The Top 7 Fashion Items We Bought in 2006

Who What Wear is turning 10 this year! To celebrate our #WWW10 milestone, we’re bringing back WWW TV, with new style videos just for you.

Over the past decade, we’ve seen plenty of trends come and go (and then come again). Fashion is a cyclical beast, and what’s in one season can be out the next. So, reflecting on the past decade, you can say that we’ve come a long way. The jeans, heels, and even accessories we were wearing way back when are not the same as those we’ve worn today. Still, there’s something so satisfying about waxing nostalgic for those “remember when” fashion moments.

To prove how far we’ve come over the past 10 years, we’re taking a look back at our wardrobe must-haves back then and comparing them to today. We’ve rounded up photos of some of favorite trendsetters then and now and zooming in on how our shopping choices have changed. A decade is a long time, so prepare yourself for some major nostalgia with these throwbacks.

Ready to see how style has changed over the past 10 years? Read on for our guide to then and now It items, and to shop current must haves!

2006: The Babydoll Dress

WHO: Rihanna

Back in 2006, babydoll dresses, complete with embellished details were all the rage. Pair with chandelier earrings à la Rihanna, and it was the perfect outfit for a night on the town.

2016: The Slip Dress

WHO: Martha Hunt

Today, if we have a night out on the calendar, our go-to style is a sleek slip dress.

Related: Must-Have: A Fresh Take on a ‘90s Throwback Accessory

2006: Boot-Cut Jeans

WHO: Blake Lively

When it came to shopping denim, low-rise boot-cut jeans were the way to go in 2006. Bonus points if whiskering was involved.

2016: Kick-Flare Jeans

WHO: Alexa Chung

For a more modern take on denim, we love the flattering look of a high-waisted kick flare. It hits at the slimmest part of the ankles, and high rise means we’re always comfortable in what we’re wearing.

Related: Every Celeb Is Wearing This Denim Trend

2006: Chandelier Earrings

WHO: Mary-Kate Olsen

When it came to accessorizing, it was chandelier earrings that made a splash in 2006. 

2016: Architectural Earrings

WHO: Diane Kruger

Now artsy earrings with sculptural details feel fresh and inspiring.

2006: Shrunken Leather Jacket

WHO: Ashley Olsen

Leather jackets will always make for a wardrobe staple, but in 2006, the go-to style was shrunken with a scrunched feel.

2016: Moto Jacket

WHO: Olivia Palermo

Now it’s all about moto-inspired jackets with an edgy feel. Style it with a dress or jeans, and it instantly adds that cool feeling. 

2006: Oversize Belt

WHO: Chloë Sevigny

To add extra oomph to a dress, 2006 was all about adding an oversize belt around the waist.

2016: Logo Belt

WHO: Chanel Iman

While in 2016, we still consider belts a statement accessory, our go-to styles tend to be sleek but with a buckle that stands apart.

Related: Must-Have: A Chic Buckle Belt

2006: Wedges

WHO: Rachel Bilson

While stilettos and platforms have made waves in the past 10 years, the shoes we lusted after in 2006 were a chic pair of wedges.

2016: Ladylike Heels

WHO: Jessica Alba

All hail ultra-feminine footwear, a trend that’s been on the runway and the streets alike all year long.

Related: The Shoes You Wore in the 2000s Are Back

2006: Supersize Sunglasses

WHO: Victoria Beckham

Oversize frames were a must for 2006, especially large square styles, ideal for adding attitude to our go-to look.

2016: Retro Cat-Eye Frames

WHO: Gigi Hadid

Today, it's all about a continuation of feminine and retro-inspired trends we've seen in footwear, clothing, and accessories too. Paired with even the easiest outfit, these sunglasses add extra fun.