If you've been scrolling through TikTok lately, you might have noticed a new trend taking over your feed: the mob wife aesthetic. It's a bold and confident look that has captured the attention of many users and even caught the eye of legendary filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola. But what exactly is a mob wife aesthetic, and how can you achieve it? Let's dive into the world of mob wife aesthetics and explore its fashion, aesthetics, and how to embody this trend.
The mob wife aesthetic trend on TikTok began with a viral video posted by Kayla Trivieri, a Canadian product developer. In her video, Trivieri declared, "Clean girl is out; mob wife era is in, okay?" Since then, the trend has gained traction, with millions of videos being created both in support and critique of the aesthetic. So, what does this aesthetic entail?
Mob wife aesthetics draw inspiration from the real-life roots and culture of mob wives, as well as their mature and brazen attitude. It's a departure from the minimal and youthful "clean girl" aesthetic, embracing animal prints, flashy jewelry, and big fur coats. The mob wife aesthetic is all about exuding confidence in one's sexuality, being bold, and understanding how to make the world work in your favor. It's about being a woman who knows how to run the show.
As Trivieri aptly put it, "Carmela Soprano walked so you bitches could run."
While TikTok has played a role in popularizing this trend, mob wives have been dressing in this style long before it became trendy. The recent 25th anniversary celebration of the TV show "The Sopranos" coincided with the rise of the mob wife aesthetic on TikTok. Trivieri, who is of Italian descent, observed the mob wife aesthetic in the streets of New York and decided to bring it to TikTok. It's a reminder of a fashion trend that was beloved even before the digital age.
To achieve the mob wife aesthetic, there are a few key elements to consider. Embrace an all-black wardrobe, incorporating as much leather as possible. Raid your mom's closet for that '80s fur jacket, and don't forget to accessorize with gold jewelry and sunglasses. Carrying an Italian designer bag is the icing on the cake. If your outfit resembles funeral attire, you're on the right track. The goal is to exude the aura of a mob wife with confidence and assurance, rather than focusing solely on expensive pieces.
Celebrities like Kris Jenner, Martha Stewart, and Nicki Minaj embody the energy of a mob wife, despite not being mob wives themselves. Other notable celebrities, such as Dua Lipa, Hailey Bieber, and Kendall Jenner, have also embraced this aesthetic with their fashion choices. Taking inspiration from stylish older Italian women, as showcased on Instagram accounts like @sciuraglam, can also help to refine your mob wife style. Italian women are known for their put-together looks while still having fun with patterns, prints, and colors.
However, it's important to note that the mob wife aesthetic may not be for everyone. It has already faced backlash for potentially being appropriative, exclusionary, and glorifying organized crime. Additionally, the TikTok community, in general, has grown tired of trends. So, it remains to be seen how long the mob wife aesthetic will stay in the spotlight.
In conclusion, the mob wife aesthetic trend has taken TikTok by storm in 2024, capturing the attention of users and even notable figures like Francis Ford Coppola. It's a bold and confident look that draws inspiration from real-life mob wives and their mature attitude. While the trend may face criticism and potentially fade away like other trends, for now, it offers a refreshing departure from minimalism and a chance for individuals to embrace their inner mob wife with style and confidence.