The Rise of the “Mob-Wife” Aesthetic
If you have been on TikTok recently, you might have heard about the new aesthetic dominating trends and outfits this year so far, namely the so-called “Mob-Wife” aesthetic. But who is the “Mob-Wife”? and why do so many women feel drawn to it?
The “Mob-Wife” is, although the “Mob-leader’s” wife, essentially a boss in herself. She is confident, powerful and most of all effortlessly elegant. She is independent and unbothered, doesn’t take anyone’s bullshit and always dons a dark smokey eye, darker (preferably red) lips and red nails. She always looks chic, and classy and most of all never try-hard. With big messy hair and accessorized with big, gold jewellery and a pair of sunnies the “Mob-Wife” has places to be and people to see.
But what is it about this aesthetic that so many of us find appealing? Especially after last year was named the year of the “clean girl” aesthetic and many of us leaned into ultra-feminine accessories such as bows and dainty floral prints.
When you dress like a “Mob-Wife” with leather and fur, animal print and bold jewellery, you become the characteristics of the aesthetic. Suddenly, you are the independent, confident, incredibly chic and subtly sexy woman. It’s empowering. That’s not to say this can’t be achieved with other aesthetics, but it is more like a head-start. The “Mob-Wife” aesthetic is also very much an attitude and approach to life.
So where did the aesthetic even come from?
Although the “Mob-Wife” is making its first “viral” tour on TikTok, it is essentially re-entering the fashion scene, as it has been around for some time now. The aesthetic mainly comes from mafia culture from the ’80s and '90s which gained in popularity amongst fashion thanks to popular culture and media depictions of these mafia families. TV Shows such as The Sopranos or Movies such as The Godfather widened the image of the mafia family, but out of these members, it is the “Mob-Wife” that has imprinted on our minds and become a fashion style itself. Many collections at the end and the turn of the last century, specifically Autumn/Winter 1991 ready-to-wear Alaïa, Autumn/Winter 2000 Roberto Cavalli, the Christain Dior Autumn/Winter 1993, or Fendi’s Autumn/Winter 1991 show, with an abundance of fur, showcase the influence of the “Mob-Wife” on the fashion industry. And the influence is back and big. Fur and big, bold looks were spotted in many of this year’s collections, both AW24 and SS24.
As @BritishVogue on X stated: “Before The Mob Wife Aesthetic Was On TikTok, It Was On The Runway”
A Look into Past Collections…
From Top Left: Fendi AW 1991, Christain Dior AW 1993, Roberto Cavalli AW 2000, Alaïa AW 1991, Alaïa AW 1991, Fendi AW 1991, Versace AW 1991, Roberto Cavalli AW 2000, Alaïa AW 1991, Gucci AW 1998, Christian Dior AW 1992, Christain Dior AW 1993.
This Year …
From Top left: Chanel Prefall 2024, Schiaparelli SS 2024, Christain Dior SS 2024, Max Mara SS 2024, Schiaparelli AW 2024, Versace Prefall 2024, KHAITE SS 2024, Dolce and Gabbana (Menswear) AW 2024, Versace SS 2024, Dolce and Gabbana AW 2024, Dolce and Gabbana SS24, Tory Burch AW 2023
Where To Shop and What To Buy…
But what does one need to achieve this look? No worries, I have put together a small list of essentials for any “Mob-Wife”…
Leopard (or any animal) Print
Tops, jeans, bags - anything with an animal print is a big yes. Animal, especially leopard or cheetah is the top neutral for the Mob-Wife and a must for her wardrobe.
Bold Sunnies
On everywhere and all the time, the Mob-Wife never forgets her sunglasses. The best choice is to go for chunky, with a slightly narrower frame. My favourite pair for this look is the Versace Medusa Head rectangle-frame sunnies or really any vintage, chunky, Chanel pair.
Statement Gold Jewellery
The bigger, the blingier, the better is the motto when it comes to jewellery. Rings and statement earrings are a must, but really there never is too much jewellery, so feel free to go all out.
Chic Shoes
Bonus points if the shoes are heeled, pointy-toe and leather. Any chic outfit is never complete without a chic shoe. The Mob-Wife would not be seen dead in anything else.
Anything leather
Leather trousers, tops, shoes, bags.
Fur Coats
The fur coat is probably the most important of all. If you’re struggling to find one you like, I’d recommend asking older relatives if they have anything in the back of their wardrobe or scouring vintage and secondhand shops and markets to find good deals.
Red Nails and Lipstick
The only pop of colour she needs is the red lip and red nail combo. Even better if the shades of both match!
A bit of Inspiration…
Dua Lipa in “barley-there” lace dress and statement black fur coat, paired with black, leather, pointy-toe boots
(Photo by Gotham/GC Images)
Hailey Bieber sporting a red coat and bold, red lip
(Photo from @haileybieber on Instagram)
Kendall Jenner in a stunning black maxi dress with fur trimmings.
(Photo from @kendalljenner on Instagram)
Thank you so much for reading!
*Disclaimer* All Photos not mine are given credit to the creator/owner/source. Photos which are mine will be described as such in the caption below the photo.
