70s Nightclub Fashion Makes a Comeback: Shaggy Coats Have Become the Festive Season's Must-Have
While the legendary New York venue Studio 54 shut its doors nearly four decades ago, its unique style impact remains strong.
Currently, the spotlight isn't on see-through bodysuits but on the furry, shaggy coats and wraps worn by celebrities and party enthusiasts alike.
With the festive party season approaching, the signature Studio 54 coat is experiencing a significant resurgence.
Shopping Data Reflects the Trend
One of the most popular items from a recent partnership between a high-street brand and a designer brand is a cropped, off-white, shaggy jacket with giant lapels.
At another retailer, searches for taupe fake fur coats have jumped 190% year on year.
Interest for secondhand plush finds is also rising, with searches for faux fur growing by 257% in the past six months on a major resale platform.
"It's a one and done coat," says a senior style expert, adding that it acts as the central element of an ensemble.
She likes to wear her own oversized shaggy version with low-rise jeans or leggings and short shorts.
Screen Style Mirrors the Trend
This style is replicated in a latest Netflix romcom series, where a sister sports a toffee-colored fuzzy jacket to a casual dinner.
When challenged about her bold outfit, the sister replies, "It's what you said to dress up. That's style!"
The Rise of the "Glamorous" Vibe
The trend aligns with what an American trend forecaster is calling "boom boom."
Rooted in the extravagance and opulence of the 1980s New York, this vibe brings to mind wads of cash, bubbly, cigarettes, high hemlines, loose morals and, of course, fuzzy textures.
Similar to that time, the trend is emerging during a uncertain financial climate.
This style is very much about embodying the life you dream of rather than the one you are stuck with.
Modern Materials and Playful Opulence
While real fur was omnipresent during Studio 54's heyday, today's versions are mostly made from lambskin—a byproduct of the food industry—or man-made fabrics like acrylic.
The trend represents a tongue-in-cheek opulence—like a beloved character has taken over with overblown proportions and unexpected colors.
Star Adoption and Exclusive Releases
A London creator was an early instigator of this movement. Her shaggy coats with poodle-like textures have been sported by top singers.
Because of strong demand, these coats are now only sold in limited drops. An upcoming release includes a rose and charcoal style akin to a large pom-pom, as well as leopard- and zebra-print versions with exaggerated fluffy trim.
"If you can only purchase one thing, you wouldn't choose it to be a basic sweater or a pair of ordinary pants, you want something dramatic," explains a magazine editor-in-chief.
This sentiment is shared by a style head at a leading retailer, who calls it "an unexpected, fun touch" that doesn't require a whole new ensemble.
The Ultimate Mood Lifter
Ultimately, the fuzzy coat can act as a great mood lifter.
"It doesn't have to cost a fortune," says the editor, "and it's going to make you feel glam when everything else is rather gloomy."