
via Bangstyle
The Peter Pan collar reappeared in fashion a couple of years ago – and now it’s all over the place.
The origin of what we call the Peter Pan collar was the costume of actress Maude Adams, who played Peter on Broadway in 1905. A similar collar appeared on the character of Claudine in Claudine a l’Ecole – a novel by Collette published in France in 1900. (It’s possible Claudine’s look influenced Adams’ costume designers, but no one seems to be sure.)
Maude Adams’ Peter Pan costume popularized the style in the fashion of the day, and it has reappeared over the decades. The past year has seen a lot of accessory versions of the shape, which can be worn with multiple looks.

via Pinterest

via Pinterest
To me they conjure up schoolgirl images and feel a bit twee. As Julia Felsenthal suggests in this Slate article, young women who wear them are likely fans of Zooey Deschanel and adorable kittens.
Recently though, I’ve seen a different take on the shape – dresses with a sort of reverse Peter Pan look, via cutouts at the top of their bodices. This is a bit more edgy and I’m kind of digging it.

Heidi Klum in reverse Peter Pan neckline via tomandlorenzo

Dress from Honor Spring 2012 collection
Meanwhile, Francophiles continue calling it the ‘col claudine’ (Claudine collar) - here’s a site which features multiple accessory options.
Perhaps one in leather, to counter the demure associations.