Trends come and go, but some make a roaring comeback that leaves a lasting impact. The latest sensation taking over social media platforms and celebrity wardrobes is the "Mob Wife Aesthetic," a flashy and over-the-top style reminiscent of the glamorous women portrayed in mob movies from the 80s and 90s.
Mob Wife Aesthetics Takeover Social Media
The "quiet luxury" clean girl aesthetic that dominated 2023 is now being replaced by the bold and indulgent "mob wife" look. Social media users have dubbed it "mob wife winter," celebrating the trend marked by voluminous hair, big sunglasses, faux fur, animal prints, smokey eye makeup, and a bold red lip.
Inspired by iconic characters like Carmela Soprano, Elvira Hancock in "Scarface," and Karen Hill in "Goodfellas," this aesthetic is all about opulence and extravagance.
TikTok, the epicenter of viral trends, has become a hub for showcasing the best "mob wife" looks. Users have flooded the platform with videos flaunting their interpretations of the style.
Hashtags such as #mobwifewinter and #mobwifeaesthetic have garnered millions of views, turning this trend into a cultural phenomenon.
But how to create it? Creating the Mob Wife Aesthetic begins with a carefully curated wardrobe. Invest in tailored pieces that accentuate your silhouette – think body-hugging dresses, pencil skirts, and structured blazers. Opt for a color palette that exudes sophistication, such as deep reds, blacks, and classic neutrals. Don't shy away from luxurious fabrics like silk, satin, and fur to add a touch of glamour to your ensemble.
Accessories play a pivotal role in completing the look. Oversized sunglasses, statement jewelry, and designer handbags are essential elements of the Mob Wife Aesthetic. Channel your inner boss lady by choosing accessories that command attention without compromising on elegance.
Celebrities Embrace the Mob Wife Glamour
Several A-list celebrities have jumped on the "mob wife" bandwagon, showcasing their take on the bold and audacious style. Dua Lipa, Jennifer Lawrence, and even Lauren Sánchez, fiancée of Jeff Bezos, have been spotted donning outfits inspired by this aesthetic.
Lauren Sánchez, in particular, drew attention for her "mob wife" style lace dress during celebrations for the billionaire's 60th birthday in Europe.
The Mob Wife Aesthetic is the antithesis of subtlety. Hilaria Baldwin, wife of actor Alec Baldwin, was recently spotted in Manhattan sporting the bold aesthetic. This comes just days after Alec faced involuntary manslaughter charges related to the tragic shooting on the set of "Rust."
Hilaria, a yoga instructor and mother of eight, confidently strutted the streets in high heels, laced stockings, a tight mini-skirt, extra-large sunglasses, hoop earrings, and a silver leather jacket, epitomizing the newfound '90s-era mob movie flamboyance.
From Runways to TikTok
While TikTok has propelled the "mob wife" trend into the mainstream, fashion designers have long been captivated by the allure of this glamorous aesthetic.
Runway collections from the likes of Galliano, Alaïa, Schiaparelli spring/summer 2024 and Roberto Cavalli in the late '90s and early 2000s showcased elements reminiscent of the Mob Wife, from zebra stripes to leopard prints, bouffants, and gargantuan coats.
The movement feels like a natural progression from the post-Y2K 2014 Tumblr aesthetic that has been influencing contemporary culture. TikTok's embrace of the "mob wife" look seems to be a nod to the platform's inclination towards exploring diverse and unconventional aesthetics.