70s Nightclub Style Makes a Comeback: Fuzzy Coats Are the Festive Essential Must-Have

While the iconic New York venue Studio 54 shut its doors nearly four decades ago, its unique fashion influence continues powerful.

Currently, the spotlight isn't on see-through bodysuits but on the plush, shaggy coats and wraps worn by style icons and club-goers as well.

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

Retail Data Reflects the Trend

Among the most popular items from a recent collaboration between a major retailer and a London label is a cropped, off-white, shaggy jacket with oversized lapels.

At another department store, online queries for brown faux fur coats have surged almost 200% compared to last year.

The demand for pre-owned fuzzy items is also soaring, with searches for synthetic fur increasing by 257% in the last six months on a popular secondhand platform.

"It's a statement coat," says a senior fashion editor, explaining that it serves as the central piece of an outfit.

The editor likes to wear her personal colossal furry coat with hipster jeans or tights and short shorts.

Television Style Echoes the Trend

This style is replicated in a new streaming romcom series, where a sister sports a toffee-colored furry jacket to a casual dinner.

When questioned about her daring outfit, the sister replies, "It's what you said to dress up. That's style!"

Emergence of the "Glamorous" Vibe

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

Inspired by the extravagance and opulence of late-80s New York, this aesthetic brings to mind wealth, bubbly, cigarettes, short skirts, loose morals and, of course, fuzzy textures.

Like that time, the trend is set against a volatile economy.

Boom boom is all about embodying the life you dream of rather than the one you have to endure.

Contemporary Materials and Playful Luxury

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

The trend embodies a knowing luxury—as if a beloved character has taken over with exaggerated proportions and unexpected colors.

Star Endorsement and Limited Drops

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

Because of strong interest, these coats are now only sold in limited drops. An forthcoming release includes a pink and grey version similar to a giant pom-pom, as well as animal and zebra-print versions with dramatic fuzzy frou-frou.

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

The sentiment is echoed by a style head at a major store, who calls it "a surprising, playful touch" that doesn't require a complete ensemble.

Final Spirit Booster

In the end, the fuzzy coat can act as a fantastic pick-me-up.

"It doesn't have to cost a lot," says the expert, "and it will make you feel glam when everything else is rather dreary."