What does Mob Wife mean on TikTok? New aesthetic goes viral

TikTok is the place to go if you’re looking for what’s trending across the world. Recently, a new trend called the ‘mob wife’ aesthetic has gone viral on the platform, but what does it mean?

Thanks to a new generation of fashion gurus and trendy trailblazers, TikTok has become a hub for all things “aesthetic.” 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,  Coquette, and Balletcore took over both runways and high school hallways.

But in recent months, a new trending aesthetic has replaced them all, and TikTokers are calling it “mob wife aesthetic.” The hashtags “mobwife” and “mobwifeaesthetic” have already been shared over 50 million times each on the app, leaving users wondering 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.

TikToker Chrissy made a video where she breaks down how to dress as a mob wife. Her outfit included 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.

“Would a mob wife text him first?” TikTok user Avery (@averybrynn) asked in a viral clip with more than 4 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.”