THE “MOB WIFE” VIRAL FASHION AESTHETIC: A NEW TREND TAKES OVER

Leopard prints, fur coats, long French manicured nails, and voluminous hair—the “mob wife” aesthetic is making a comeback. This maximalist style, once associated with the wives of mobsters, is now trending on TikTok, with hashtags like #mobwife and #mobwifeaesthetic amassing millions of views.

Many women are turning away from the minimalist “clean girl” aesthetic in favor of this bold, glamorous look. The “mob wife” aesthetic offers a refreshing change, celebrating maximalism and embracing a more expressive approach to beauty and fashion.

The “mob wife aesthetic” is now trending, and an expert reveals why.

The hashtag #mobwife has amassed 167.7 million views on TikTok.

Influencers like Chrissy are creating tutorials to help fans achieve the perfect “mob wife” look. In one popular video with over 6 million views, Chrissy offers tips on how to embody this trend.

Her advice includes dressing entirely in black and incorporating at least one piece of black leather. “If you look like you’re going to a funeral, you’re doing it right,” she jokingly suggests.

This viral aesthetic features oversized fur coats, glossy leather, bold animal print clashes, perfectly styled hair, and layers of gold jewelry.

Chrissy recommends digging up your mom’s vintage fur jacket from the 1980s to complete the “mob wife” look. She notes that nothing evokes the golden age of the mob quite like a piece of clothing from that era.

While organized crime like the Mafia thrived during Prohibition in the 1920s, its influence began to wane in the late 20th century due to anti-racketeering laws and other legal measures. However, according to some experts, the “golden era” of the mob in New York was during the 1970s.

The 25th anniversary of The Sopranos may have sparked this fashion trend, as many women are channeling Carmela Soprano’s iconic style.

Drita D’avanzo, a former cast member of the reality show Mob Wives, has weighed in on the growing popularity of the “mob wife” aesthetic. In a recent TikTok video, the 47-year-old shared iconic moments from the show, writing, “This is not just a look, it’s a lifestyle.”

D’avanzo paid tribute to her late co-star, Big Ang, who was also a prominent figure in the mob world. Big Ang was the niece of Salvatore “Sally Dogs” Lombardi, a high-ranking member of the Genovese crime family.

TikToker Mikayla Nogueira shared a tutorial on how to achieve mob wife-inspired makeup, with a focus on smoky eyes.

Big Ang, known for her extravagant style and full figure, tragically passed away from lung cancer in 2016 at the age of 55.

The “mob wife” aesthetic, characterized by oversized fur coats, glossy leather, bold animal prints, elaborate hairstyles, and chunky gold jewelry, has gained significant popularity. This trend can be attributed, in part, to the iconic TV series The Sopranos, which first aired in 1999. To commemorate its 25th anniversary, HBO launched a TikTok account featuring short recaps of all 86 episodes.

Adriana La Cerva, played by Drea de Matteo in The Sopranos, has also become a popular fashion inspiration for this trend. 

Characters like Carmela Soprano and Adriana La Cerva from The Sopranos have served as inspiration for many content creators embracing the “mob wife” aesthetic.

According to Lorrie Ivas, an associate professor at Santa Monica College’s Fashion Faculty, the resurgence of this style is not unexpected. “Fashion trends tend to cycle back,” she explained to Bored Panda, “whether it’s by generation or more quickly, depending on current streaming schedules.”

“The only thing one can predict about fashion trends is that they will cycle back,” a fashion expert shared with Bored Panda.

Ivas believes that the “Mob Wife” aesthetic has resurged due to several factors. The re-streaming of The Sopranos and the cyclical nature of fashion trends have played a significant role.

She also noted the influence of other films like American Hustle, which has been re-streamed recently. Viewers who may have missed the original release are now drawn to Jennifer Lawrence’s character, Rosalyn Rosenfeld, and her style.

Ivas emphasized the powerful impact of TV and movies on fashion. Costume designers, who bring screenwriters’ visions to life, often create the initial inspiration for new trends.

Mob Wives star Drita D’Avanzo has reacted to the trend on TikTok, adding her own perspective on the resurgence of the mob wife aesthetic.

Ivas pointed out that Michelle Pfeiffer’s character in Married to the Mob (1988) predates The Sopranos. This film inspired Leah McSweeney, a cast member of The Real Housewives of New York, to start her own streetwear brand with the same name.

