The mob wife aesthetic is a new trend that is taking over TikTok as the latest craze. It is the complete diametrical opposite of the clean girl aesthetic that has been trending in recent years. So, why is there a new trend coming into fruition so quickly? And why are we pressured to follow these trends as they come out? Is it the constant need to fit in with society, or do you actually like the clothes and style you are choosing to have? It is important to dress the way that you are comfortable, regardless of what is deemed “in.” To do so, weighing the staples in each aesthetic and what you already have in your closet is the first step.
So, what exactly are these two aesthetics? The clean girl aesthetic has been around for a long time compared to many of the microtrends we have seen come and go. In the clean girl aesthetic, there are a lot of minimalist but luxurious themes present. Some examples include basic staples in your closet such as simple, light-colored clothing, natural makeup, and focusing more on skincare rather than cakey face makeup. When I think of the clean girl aesthetic, the first thing that comes to mind is a slicked-back hairstyle. While slicked-back buns, braids, and ponytails have always been popular hairstyles, they really came to the forefront with the emergence of the clean girl aesthetic. Again, a super simple and minimalistic hairstyle combined with a natural and dewy makeup look is the epitome of the clean girl aesthetic.
On the other end of the spectrum is the newly trending mob wife aesthetic, which has recently become popularized on social media. Think of Carmela Soprano, the main mob wife in television history. The primary trends within this aesthetic include dark and fitted clothing, glamorous makeup, and big, voluminous hair. Many people have also opted to include an oversized fur coat to complete their look in achieving this aesthetic. With the popularity of big and bouncy blowouts that have become popularized by the emergence of the Dyson Airwrap, I can understand why this style has become a trend. Something that I would steer away from wearing with this aesthetic is the cornicello necklace that many Italians wear. Because this style is derived from Italian culture, it is easy to want to replicate every part of it. But in Italian culture, there are superstitions surrounding this piece of jewelry, much like the evil eye in Grecian culture, so if you do not fully understand it then I would advise against wearing it.
It is hard to predict whether or not the mob wife aesthetic will be a long-term trend or if it will slowly die out with many of the other microtrends that we have seen come and go. While it does seem that many people are hopping onto this trend, a lot of people have recognized that the trend cycle is never-ending and that the best trend is wearing whatever you are comfortable with. Personally, there are things from both aesthetics that I already utilize in my staple style, regardless of what is considered “in style.” But I think that it is majorly important to have your own fashion identity and not just follow all of the latest trends. If you are someone who is adamant about keeping up with all the trends, I recommend thrifting. Not only is it more sustainable since there are approximately 52 trend cycles per year, but as trends come and go, there is bound to be exactly what you are looking for for a discounted price. Pre-loved attire is definitely the way to go to achieve this new aesthetic, and who knows, you may just find a hidden gem.
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