🔗 Share this article

Although the iconic New York venue Studio 54 closed nearly four decades ago, its distinct fashion influence remains powerful.

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

With the festive social calendar approaching, the signature Studio 54 coat is experiencing a major comeback.

Retail Statistics Reflects the Trend

Among the most popular items from a recent partnership between a high-street brand and a London label is a cropped, off-white, shaggy jacket with oversized lapels.

At another retailer, searches for taupe faux fur coats have surged almost 200% year on year.

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

"It's a one and done coat," says a lead style expert, explaining that it acts as the central element of an outfit.

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

Television Style Echoes the Trend

This aesthetic is showcased in a new streaming romantic comedy series, where a sister wears a caramel fuzzy jacket to a informal dinner.

When challenged about her bold look, the character replies, "You told us to dress up. That's style!"

Emergence of the "Glamorous" Aesthetic

The trend aligns with what a U.S. style analyst is calling "glam excess."

Rooted in the glamour and opulence of late-80s New York, this vibe evokes wealth, bubbly, smoking, high hemlines, carefree attitudes and, of course, fuzzy textures.

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

This style is all about dressing for the life you aspire to rather than the one you are stuck with.

Contemporary Materials and Playful Opulence

While real fur was omnipresent during Studio 54's heyday, current iterations are mostly made from lambskin—a secondary product of the meat industry—or synthetic materials like polyester.

The trend embodies a knowing luxury—like a famous Muppet has taken over with overblown silhouettes and unexpected colors.

Star Adoption and Exclusive Drops

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

Because of strong demand, these coats are now only sold in exclusive drops. An upcoming release includes a pink and charcoal style akin to a giant pom-pom, alongside animal and tiger-print options with dramatic fluffy frou-frou.

"When you can only buy a single item, you wouldn't choose it to be a basic jumper or a pair of boring pants, you want a standout piece," says a magazine editor-in-chief.

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

The Ultimate Spirit Booster

In the end, the shaggy coat can act as a great mood lifter.

"It doesn't have to cost a fortune," notes the expert, "and it's going to make you feel glamorous when the world around you is rather gloomy."