Everyone’s Talking About Tiktok’s “Mob Wife Aesthetic” But Why?

 

Inspired by iconic mob wives from movies and television series, this trend is characterized by bold, glamorous fashion choices and an unapologetic attitude. 

With TikTok, there’s always a new trend, and it seems like the trends keep coming one after another. One of the latest trends for the new year is the “Mob Wife Aesthetic,” inspired by the very famous Griselda Blanco and Victoria Gotti. If you’re tired of the clean and quiet luxury look, now is the time to go all out, be bold, and embrace a more chaotic sense of fashion—the TikTok mob-wife style, with lots of animal prints, black leather, and everything gold.

Inspired by the chic and bold fashion of wives or female associates linked to those tangled up in organized crime, especially in Mafia circles, the mob wife aesthetic first shone in the mid-20th century, getting its big break on popular TV shows. 

Back in the day, these mob wives were often shown as savvy ladies who knew about their husbands’ shady dealings yet maintained an air of sophistication and loyalty. Fast forward to the Hollywood golden age, where Tinseltown’s portrayal of glamorous and trendy women in crime dramas made the mob wife aesthetic a sensation. Then, iconic actresses like Ava Gardner and Lana Turner, rocked the scene, playing chic and fascinating women tied to organized crime. Their on-screen charm not only entertained us but also contributed to setting the stage for some serious fashion influence.

As the years rolled on, mob wives kept evolving on screens. Characters like Carmela Soprano from “The Sopranos” and Karen Hill from “Goodfellas” added even more spice to the style. These ladies didn’t just dress fancy; they had a mix of posh fashion, bold personalities, and complicated relationships. Their sensibilities became more than just clothes—it was like a journey through glitz, toughness, and glamour.

A few weeks ago, there was a lot of excitement about the comeback of the ‘mob wife aesthetic’ when a 28-year-old Canadian named Kayla Trivieri posted a video saying, “Clean girl is out; mob wife era is in, okay?” The video quickly became super popular, getting over a million views and sparking both support and opposition to the trend.

While most people don’t have much control over these trends, it’s clear that TikTok is skilled at putting those eye-catching “aesthetics” front and center on our feeds. Critics often criticize these trends for being shallow and not connected to real-life experiences. However, the “mob wife aesthetic,” stands out from recent fads. It sets itself apart by taking inspiration from real cultural roots and presenting a mature and bold attitude, marking a departure from the typical TikTok trends we’re used to seeing.

Yes, when you think “mob wife,” stylish details like animal prints, flashy jewelry, oversized sunglasses, and big fur coats, come to mind, all gaining popularity and even earning recognition from Don Coppola. But what exactly is the buzz about TikTok’s “Mob Wife Aesthetic” trend? 

Here’s the thing— mob wife aesthetic isn’t a newfound revelation; it’s like a sartorial time capsule, giving us the chance to rediscover more classic looks, and who knows, along the way, we might just stumble upon a whole new version of ourselves. It’s not just about looking back; it’s about finding inspiration from the past and using it to shape our present and future selves.

Transforming into what we’ve affectionately dubbed ‘mob wife energy,’ the hashtag #mobwife has skyrocketed to over 100 million views in recent weeks. This digital trend has unleashed a flood of creative renditions as creators showcase their take on this fashion archetype. 

Now, with every trend, there’s some drama. Some folks on TikTok are saying the mob wife thing might be culturally appropriating some styles. Then, you’ve got other creators defending it, pointing out that Latinx and Black women have influenced past trends, like the clean girl style. It’s like a cycle of trends on TikTok – they get popular, people argue about them, and the conversation keeps on going. It’s a mix of creativity, controversy, and the ongoing evolution of digital culture. 

Mob wife aesthetic makes it pretty clear that we’re waving goodbye to the times of subtle makeup and simple hairstyles. There’s a bold shift towards a more extravagant and luxurious beauty look. The mob wife style brings this vibe of carefree glam, and it’s catching on because women love feeling strong and glamorous. Case in point: check out Savannah James’s sophisticated, “mob wife” look at the Schiaparelli haute couture show in Paris – the epitome of the trend’s return to full-on, elaborate glam!

@mikaylatoninato I was honestly made for this #mobwife #mobwifeaesthetic #cleangirl #cleangirlaesthetic #mobwifewinter #style #styletips ♬ original sound – mikayla

The mob wife looks, and all its bold, extra vibes, isn’t just a TikTok trend with one hashtag. It’s just one of the many mini-trends, like any other trend you could think of from TikTok. We can’t predict how long the mob wife trend will stay in the limelight, but it might give us hints about upcoming glam trends.

It’s wild how much power TikTok users have in shaping beauty trends. These trends don’t just stay online or on the red carpet—they eventually hit the makeup shelves. This is to say that While the mob wife aesthetic is rooted in the historical context of organized crime, its evolution in popular culture has turned it into a broader fashion trend celebrated for its timeless allure.

How to Nail the Mob Wife Look

Rocking the mob-wife look is like curating a stylish mix of high and low-fashion must-haves. Think leopard-print dresses, jackets, or skirts to start with, and if you’re lucky, grab a fur from a family member’s closet for that extra winter flair. If not, opt for faux fur—it’s the guilt-free choice for something new.

You can’t also go wrong with black leather (especially knee-high boots), spacious bags, oversized shades, and flashy gold earrings. Keep it grounded with a simple white tank top and wide-leg leather pants. 

But here’s the secret sauce: channel the carefree attitude of a woman with deep pockets and no time to spare. Whether you’re feeling on top of the world or not, slipping into a massive coat and a statement dress will transport you into the mob-wife chic mindset.

More than just the clothes and accessories, what really sets the mob wife aesthetic apart is embracing a carefree and self-assured attitude. It’s about having that cool demeanor that says, “I’ve got this.”

Not to mention how awesome it is that the mob wife aesthetic lets you play around with sophisticated fashion pieces, mixing and matching to create a look that feels just right, but with that mob-life flair. Essentially, it’s about showing the world that you’ve got killer style and real substance.

Photo Credit: Abby Silverman