70s Nightclub Style Makes a Comeback: Shaggy Jackets Have Become the Festive Essential Must-Have

While the legendary New York nightclub Studio 54 shut its doors almost four decades ago, its distinct fashion influence remains strong.

Currently, the spotlight isn't on sheer bodysuits but on the plush, fuzzy coats and wraps favored by celebrities and club-goers alike.

With the holiday social calendar coming up, the signature Studio 54 coat is enjoying a major comeback.

Shopping Statistics Shows the Popularity

One of the most popular items from a latest collaboration between a high-street brand and a designer brand is a short, off-white, shaggy jacket with oversized lapels.

At another department store, searches for brown faux fur coats have surged 190% year on year.

The demand for secondhand plush finds is also rising, with queries for faux fur increasing by 257% in the last six months on a popular secondhand platform.

"This is a one and done coat," says a lead style expert, explaining that it serves as the central piece of an outfit.

She likes to wear her personal colossal furry version with low-rise jeans or tights and short shorts.

Screen Fashion Echoes the Trend

This aesthetic is showcased in a new Netflix romantic comedy series, where a character sports a caramel furry jacket to a casual dinner.

When questioned about her daring look, the character responds, "You told us to look fancy. It's fashion!"

The Rise of the "Boom Boom" Vibe

This look fits into what an American style analyst is calling "glam excess."

Inspired by the glamour and excess of late-80s New York, this aesthetic evokes wealth, bubbly, cigarettes, short skirts, loose morals and, of course, fuzzy textures.

Similar to that time, the trend is set against a uncertain economy.

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

Modern Fabrics and Tongue-in-Cheek Opulence

While real fur was everywhere during Studio 54's heyday, today's iterations are primarily made from shearling—a secondary product of the food industry—or man-made fabrics like polyester.

The trend represents a knowing opulence—as if a famous Muppet has taken charge with overblown silhouettes and unexpected colors.

Celebrity Endorsement and Limited Drops

An English creator was an pioneer of this trend. Her shaggy coats with poodle-like textures have been worn by famous singers.

Due to high interest, these coats are now only sold in limited drops. An upcoming launch includes a pink and charcoal version similar to a giant pom-pom, alongside animal and tiger-print options with exaggerated fuzzy trim.

"When you can only purchase one thing, you wouldn't choose it to be a basic jumper or a pair of boring trousers, you want a standout piece," explains a publication editor-in-chief.

This sentiment is echoed by a style head at a leading retailer, who calls it "a surprising, playful element" that doesn't require a whole new ensemble.

Final Spirit Lifter

In the end, the fuzzy coat can serve as a fantastic mood lifter.

"It won't cost a lot," notes the editor, "and it's going to make you feel glamorous when everything else is rather gloomy."