After a long period shaped by the minimalism of the 1990s and the excess of the Y2K aesthetic, the aesthetics of relaxed chic and hipster fashion are once again coming to the fore. This return is most noticeable in the details – most notably in the new popularity of the rounded collar, also known as the “Peter Pan collar”. Here's everything you need to know about this trend right now.
Photo: @realbarbarapalvin
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The lapel collar has always existed somewhere between naivety and experimentation, resurfacing in fashion conversations over the decades. It got its name from the costume worn by actress Maud Adams in the early 20th century stage production of Peter Pan. The flat lapel collar quickly gained popularity as a softer alternative to the stiff traditional collar.
Over the following decades, it made a comeback whenever fashion gravitated toward romance or quiet rebellion. It could be seen in mid-20th-century formal wear, in 1960s fashion silhouettes, and later in a somewhat ironic context during the Riot Grrrl movement. Style icons including Audrey Hepburn and Sharon Tate wore the collar long before its digital revival, cementing its status as a timeless classic.
Cultural peak in the 2010s
In the late 2000s and early 2010s, the Peter Pan collar experienced a new surge in popularity. It became a symbol of a very specific aesthetic — intellectual, slightly quirky, deliberately devoid of glamour. Zooey Deschanel's wardrobe in the TV series “New Girl” solidified the association of the rounded collar with charmingly awkward femininity.
At the same time, the stylistics of the series “Gossip Girl” and “Glee” turned this collar into a kind of visual code of an era when fashion gravitated more towards subcultures than towards social media algorithms.
Photo: @zooeydeschanel
The Peter Pan collar has become a recognizable style feature of famous women such as Emma Watson, Lily Collins, Emma Stone and Alexa Chung. Pop culture has also been involved: during the popularity of the album “1989”, singer Taylor Swift often wore things with this collar in everyday looks, combining mass-market with preppy elegance.
Peter Pan's collar today
The Peter Pan collar was back in the spotlight on the 2026 runways, with Chanel featuring it on signature tweed jackets and delicate knitwear, while Prada highlighted the element in stark architectural shirts.
Sandy Liang and Louis Vuitton took the collar to a romantic interpretation through babydoll silhouettes and structured outerwear, while Miu Miu and Tory Burch brought it to casual shirts, making the detail more versatile.
Chanel
Louis Vuitton
Sandy Liang
A new generation of fashion influencers has also helped to reimagine its look. Today, the rounded collar fits easily into popular dark coquette and Victorian romanticism aesthetics. Olivia Rodrigo and Halsey give it a light rock 'n' roll character, while Barbara Palvin maintains its delicate, almost ethereal aesthetic. Emma Chamberlain has it in a modern and romantic look, while Kelly Rutherford shows off its elegant potential in understated plaid ensembles.
Photo: @oliviarodrigo
How to wear a Peter Pan collar
This collar looks best in minimalist stylings. It becomes the main accent when the rest of the look remains restrained. It is easy to wear as a bottom layer under jackets, knitwear or jackets, and also to combine with pleated skirts, straight jeans or wide pleated trousers.
Neutral tones and soft pastels naturally accentuate this detail. For those who love the cottagecore aesthetic, babydoll dresses with round necks are a great choice—especially in fabrics like poplin, cotton, or silk blends, which enhance their sophisticated, slightly naive femininity.
Photo: @kellyrutherford
Based on materials from voguearabia.com