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

Currently, the spotlight isn't on sheer bodysuits but on the furry, shaggy coats and wraps favored by celebrities and party enthusiasts alike.

With the holiday social calendar coming up, the distinctive Studio 54 coat is experiencing a major resurgence.

Retail Data Reflects the Trend

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

At a leading department store, online queries for brown faux fur coats have jumped 190% year on year.

The demand for pre-owned fuzzy items is also rising, with searches for faux fur growing by over 250% in the past six months on a major secondhand website.

"This is a statement coat," notes a senior fashion editor, adding that it acts as the central element of an ensemble.

The editor likes to style her personal colossal furry coat with hipster jeans or tights and short shorts.

Screen Style Echoes the Look

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

When challenged about her daring outfit, the character replies, "You told us to dress up. That's style!"

The Rise of the "Boom Boom" Aesthetic

The trend fits into 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, champagne, cigarettes, short skirts, carefree attitudes and, naturally, fuzzy textures.

Similar to that era, the trend is emerging during a uncertain financial climate.

Boom boom is very much about embodying the life you dream of rather than the one you have to endure.

Contemporary Fabrics and Tongue-in-Cheek Luxury

Whereas real fur was everywhere during Studio 54's peak, current versions are primarily made from shearling—a byproduct of the meat industry—or man-made fabrics like polyester.

The trend represents a tongue-in-cheek luxury—like a famous Muppet has taken over with overblown proportions and surprising hues.

Star Adoption and Exclusive Drops

An English creator was an early instigator of this trend. Her shaggy coats with curly textures have been worn by famous singers.

Due to strong interest, these coats are now only sold in limited collections. An forthcoming release includes a pink and grey version similar to a large pom-pom, as well as animal and zebra-print options with exaggerated fluffy frou-frou.

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

This sentiment is echoed by a style head at a major store, who calls it "an unexpected, playful element" that doesn't require a complete ensemble.

Final Mood Booster

In the end, the fuzzy coat can act as a great pick-me-up.

"It won't cost a fortune," notes the editor, "and it's going to make you feel glam when the world around you is pretty gloomy."