TikTok is the place to go if you’re looking for what’s trending across the globe. Recently a new trend called the ‘mob wife’ aesthetic has gone viral on the app, but what does it mean?
Thanks to a new generation of fashion gurus and trendy trailblazers, TikTok has become a home for all things “aesthetics.” In 2020, Cottagecore saw a whole new light as Taylor Swift‘s ‘folklore’ album took over the music charts.
The following year, the Twee and Indie Sleaze aesthetics that once defined a different era of the internet in the 2010s resurfaced among a new audience. And, just this past year, the hot pink hues of Barbiecore, Night Luxe, and Balletcore took over both runways and high school hallways.
But now a new trending aesthetic has replaced them all, and people on TikTok are calling it “mob wife aesthetic” .
The hashtags “mobwife” and “mobwifeaesthetic” have already been shared over 50 million times each on the app, leaving TikTokers to wonder what the term really means.
What is the mob wife aesthetic on TikTok?
The slick-back hair and simple outfits from the recent “clean girl” fad are quickly being replaced with big bouncy hair, and while there was a lot of talk about “quiet luxury” it certainly doesn’t have a place in this trend, as flashy and luxurious outfits are a must.
Think fur coats (perfect for winter), leopard print (or any animal print), black clothes, gold bling, sunglasses, striking makeup that includes a smokey eye look, overlined lips with dark nude or red lipstick, and red nails or French tips.
@trovlov Heard we’re in our mob wife era #mobwife #mobwifeaesthetic #outfitideas #styleinspo #nycinfluencer
TikToker Chrissy made a video where she breaks down exactly how to dress as a mob wife, with her outfit including leather pants, a fur coat, lots of gold accessories, sunglasses that “look like they’re from 2003,” and a designer handbag. You should also put your hair up in a messy bun to better show off the accessories.
“Activate the mob wife energy and you are ready to go for mob wife winter,” Chrissy said.
Some sources of inspiration for the “mob wife” aesthetic include Carmela Soprano and Adriana La Cerva from The Sopranos, Karen Hill in Goodfellas, and Elvira Hancock in Scarface, with the style from the 80s and 90s also influencing people online.
@averybrynn1 we RISE AT DAWN
“Would a mob wife text him first?” TikTok user Avery (@averybrynn) asked in a viral clip with more than 3 million views. “Would a mob wife check her Insta story 25 times to see what it looks like from someone else’s point of view? I don’t think so.”
Although the trend is about “filthy wealth,” Avery insists it has nothing to do with how much money you have but rather “it’s all in the mentality” .
She shares her vision of a mob wife who is “booked and busy” and would be considered a girl boss but would “step on anyone who would dare say that kind of phrasing.”