70s Nightclub Style Returns for a Comeback: Shaggy Coats Are the Party Essential Key Piece

While the iconic New York venue Studio 54 closed almost four decades ago, its distinct style impact continues strong.

Currently, the spotlight isn't on sheer bodysuits but on the plush, shaggy coats and stoles favored by style icons and club-goers alike.

With the holiday party season 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 partnership between a high-street brand and a London label is a cropped, cream, long-haired jacket with oversized lapels.

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

Interest for secondhand plush items is also rising, with searches for faux fur increasing by 257% in the past six months on a popular resale platform.

"This is a statement coat," notes a senior style expert, explaining that it acts as the central piece of an ensemble.

She prefers to style her own oversized shaggy coat with hipster jeans or leggings and short shorts.

Television Fashion Echoes the Look

The aesthetic is showcased in a new streaming romantic comedy series, where a character wears a toffee-colored fuzzy jacket to a informal dinner.

When challenged about her daring look, the character responds, "It's what you said to dress up. It's fashion!"

The Rise of the "Glamorous" Aesthetic

This look aligns with what an American style analyst is terming "glam excess."

Rooted in the glamour and excess of the 1980s New York, this vibe brings to mind wads of cash, bubbly, smoking, high hemlines, carefree attitudes and, of course, fur.

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

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

Contemporary Materials and Playful Opulence

Whereas animal fur was omnipresent during Studio 54's heyday, today's versions are mostly made from lambskin—a byproduct of the food industry—or synthetic fabrics like acrylic.

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

Celebrity Adoption and Exclusive Releases

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

Due to strong demand, these coats are now only sold in exclusive collections. An forthcoming launch includes a rose and charcoal version akin to a large pom-pom, alongside leopard- and zebra-print options with dramatic fluffy trim.

"If you can only buy one thing, you don't want it to be a basic jumper or a pair of boring pants, you want a standout piece," says a magazine head.

This sentiment is echoed by a fashion director at a major store, who describes it "a surprising, fun touch" that avoids the need for a whole new outfit.