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

Currently, the focus isn't on sheer bodysuits but on the plush, shaggy coats and stoles worn by celebrities and party enthusiasts as well.

With the festive social calendar approaching, the signature Studio 54 coat is enjoying a major resurgence.

Shopping Data Shows the Trend

One of the most popular items from a recent collaboration between a major retailer and a designer brand is a cropped, off-white, long-haired jacket with giant lapels.

At another department store, online queries for taupe fake fur coats have surged almost 200% year on year.

The demand for pre-owned fuzzy items is also soaring, with searches for faux fur increasing by 257% in the last six months on a popular secondhand platform.

"It's a statement coat," notes a senior fashion editor, explaining that it acts as the main piece of an outfit.

The editor prefers to style her own oversized furry version with low-rise jeans or tights and micro shorts.

Television Style Echoes the Trend

The style is replicated in a new streaming romcom series, where a character sports a toffee-colored fuzzy jacket to a casual dinner.

When challenged about her bold outfit, the sister responds, "You told us to dress up. It's fashion!"

Emergence of the "Glamorous" Vibe

The trend fits into what an American style analyst is terming "boom boom."

Rooted in the glamour and excess of late-80s New York, this vibe evokes wads of cash, bubbly, smoking, short skirts, carefree attitudes and, of course, fur.

Similar to that era, the trend is set against a volatile financial climate.

Boom boom is very much about embodying the life you dream of rather than the one you are stuck with.

Contemporary Materials and Tongue-in-Cheek Opulence

Whereas animal fur was omnipresent during Studio 54's heyday, current versions are primarily made from lambskin—a byproduct of the meat industry—or synthetic fabrics like acrylic.

The trend represents a tongue-in-cheek opulence—like a famous Muppet has taken over with overblown proportions and unexpected colors.

Star Endorsement and Limited Drops

An English designer was an pioneer of this trend. Her shaggy coats with curly textures have been sported by famous pop stars.

Because of strong demand, these coats are now only sold in exclusive drops. An forthcoming release includes a rose and grey style akin to a large pom-pom, alongside animal and zebra-print versions with exaggerated fluffy trim.

"If you can only purchase a single item, you wouldn't choose it to be a basic jumper or a pair of ordinary pants, you want something dramatic," says a magazine head.

The sentiment is shared by a fashion director at a leading store, who calls it "an unexpected, fun element" that doesn't require a whole new ensemble.

The Ultimate Spirit Booster

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 glamorous when the world around you is pretty dreary."