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While the legendary New York venue Studio 54 closed almost four decades ago, its distinct fashion influence remains strong.

This season, the focus isn't on sheer bodysuits but on the plush, fuzzy coats and stoles worn by celebrities and party enthusiasts alike.

With the festive party season approaching, the signature Studio 54 coat is enjoying a major comeback.

Retail Data Reflects the Popularity

One of the most popular items from a recent partnership between a high-street brand and a designer brand is a cropped, cream, shaggy jacket with giant lapels.

At a leading retailer, online queries for brown faux fur coats have jumped almost 200% year on year.

Interest for secondhand fuzzy items is also soaring, with queries for faux fur increasing by 257% in the past six months on a popular secondhand platform.

"It's a statement coat," says a lead style expert, explaining that it serves as the main element of an outfit.

She prefers to wear her personal oversized furry coat with low-rise jeans or tights and short shorts.

Television Fashion Mirrors the Trend

The style is showcased in a latest streaming romantic comedy series, where a character 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 look fancy. That's style!"

The Rise of the "Glamorous" Vibe

This look aligns with what an American trend forecaster is calling "boom boom."

Inspired by the glamour and opulence of the 1980s New York, this vibe evokes wads of cash, bubbly, smoking, short skirts, loose morals and, naturally, fuzzy textures.

Like that time, the trend is emerging during a uncertain economy.

This style is all about embodying the lifestyle you dream of rather than the one you are stuck with.

Contemporary Materials and Playful Luxury

Whereas real fur was omnipresent during Studio 54's heyday, current iterations are mostly made from shearling—a secondary product of the food industry—or man-made fabrics like polyester.

The trend embodies a tongue-in-cheek luxury—as if a beloved character has taken charge with exaggerated proportions and unexpected colors.

Celebrity Adoption and Limited Releases

A London designer 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 limited drops. An upcoming launch includes a rose and charcoal style akin to a giant pom-pom, alongside animal and tiger-print options with dramatic fuzzy trim.

"If you can only buy a single item, you don't want it to be a basic jumper or a pair of boring trousers, you want something dramatic," says a magazine head.

The sentiment is echoed by a style head at a leading store, who describes it "a surprising, fun element" that doesn't require a complete ensemble.

Final Mood Booster

Ultimately, the shaggy coat can act as a fantastic pick-me-up.

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