The Mob Wife Aesthetic Is The Latest Social Media Fashion Trend, Here's What It Means

The internet and social media are like trend whirlwinds, right? Things pop up, sparkle for a bit, and then vanish in a snap. Navigating this ever-changing landscape is like trying to catch a fleeting moment, as what’s in the fashion today may become yesterday’s news tomorrow. While it is quite a task to stay in the loop, we are here to help you navigate through the ongoing fashion trends and latest styles. Last year, on social media, everyone was all about that clean girl vibe, and now, we are suddenly in the mob wife aesthetic.

Popularised by influencers such as Kim Kardashian and Hailey Bieber, the clean girl aesthetic held a firm grip on our Instagram feeds not too long ago. The viral beauty trend of the past year had women of diverse ages aspiring to mirror the stealth wealth style epitomised by thick slicked-back hairstyles, understated yet radiant makeup, and a palette of neutral-coloured clothing.

Take a look here:

A post shared by Hailey Rhode Baldwin Bieber (@haileybieber)

A post shared by Hailey Rhode Baldwin Bieber (@haileybieber)

This ‘quiet luxury’ clean girl aesthetic maintained its dominance throughout 2023, only to be swiftly replaced by a new wave of fashion across social media: the exaggerated, darker, and over-the-top looks.

Those who spend a lot of time on social media might have surely come across this trend of the polished clean girls giving way to the bold and opulent style of mob wives. Drawing inspiration from iconic characters like Carmela Soprano and Adriana La Cerva from The Sopranos, the mob wife aesthetic embraces elements like black leather attire, fur coats, bold red lipstick, spiky boots, oversized sunglasses, and some big, quintessential designer bags.

We’re talking about coats that command attention, lips painted in bold hues, and an overall aesthetic that screams extravagance. Fashion enthusiasts attribute the surge in popularity of the Mob Wife Aesthetic to a revival of ’80s glamour and a fascination with the Y2K housewife aesthetic. While the clean girl radiated a certain charm, on the contrary, a mob wife is someone mature, assertive, and unapologetic.

The style, inspired by characters like Carmelo Soprano, Elvira Hancock in Scarface, and Karen Hill in Goodfellas, experienced its zenith in the ’80s and ’90s but has now made a swift comeback. Women are taking to platforms like TikTok and Instagram to showcase their best mob wife looks, adding a contemporary twist to this classic aesthetic.

Here are some mob wife aesthetic looks:

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A post shared by Ingrid Wilkinson (@ingridwilkinson)

Celebrities, too, are not immune to the allure of the mob wife-inspired looks. From Dua Lipa to Kendel Jenner, the trend has found its way into the wardrobes of the glitterati.

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A post shared by Kendall (@kendalljenner)

A post shared by Hailey Rhode Baldwin Bieber (@haileybieber)

From a full face of makeup to a ’90s blowout, the mob wife aesthetic signifies a departure from the sleek and minimalistic trends of the past, offering a bold, glamourous, and individualistic approach to fashion.