As a proud participant of the clean girl aesthetic, you can understand my confusion when many of my favorite influencers and product pages quickly transitioned into something…less minimalistic. Described as the “mob wife aesthetic,” this sudden change in style piqued my curiosity, as it is vastly different from any of the style or beauty trends over the last few years.
Taking social media by storm in the last week, the mob wife aesthetic is less sinister than it sounds! This unique blend of Staten Island-inspired confidence, paired with the cultural grounding of the Italian-American experience in post-WW1 America, the mob wife represents both femininity and bold confidence. After scrolling through countless TikTok videos and IG reels related to this new aesthetic, I am loving the contrast of this dark feminine energy compared to some of the lazier fashion trends that plague social media.
However, I was most impressed by the purposeful use of language to demonstrate the extravagant attitude required by its title. The simple change in language from clean girl to mob wife says a lot about the nature of the aesthetic and its quick rise to the top of my feed. The clean girl aesthetic, along with many of the other 2023 blanket trends, can be accomplished by the post-grad intern, a mom of toddlers, and a young teenage girl. However, the mob wife is a step in a different direction – she’s married, she’s mature, and she’s sexy!
To me, this latest aesthetic has potential for longevity in the fashion space, as many of the outfit combinations and dark feminine energy offered by the aesthetic are reminiscent of Old Hollywood. The past usually resurges at some point in the fashion world, and the mob wife aesthetic has that vintage runway feel that is welcomed by fashion enthusiasts everywhere!
If you find yourself falling for the mob wife aesthetic, here are some of the basics to master this bold, mature, “won’t take no for an answer” style!
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Style That Won’t Take No for an Answer
As for practical styling of the mob wife aesthetic, there are a few things to keep in mind. There is no place for athletic or athleisure wear within this aesthetic, so your daily outfits will likely feel a bit more over the top.
The LBD is a staple in the mob wife aesthetic, as it can be styled for both casual and formal occasions, regardless of the season. Easily paired with the other items on this list, the LBD is sophisticated and classy with a vintage feel. Avoid dresses with cut-outs or deep necklines; instead, let the dress speak for itself!
Abercrombie Ruched Knit T-Shirt Mini Dress, $80
Anthropologie Short Sleeve Mock Neck Mod Mini Dress, $148
Another must-have item for the mob wife aesthetic is faux fur or vintage fur. This type of jacket screams money and inspires the kind of attention that a mob wife might receive. Faux fur is the visual representation of the mob wife’s bold attitude!
LAMARQUE Linnea Faux Fur Coat in Black, $250
Bernardo Chevron Faux Fur Coat, $169
In her jewelry collection, there are no tiny studs or dainty huggie earrings. In place of these old essentials, the mob wife wears large gold earrings that draw attention to her face and tie her outfits together. These earrings are shaped wide and eye-catching – no large hoop earrings here either!
Gorjana Venice Hoops, $58
Anthropologie The Petra Mini Drop Earrings, $44
Her other accessory of choice requires less bling and more subtle sophistication. The mob wife never shows her bare legs, as they are always covered in a sheer or patterned pair of tights. Tights add that final touch to her LBD/fur coat combination, and always leave a little to the imagination!
Wolford Twenties Econyl Tights, $55
And, as a general rule, mob wives stay away from bright colors and opt for dark, muted tones instead. Black monochrome outfits are the norm among mob wives, but these outfits can also include deep burgundy and brown shades.
ASTR The Label Ezra Skirt, $88
Steve Madden Maegan Wine Patent Heels, $100
Abercrombie Long Sleeve Asymmetrical Draped Bodysuit, $60
Beauty That Says Don’t Mess with Me
The mob wife makeup look is defined by two elements: a dark, smudged smokey eye and a deep, red toned lip. Moving away from dewy skin, your base makeup will not be the star of the show. Bold, dark shadow with a defined wing and lots of mascara is the focus of your look, paired with a matte lip that is both powerful and kissable.
Pat McGrath Mini Eyeshadow Palette Sublime Smoke, $29
Huda Beauty Creamy Kohl Longwear Eye Pencil, $21
Merit Signature Lip Lightweight Lipstick, $26
For hair, you can ignore the slicked back bun for something a little more vintage: the classic, curled blowout. To accomplish this look at home, you’ll need rollers, a blowdryer (I recommend the Shark Flexstyle), and a ton of hairspray.
Drybar High Tops Self Grip Rollers, $12
Alternatively, a black headband is a quick and simple way to say "mob wife" without much obvious effort if you're in a pinch for time.
The Juney Headband Black, $12
Mob wives also need to smell great, but not like their fruity or vanilla scented counterparts. Leave your Sol de Janeiro body spray on the counter and spritz yourself with one of these spicy, extravagant fragrances instead.
Juliette Has A Gun Not A Perfume, $145
Maison Margiela Replica By The Fireplace, $85
Burberry Goddess Eau de Parfum, $129
Closing Thoughts
With another trending aesthetic in the cards, the mob wife style is the perfect balance between vintage elegance and modern edge. Grab your faux fur coat and channel your inner Carmela Soprano today!
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