70s Nightclub Fashion Makes a Revival: Shaggy Coats Have Become the Party Essential Must-Have
While the legendary New York nightclub Studio 54 shut its doors nearly four decades ago, its distinct style impact remains powerful.
This season, the spotlight isn't on see-through bodysuits but on the furry, shaggy coats and stoles favored by style icons and party enthusiasts alike.
With the holiday social calendar approaching, the signature Studio 54 coat is enjoying a significant comeback.
Retail Data Reflects the Popularity
Among the most popular items from a latest partnership between a high-street brand and a designer brand is a short, off-white, long-haired jacket with oversized lapels.
At another retailer, searches for brown fake fur coats have surged almost 200% year on year.
Interest for pre-owned fuzzy items is also rising, with queries for faux fur growing by 257% in the past six months on a major secondhand platform.
"This is a statement coat," notes a senior style expert, explaining that it acts as the main element of an ensemble.
She likes to wear her personal oversized furry coat with low-rise jeans or leggings and short shorts.
Television Style Mirrors the Trend
The style is showcased in a new Netflix romcom series, where a sister wears a caramel fuzzy jacket to a casual dinner.
When challenged about her bold look, the sister replies, "You told us to look fancy. That's style!"
The Rise of the "Glamorous" Aesthetic
This look fits into what an American trend forecaster is terming "boom boom."
Inspired by the glamour and opulence of late-80s New York, this vibe evokes wealth, bubbly, cigarettes, short skirts, loose morals and, of course, fuzzy textures.
Similar to that time, the trend is emerging during a uncertain economy.
Boom boom is very much about dressing for the lifestyle you dream of rather than the one you have to endure.
Contemporary Fabrics and Tongue-in-Cheek Luxury
Whereas real fur was omnipresent during Studio 54's peak, today's versions are mostly made from shearling—a byproduct of the food industry—or man-made fabrics like polyester.
The trend embodies a knowing opulence—like a beloved character has taken over with overblown proportions and surprising hues.
Star Endorsement and Limited Drops
A London designer was an early instigator of this movement. Her fluffy coats with curly textures have been sported by famous singers.
Because of strong interest, these coats are now only sold in exclusive collections. An upcoming release includes a pink and grey version similar to a large pom-pom, as well as animal and tiger-print options with exaggerated fluffy frou-frou.
"If you can only buy one thing, you don't want it to be a plain jumper or a pair of boring trousers, you want a standout piece," says a magazine editor-in-chief.
The sentiment is echoed by a style head at a major store, who calls it "a surprising, fun touch" that doesn't require a whole new outfit.
Final Mood Lifter
Ultimately, the shaggy coat can act as a fantastic mood lifter.
"It doesn't have to cost a lot," says the expert, "and it's going to make you feel glam when the world around you is pretty gloomy."
