🔗 Share this article

Although the legendary New York venue Studio 54 closed almost four decades ago, its unique style impact continues strong.

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

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

Retail Data Shows the Trend

Among the most popular 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, online queries for taupe faux fur coats have surged almost 200% compared to last year.

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

"It's a one and done coat," notes a lead style expert, explaining that it acts as the main element of an ensemble.

She prefers to style her personal colossal shaggy version with hipster jeans or leggings and micro shorts.

Screen Style Mirrors the Trend

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

When questioned about her daring outfit, the sister responds, "You told us to dress up. It's fashion!"

Emergence of the "Glamorous" Vibe

The trend aligns with what a U.S. trend forecaster is terming "glam excess."

Rooted in the glamour and excess of late-80s New York, this aesthetic evokes wealth, bubbly, smoking, short skirts, carefree attitudes and, naturally, fur.

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

Boom boom is very much about embodying the lifestyle you aspire to rather than the one you have to endure.

Contemporary Fabrics and Playful Luxury

Whereas real fur was everywhere during Studio 54's peak, current versions are mostly made from shearling—a byproduct of the meat industry—or synthetic fabrics like polyester.

The trend embodies a knowing luxury—like a beloved character has taken charge with overblown silhouettes and unexpected colors.

Star Adoption and Limited Drops

An English creator was an early instigator of this movement. Her shaggy coats with poodle-like proportions have been sported by top pop stars.

Due to strong demand, these coats are now only sold in limited drops. An upcoming release includes a rose and charcoal version akin to a giant pom-pom, as well as animal and tiger-print options with dramatic fluffy frou-frou.

"If you can only buy a single item, you wouldn't choose it to be a plain jumper or a pair of ordinary pants, you want a standout piece," says a publication head.

The sentiment is echoed by a fashion director at a major retailer, who describes it "a surprising, playful element" that doesn't require a complete outfit.

Final Mood Lifter

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

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