Fashion has long been turning to the image of the clown. Back in 1989, Vivienne Westwood interpreted harlequin costumes and actively used the bright argyle pattern. And Maria Grazia Chiuri went even further and held a show of the Dior spring-summer 2019 couture collection under a circus tent. This spectacular scenographic technique was a direct quote from the circus aesthetic that has long inspired designers.
Today, clown style is once again clearly visible on the catwalks. It's not about a literal costume, but about individual elements that can easily be incorporated into your everyday wardrobe. In recent seasons, puffy collars, balloon pants, argyle prints and even hats that refer to the image of Pierrot have returned to fashion. A few years ago, such things might have seemed too theatrical. Now they have become a legitimate trend for 2026.
This is especially evident in the collections of Chloé, Louis Vuitton and Jacquemus. Chloé showed balloon pants in the spring, cruise and autumn 2026 collections. Louis Vuitton added modern puffy collars to outerwear and even to trousers in the autumn-winter 2026/2027 collection. And Simon Porte Jacquemus turned to the characteristic clown hat in his latest show. All this proves once again: this aesthetic has become a real fashion trend, which is already actively used at the level of silhouettes, details and mood. Clown style in modern fashion is not built on literality, but on expressive shapes, exaggerated details and visual play. It is these fashionable accents that are worth adding to your wardrobe today.
Puffy collar
A puffy collar is one of the most expressive details in this aesthetic. In modern fashion, such a collar works as a strong stylistic accent that refreshes even a simple look.
Dior Men fall-winter 2026/2027
Chloé fall-winter 2026/2027
Christopher John Rogers directly referred to Pierrot's image for his eponymous brand collection. In his case, it was an open and conscious quotation. At the same time, Chloé and Moschino used the ruffled collar in outerwear. It appears on coats, jackets or jackets and immediately makes the thing more expressive.
Christopher John Rogers fall-winter 2026/2027
Moschino spring-summer 2026
A puffy collar is a good fit for those who want to try this style. It's a simple and straightforward entry point into the trend.
Chanel spring-summer 2026
Louis Vuitton fall-winter 2026/2027
Balloon pants
If you already bought flared pants during the boho aesthetic's comeback, now is the time to wear them again. Today, flared pants are back in fashion, and the runway collections are a clear testament to that.
Chloé fall-winter 2026/2027
Sea autumn-winter 2026/2027
In the spring season, Versace and Michael Kors showed balloon pants. Chloé and Sea also presented this silhouette in the autumn-winter 2026/2027 season. This is important because we are not talking about a short burst of popularity, but about a sustainable fashion interest.
Versace spring-summer 2026
Altuzarra spring-summer 2026
In the context of clown aesthetics, balloon pants have a special meaning. Their shape is built on volume, slight exaggeration and a game of proportions. These are the key features for this style. At the same time, balloon pants are quite wearable in a real wardrobe.
Calvin Klein spring-summer 2026
Michael Kors spring-summer 2026
Argyle
For those who want to get a little closer to clowncore, argyle is the best option. It's one of the easiest ways to add a clown aesthetic to your look without making any drastic changes. Argyle has long been associated with the image of the harlequin, so its appearance in this context is quite natural.
Chopova Lowena fall-winter 2026/2027
Tolu Coker fall-winter 2026/2027
Today, argyle is back as one of the most popular prints. Diane von Furstenberg and Burberry have offered more restrained and understandable options. It is a good choice for those who want to just subtly enter this trend. At the same time, Chopova Lowena and Tolu Coker have shown much bolder interpretations of this pattern.
McQueen Resort 2026
Diane von Furstenberg fall-winter 2026/2027
That's why argyle is a particularly beneficial print for your wardrobe. It can be calm, everyday, or bright and demonstrative. If the clown style seems too bold for you, argyle will be the most natural and logical solution.
Burberry spring-summer 2026
Hat
And of course, there's another option for those who don't want to limit themselves to hints. It's a clown-style hat. The boldest and most straightforward element in this whole story.
Jacquemus fall-winter 2026/2027
This accessory no longer just refers to the clown aesthetic, but speaks about it openly. That is why it is unlikely to become a basic wardrobe item. But if you are going to resort to this style, sometimes it really is worth doing it without halftones.
Based on material from vogue.com