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I’m not typically one for following the “cores” of TikTok. For the most part, they’re over faster than you can buy the things you need to rock them, anyway. (You know, sans for Barbiecore, which just refused to die.) But when it comes to the first big fashion trend of the year—the mob wife aesthetic—I have absolutely zero objections.
You see, looking like a mob wife is all about maximalism—and I’m nothing if not a maximalist. While the rest of the world was busy buying into Sofia Richie’s totally chic but totally snooze-worthy quiet luxury, I was busy squealing with delight over whatever the hell this was at Schiaparelli. But alas, we’re getting off topic! The point is, anything that’s uniquely over-the-top has my full seal of approval. “OK, great—but what the hell is it?” you ask. Well, friends, keep reading to be enlightened.
What Is the Mob Wife Aesthetic Trend?
According to Kayla Trivieri, who is credited with coining the term and sparking the TikTok craze, the mob wife aesthetic is all about “cheetah prints,” “sparkle,” “glitz” and “bold glamour.” “This is just a vibe,” she says in one video explaining the trend.
Heavily inspired by the style seen in The Sopranos (which, incidentally, is celebrating its 25th anniversary), the look consists of a typically black or animal-patterned base (maybe with a little leather thrown in for good measure), a furry overcoat, oversized sunglasses and blinged-out accessories. Essentially, your ensemble should command attention, and plenty of it.
Should you need a visual, they’re not hard to find—everyone from Halsey to Khloé Kardashian has been hopping onboard the trend. It’s been my own person *lewk* for a while now—as evidence, I offer up this 2021 throwback featuring my beloved David Bitton by Buffalo coat that my boyfriend not-so-affectionately dubbed “the bird.” Before it met its demise at the dry cleaner (a word to the wise—faux fur and extreme heat don’t always mix), I wore it everywhere, to everything, because not only was it the warmest piece of outerwear in my closet, it was absolutely f*cking fabulous. Paired with some red faux leather leggings and a studded hat, it was an ensemble that stood out in a sea of boring black puffer coats—which is precisely the aim of the mob wife aesthetic.
Below, the eight pieces you’ll need to conjure up your own version.
Mob Wife Aesthetic Clothes
1. A Good Faux Fur Coat
The first thing every mob wife wannabe needs in her closet is a good faux fur coat—bonus points if it comes in some kind of animal print. (See no. 4.) Note the heavy emphasis on the faux: Even the OG mob boss wife, Edie Falco, a.k.a. Carmela Soprano, knows the real deal is bunk, denouncing new and vintage furs in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. As she so vividly explained, “The Sopranos had nothing on the violence of the fur industry which gasses, electrocutes and peels the skin off animals while they’re still alive. No matter if it’s new or vintage, torture doesn’t belong in our closets.” Hear f*cking hear!
2. A Black Base
Barbie pink? Not for a mob wife. For ladies this badass, it’s all black, all the time—or at least most of the time. A black bodycon dress, like this Guess option, will provide the perfect backdrop for your fuzzy overcoat, although a tight black bodysuit or top will also do the trick. Advises mob wife enthusiast @trovlov, “You want to look like you’re headed to a funeral.” (But a glam one.)
3. Chunky Gold Jewelry
When it comes to accessories, the chunkier the better. You’re a mob wife now, and you’re here to make a statement. From here on out, regardless of your skin tone, Mini Me will have nothing on how much you love gollllldddd. You’re going to want to be absolutely dripping in it, and the heavier, the better. These St. Moran chain link danglers look like they weigh 10 pounds, so they should suffice.
4. Animal Prints Galore
Now that you’ve got your look-at-me outerwear and your baddy bling, it’s time to master the art of the cheetah print. (Or the leopard print. Or the tiger. Or the snake.) Whatever animal print your little heart desires, it will serve you well in copping the mob wife aesthetic. You can pair it with a black base piece (the above blouse will go well with some skinny black ponte pants) or wear it in place of it. (Cat-licious bodysuit, anyone?)
5. Oversized Sunnies
Mob wives know a thing or two about keeping things under wraps—including their peepers. To nail the look, you’ll want to opt for the biggest, most ostentatious pair of shades you can find. The shape doesn’t matter so much—get whatever suits your face best, as long as it’s large enough to cover at least half of it. (I’m partial to a cat eye myself.) You can also up the ante with some gold embellishments, like the ones these Le Specs provide.
6. Lots of Leather
Leather, or rather, faux leather (refer back to Falco’s statement in No. 1) has a certain “don’t f*ck with me vibe” that will be totally befitting your new identity. (Think Marisa Tomei in My Cousin Vinny—aka one of the greatest movies of all time.) Just like you, it will project an aura of fierceness. It commands attention, and it doesn’t ask twice. Don’t be afraid to really commit, either—as a newly inducted mob wife, you can wear the fabric from head to toe without a second thought.
7. Thigh-High Boots
As Trivieri explains, “the mob wife shoe should always double as a weapon.” (Think: a pointy, croc-print stiletto heel.) After all, as she reasons, “the higher the heel, the closer to God.” While any old Louboutin with a 4-inch stiletto should do the trick, if you really want to go the extra mile, you’ll want to find a killer pair of thigh-highs. They’ll go great with your new uniform (a.k.a. that black bodycon dress), they could certainly cause some damage in a fight, ticking off that weapon prereq, and they’re sure to turn heads.
8. A “Chic” Handbag
Now, for the pièce de résistance—a chic handbag. Any expensive-looking bag that borders on gaudy should do the trick. Loaded with logos? Totally fine. Overly clunky gold hardware? All the better to match your new chains. Shiny, quilted, anything goes—preferably in a shade of black, brown or burgundy, according to @comeforvintage. As for size, “under the shoulder” is apparently the preferred option, so you can “carry it like a baby.” Alrighty, then!
What’s your take on the mob wife era? Let me know in the comments below!
Xo, Nicole
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