00s vibe.
Belle
And the resident badass Belle knew how to push the boundaries – and give Irene a minor heart attack in the process. Speaking of, see Irene’s iconic first moment in the show in the player below…
Lynne McGranger’s first appearance as Irene Roberts on Home And Away
Cassie
And who could forget Cassie? A master of beach wavy hair, we’re not sure why the scrunchie phase had to happen, but alas it did.
The Pattersons
The OG Pattersons took their wedding day mood to a whole new level – the tulle-to-silk ratio on that dress is out of control.
Noah and Hayley
Noah and Hayley looked like something straight out of an *NSYNC video clip.
