70s Nightclub Style Makes a Revival: Shaggy Coats Are the Festive Essential Key Piece

Although the legendary New York venue Studio 54 closed nearly four decades ago, its unique fashion influence remains strong.

Currently, the focus isn't on see-through bodysuits but on the furry, shaggy coats and wraps worn by style icons and party enthusiasts alike.

With the festive party season coming up, the distinctive Studio 54 coat is enjoying a significant comeback.

Shopping Statistics Shows the Popularity

Among the hottest items from a recent collaboration between a major retailer and a designer brand is a cropped, off-white, long-haired jacket with giant lapels.

At another retailer, online queries for brown faux fur coats have surged 190% year on year.

The demand for secondhand plush items is also soaring, with queries for synthetic fur increasing by 257% in the last six months on a major resale platform.

"It's a statement coat," notes a senior fashion editor, explaining that it acts as the main element of an outfit.

The editor prefers to style her personal oversized shaggy version with low-rise jeans or leggings and micro shorts.

Screen Fashion Echoes the Trend

This style is showcased in a new Netflix romantic comedy series, where a sister sports a toffee-colored furry jacket to a informal dinner.

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

Emergence of the "Boom Boom" Aesthetic

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

Inspired by the extravagance and opulence of the 1980s New York, this aesthetic brings to mind wads of cash, champagne, smoking, short skirts, carefree attitudes and, naturally, fuzzy textures.

Like that era, the trend is emerging during a uncertain economy.

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

Modern Materials and Tongue-in-Cheek Luxury

Whereas animal fur was everywhere during Studio 54's peak, current iterations are mostly made from lambskin—a byproduct of the food industry—or man-made fabrics like polyester.

The trend embodies a tongue-in-cheek luxury—as if a famous Muppet has taken charge with exaggerated silhouettes and unexpected colors.

Celebrity Endorsement and Limited Releases

An English creator was an pioneer of this trend. Her shaggy coats with curly textures have been worn by top singers.

Because of high interest, these coats are now only sold in limited drops. An forthcoming release includes a rose and charcoal version akin to a large pom-pom, as well as leopard- and tiger-print versions with dramatic fuzzy frou-frou.

"If you can only buy a single item, you don't want it to be a plain jumper or a pair of ordinary trousers, you want something dramatic," explains a magazine editor-in-chief.

This feeling is echoed by a style head at a leading retailer, who calls it "an unexpected, playful element" that avoids the need for a whole new outfit.

The Ultimate Mood Booster

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

"It doesn't have to cost a lot," says the expert, "and it's going to make you feel glamorous when everything else is pretty dreary."

James Beck
James Beck

Certified fitness coach and nutritionist passionate about helping others lead healthier lives through sustainable practices.