70s Nightclub Style Makes a Comeback: Fuzzy Coats Are the Party Essential Key Piece
While the iconic New York venue Studio 54 shut its doors nearly four decades ago, its unique style impact remains strong.
Currently, the spotlight isn't on sheer bodysuits but on the plush, fuzzy coats and stoles favored by celebrities and club-goers as well.
With the holiday social calendar coming up, the signature Studio 54 coat is experiencing a major comeback.
Shopping Statistics Shows the Popularity
Among the most popular items from a recent partnership between a high-street brand and a London label is a short, cream, long-haired jacket with giant lapels.
At another retailer, online queries for brown fake fur coats have surged almost 200% year on year.
The demand for pre-owned fuzzy finds is also soaring, with queries for faux fur increasing by 257% in the last six months on a popular resale website.
"This is a statement coat," says a senior fashion editor, explaining that it acts as the main piece of an ensemble.
The editor prefers to style her own oversized shaggy version with low-rise jeans or leggings and micro shorts.
Screen Fashion Mirrors the Trend
The aesthetic is showcased in a latest Netflix romantic comedy series, where a character wears a toffee-colored fuzzy jacket to a informal dinner.
When questioned about her daring outfit, the character replies, "It's what you said to look fancy. That's style!"
The Rise of the "Boom Boom" Vibe
This look fits into what a U.S. style analyst is calling "glam excess."
Inspired by the glamour and opulence of late-80s New York, this aesthetic brings to mind wealth, bubbly, cigarettes, high hemlines, loose morals and, of course, fuzzy textures.
Like that era, the trend is set against a volatile economy.
Boom boom is very much about embodying the life you dream of rather than the one you have to endure.
Modern Fabrics and Tongue-in-Cheek Luxury
Whereas real fur was everywhere during Studio 54's heyday, current iterations are primarily made from lambskin—a byproduct of the meat industry—or man-made materials like polyester.
The trend represents a knowing luxury—as if a famous Muppet has taken over with overblown proportions and unexpected hues.
Star Endorsement and Exclusive Releases
A London creator was an pioneer of this trend. Her fluffy coats with curly textures have been worn by famous pop stars.
Because of high demand, these coats are now only sold in exclusive drops. An upcoming release includes a rose and charcoal style akin to a giant pom-pom, alongside leopard- and zebra-print versions with dramatic fluffy trim.
"If you can only buy a single item, you wouldn't choose it to be a plain sweater or a pair of ordinary trousers, you want a standout piece," says a publication head.
The feeling is echoed by a style head at a leading retailer, who describes it "an unexpected, playful touch" that doesn't require a whole new ensemble.
The Ultimate Mood Booster
Ultimately, the shaggy coat can serve as a fantastic pick-me-up.
"It doesn't have to cost a lot," says the editor, "and it's going to make you feel glamorous when the world around you is pretty gloomy."
