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Although the iconic New York nightclub Studio 54 closed nearly four decades ago, its unique fashion influence remains strong.

Currently, the spotlight isn't on sheer bodysuits but on the plush, fuzzy coats and stoles favored by style icons and party enthusiasts as well.

With the holiday party season coming up, the signature Studio 54 coat is enjoying a major resurgence.

Retail Statistics Reflects the Trend

One of the hottest items from a recent collaboration between a high-street brand and a London label is a cropped, cream, long-haired jacket with giant lapels.

At a leading department store, online queries for taupe fake fur coats have jumped almost 200% year on year.

The demand for secondhand plush items is also rising, with searches for faux fur increasing by 257% in the past six months on a popular secondhand platform.

"It's a one and done coat," says a senior fashion editor, adding that it acts as the main piece of an ensemble.

The editor likes to wear her own oversized shaggy version with low-rise jeans or tights and micro shorts.

Television Fashion Mirrors the Trend

The style is showcased in a latest streaming romantic comedy series, where a character sports a caramel furry jacket to a casual dinner.

When questioned about her bold outfit, the sister responds, "You told us to look fancy. That's style!"

The Rise of the "Glamorous" Aesthetic

This look fits into what an American style analyst is terming "glam excess."

Rooted in the glamour and excess of the 1980s New York, this vibe evokes wealth, bubbly, smoking, high hemlines, carefree attitudes and, of course, fur.

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

This style 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, today's versions are primarily made from shearling—a secondary product of the meat industry—or synthetic fabrics like polyester.

The trend embodies a knowing luxury—as if a beloved character has taken charge with exaggerated silhouettes and unexpected colors.

Star Adoption and Limited Drops

An English designer was an early instigator of this trend. Her fluffy coats with curly proportions have been sported by famous pop stars.

Because of high demand, these coats are now only sold in limited drops. An upcoming launch includes a rose and grey version akin to a giant pom-pom, alongside leopard- and tiger-print versions with dramatic fuzzy trim.

"If you can only purchase a single item, you don't want it to be a plain sweater or a pair of ordinary trousers, you want a standout piece," says a magazine editor-in-chief.

The sentiment is shared by a style head at a leading retailer, who describes it "an unexpected, fun element" that avoids the need for a complete ensemble.

Final Spirit Booster

Ultimately, the shaggy coat can act as a fantastic mood lifter.

"It won't cost a lot," says the editor, "and it will make you feel glamorous when the world around you is pretty dreary."