70s Nightclub Style Makes a Comeback: Shaggy Coats Have Become the Festive Season's Key Piece

Although the legendary New York nightclub Studio 54 shut its doors almost four decades ago, its unique style impact remains powerful.

Currently, the focus isn't on see-through bodysuits but on the plush, fuzzy coats and stoles favored by celebrities and party enthusiasts alike.

With the holiday party season approaching, the signature Studio 54 coat is experiencing a major resurgence.

Shopping Statistics Reflects the Popularity

Among the hottest items from a latest partnership between a major retailer and a London label is a cropped, off-white, long-haired jacket with giant lapels.

At a leading retailer, searches for brown fake fur coats have surged 190% compared to last year.

Interest for secondhand fuzzy items is also rising, with queries for faux fur increasing by over 250% in the past six months on a major secondhand website.

"It's a statement coat," notes a lead style expert, adding that it acts as the main element of an outfit.

The editor likes to style her own colossal furry version with hipster jeans or leggings and micro shorts.

Television Style Mirrors the Trend

The style is showcased in a new streaming romantic comedy series, where a sister sports a toffee-colored furry jacket to a informal dinner.

When challenged about her bold outfit, the sister replies, "It's what you said to look fancy. It's fashion!"

Emergence of the "Glamorous" Vibe

The trend fits into what a U.S. trend forecaster is calling "boom boom."

Rooted in the glamour and excess of the 1980s New York, this aesthetic evokes wads of cash, champagne, smoking, high hemlines, carefree attitudes and, of course, fuzzy textures.

Like that era, the trend is set against a uncertain financial climate.

Boom boom is very much about embodying the lifestyle you aspire to rather than the one you are stuck with.

Modern Fabrics and Tongue-in-Cheek Luxury

While animal fur was everywhere during Studio 54's peak, today's iterations are mostly made from shearling—a secondary product of the food industry—or synthetic fabrics like acrylic.

The trend embodies a knowing luxury—like a beloved character has taken over with exaggerated proportions and surprising colors.

Star Endorsement and Limited Drops

An English designer was an early instigator of this movement. Her shaggy coats with curly textures have been worn by top pop stars.

Because of strong demand, these coats are now only sold in limited drops. An forthcoming launch includes a pink and charcoal style similar to a giant pom-pom, alongside leopard- and zebra-print versions with dramatic fuzzy frou-frou.

"When you can only purchase one thing, you don't want it to be a plain jumper or a pair of boring trousers, you want something dramatic," says a magazine head.

The feeling is shared by a fashion director at a major store, who describes it "an unexpected, fun touch" that doesn't require a complete ensemble.

The Ultimate Spirit Lifter

Ultimately, the shaggy coat can serve as a fantastic mood lifter.

"It doesn't have to cost a fortune," notes the expert, "and it will make you feel glamorous when everything else is rather gloomy."