Studio 54 Fashion Makes a Comeback: Fuzzy Jackets Have Become the Festive Essential Key Piece

Although the legendary New York nightclub Studio 54 shut its doors almost four decades ago, its unique style impact continues powerful.

This season, the spotlight isn't on sheer bodysuits but on the plush, fuzzy coats and stoles worn by celebrities and club-goers as well.

With the holiday social calendar approaching, the distinctive Studio 54 coat is enjoying a major comeback.

Shopping Data Shows the Trend

One of the most popular items from a latest partnership between a major retailer and a designer brand is a short, cream, long-haired jacket with oversized lapels.

At a leading department store, online queries for taupe faux fur coats have jumped almost 200% year on year.

Interest for secondhand fuzzy finds is also soaring, with queries for synthetic fur increasing by 257% in the last six months on a popular resale platform.

"This is a one and done coat," says a lead style expert, adding that it serves as the main element of an ensemble.

The editor likes to style her personal colossal shaggy coat with hipster jeans or leggings and short shorts.

Television Style Echoes the Trend

The style is replicated in a new streaming romcom series, where a sister wears a toffee-colored fuzzy jacket to a informal dinner.

When questioned about her daring look, the sister responds, "You told us to dress up. That's style!"

The Rise of the "Glamorous" Aesthetic

The trend fits into what a U.S. trend forecaster is calling "glam excess."

Rooted in the extravagance and opulence of the 1980s New York, this aesthetic evokes wealth, champagne, cigarettes, short skirts, carefree attitudes and, naturally, fur.

Similar to that era, the trend is emerging during a uncertain financial climate.

Boom boom is very much about embodying the life you dream of rather than the one you are stuck with.

Modern Fabrics and Tongue-in-Cheek Luxury

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

The trend represents a tongue-in-cheek opulence—like a beloved character has taken charge with exaggerated proportions and unexpected colors.

Celebrity Adoption and Limited Drops

A London creator was an pioneer of this trend. Her shaggy coats with poodle-like textures have been worn by top pop stars.

Due to strong interest, these coats are now only sold in exclusive drops. An upcoming release includes a pink and charcoal version similar to a large pom-pom, as well as animal and tiger-print options with exaggerated fluffy trim.

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

This sentiment is echoed by a style head at a major store, who calls it "an unexpected, fun element" that avoids the need for a complete ensemble.

The Ultimate Spirit Lifter

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

"It won't cost a fortune," says the expert, "and it will make you feel glamorous when everything else is pretty gloomy."