70s Nightclub Style Makes a Comeback: Shaggy Coats Are the Party Season's Key Piece

Although the iconic New York venue Studio 54 closed nearly four decades ago, its distinct style impact remains strong.

Currently, the focus isn't on see-through bodysuits but on the plush, shaggy coats and wraps worn by celebrities and party enthusiasts as well.

With the holiday party season approaching, the distinctive Studio 54 coat is experiencing a significant comeback.

Retail Data Reflects the Popularity

Among the hottest items from a latest collaboration between a high-street brand and a designer brand is a cropped, cream, long-haired jacket with oversized lapels.

At a leading retailer, online queries for taupe fake fur coats have jumped 190% compared to last year.

Interest for secondhand fuzzy items is also soaring, with queries for faux fur growing by 257% in the last six months on a popular secondhand website.

"This is a one and done coat," says a lead fashion editor, adding that it serves as the central piece of an outfit.

She prefers to wear her own colossal furry version with low-rise jeans or tights and micro shorts.

Television Fashion Mirrors the Look

This style is replicated in a new Netflix romantic comedy series, where a character sports a caramel fuzzy jacket to a informal dinner.

When questioned about her bold look, the sister replies, "It's what you said to dress up. It's fashion!"

The Rise of the "Glamorous" Vibe

This look aligns with what a U.S. style analyst is terming "glam excess."

Rooted in the glamour and excess of the 1980s New York, this aesthetic brings to mind wads of cash, bubbly, cigarettes, short skirts, carefree attitudes and, of course, fur.

Like that era, the trend is emerging during a volatile financial climate.

Boom boom is very much about dressing for the lifestyle you dream of rather than the one you are stuck with.

Contemporary Fabrics and Playful Luxury

While real fur was omnipresent during Studio 54's heyday, current versions are primarily made from shearling—a secondary product of the food industry—or man-made materials like polyester.

The trend embodies a knowing opulence—like a famous Muppet has taken over with exaggerated silhouettes and unexpected colors.

Star Adoption and Exclusive Drops

An English creator was an early instigator of this trend. Her fluffy coats with curly proportions have been worn by top singers.

Due to high interest, these coats are now only sold in limited collections. An upcoming release includes a rose and charcoal version akin to a large pom-pom, as well as animal and tiger-print versions with exaggerated fuzzy trim.

"If you can only buy a single item, you wouldn't choose it to be a basic jumper or a pair of ordinary pants, you want a standout piece," explains a publication editor-in-chief.

The sentiment is echoed by a fashion director at a major store, who calls it "an unexpected, playful touch" that avoids the need for a complete ensemble.

Final Spirit Lifter

In the end, the shaggy coat can act as a fantastic mood lifter.

"It doesn't have to cost a fortune," notes the editor, "and it's going to make you feel glamorous when the world around you is rather gloomy."