70s Nightclub Style Makes a Revival: Shaggy Coats Have Become the Festive Season's Must-Have

While the iconic New York nightclub Studio 54 closed nearly four decades ago, its unique style impact remains powerful.

Currently, the spotlight isn't on see-through bodysuits but on the furry, fuzzy coats and wraps worn by celebrities and party enthusiasts alike.

With the festive social calendar approaching, the signature Studio 54 coat is experiencing a major comeback.

Retail Statistics Shows the Trend

One of the most popular items from a recent collaboration between a major retailer and a London label is a short, off-white, shaggy jacket with giant lapels.

At a leading retailer, searches for taupe fake fur coats have jumped almost 200% compared to last year.

The demand for secondhand plush items is also rising, with queries for faux fur growing by over 250% in the past six months on a major resale platform.

"It's a statement coat," notes a senior style expert, explaining that it acts as the main element of an ensemble.

She likes to style her own oversized shaggy coat with hipster jeans or leggings and micro shorts.

Television Style Mirrors the Trend

The aesthetic is showcased in a latest Netflix romantic comedy series, where a sister wears a toffee-colored furry jacket to a casual dinner.

When questioned about her bold look, the sister replies, "It's what you said to look fancy. That's style!"

The Rise of the "Glamorous" Vibe

The trend aligns with what an American trend forecaster is terming "boom boom."

Rooted in the glamour and opulence of late-80s New York, this vibe brings to mind wealth, bubbly, cigarettes, high hemlines, carefree attitudes and, of course, fuzzy textures.

Similar to that time, the trend is emerging during a volatile economy.

Boom boom is very much about dressing for the life you aspire to rather than the one you are stuck with.

Contemporary Materials and Playful Opulence

While animal fur was omnipresent during Studio 54's peak, current versions are primarily made from shearling—a secondary product of the food industry—or man-made fabrics like acrylic.

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

Celebrity Endorsement and Limited Drops

An English designer was an pioneer of this trend. Her fluffy coats with curly proportions have been worn by famous pop stars.

Due to strong interest, these coats are now only sold in exclusive collections. An upcoming release includes a pink and grey style similar to a giant pom-pom, as well as animal and tiger-print versions with exaggerated fuzzy frou-frou.

"When you can only purchase one thing, you wouldn't choose it to be a basic sweater or a pair of boring pants, you want something dramatic," says a magazine editor-in-chief.

The sentiment is shared by a style head at a major store, who calls it "an unexpected, playful element" that avoids the need for a complete ensemble.

The Ultimate Spirit Lifter

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

"It won't cost a lot," says the expert, "and it will make you feel glamorous when everything else is pretty dreary."