The growing popularity of vintage and thrift shopping has also contributed to the trend. This sustainable practice often leads to the discovery of affordable fur coats from previous eras, further fueling the “mob wife” aesthetic.

Ivas concluded by referencing the final scene of Sex and the City, where Sarah Jessica Parker’s character is seen wearing a long fur coat. This iconic moment showcases the enduring appeal of this style, which continues to be revisited in movies and other media.

15 BEST COZY TV SHOWS + FILMS TO WATCH THIS AUTUMN

As the crisp fall weather arrives, it beckons those who enjoy staying in to snuggle up with their favorite entertainment. If you’re ready to sink into the sofa and get comfy, this list of cozy movies and TV shows is packed with familiar favorites and warm knitted sweaters! Keep reading!

A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS

Despite its name and the theme song “Look Away,” A Series of Unfortunate Events is actually a charming show filled with fall vibes. With vintage costumes, moody lighting, and themes of sadness and bad luck, this dark comedy-drama is perfect for the season. 

The story is narrated by Lemony Snicket (Patrick Warburton) and follows the adventures of the Baudelaire siblings: Violet (Malina Weissman), Klaus (Louis Hynes), and Sunny (Presley Smith). After their parents (Will Arnett and Cobie Smulders) seemingly die in a fire, Mr. Poe (K. Todd Freeman), a bank worker, takes the kids to live with their “closest” relative, Count Olaf (Neil Patrick Harris), who lives just three miles away. 

Unfortunately (you probably saw this coming), Count Olaf is a terrible guardian. He’s a failed actor and a greedy person who wants the Baudelaire fortune and can’t wait for Violet to grow up to get it. 

Based on the well-loved children’s book series, the show stays true to the original stories and features many amazing guest stars, including Joan Cusack, Aasif Mandvi, Alfre Woodard, Catherine O’Hara, and Tony Hale.

YOU’VE GOT MAIL

“Don’t you love New York in the fall? It makes me want to buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address.” This opening line from You’ve Got Mail, where Meg Ryan talks about autumn to Tom Hanks through a charming old-fashioned email, will make you crave the fall season no matter when you watch it. As the story goes on, their unintentional love-hate relationship develops against the backdrop of competing bookstores and two beautiful Manhattan apartments. It’s one of the most comforting movies to watch!

AMATEUR

Basketball season kicks off in the fall, and it’s all 14-year-old Terron Forte (Michael Rainey Jr.) can think about. After a video of his basketball skills goes viral, Coach Gaines (Josh Charles) recruits him to a top high school and offers him a full scholarship to play on the Liberty Prep team. 

When the season starts, Terron becomes a star, and soon sponsors and the NCAA show interest, promising him a bright future filled with money. However, Terron learns that a career in amateur sports isn’t just fun and games. He has to deal with a lot of corruption, greed, and uncertainty, all while keeping up with his homework. Terron’s parents, Nia (Sharon Leal) and Vince (Brian J. White), worry about their son and suspect that Coach Gaines may care more about himself than about Terron. 

You’ll want to see how everything unfolds, both on and off the court.

ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING

Only Murders In The Building is one of the most autumn-like TV shows, making it perfect for this time of year. The series follows three quirky friends who start a podcast to solve a murder that happened in their apartment building. It features a beautiful autumn setting in New York, plenty of stylish fall outfits, and a fun (but mostly silly) murder mystery. It’s a 10/10 for cozy fall TV watching!

THE CHAIR

If we were to match seasons with school subjects, winter would be math, spring would be science, summer would be history, and fall would definitely be English. In The Chair, Professor Ji-Yoon Kim (Sandra Oh) becomes the new chairperson of a struggling English department at a small college called Pembroke University. As the first woman in this role, Ji-Yoon is determined to make things better. 

She works hard to secure tenure for her colleague, Yaz (Nana Mensah), while also dealing with the constant demands of other faculty members, Joan (Holland Taylor), Elliot (Bob Balaban), and the dean (David Morse). She tries to keep her crush on colleague Bill Dobson (Jay Duplass) a secret. 

Besides the strong academic vibes, the autumn atmosphere of this comedy-drama comes from its setting. The campus has a classic New England feel, with beautiful fall leaves, mahogany furniture, leather-bound books, and cozy fireplaces. Plus, we give Ji-Yoon’s fall-inspired work outfits a 10/10!

WHEN HARRY MET SALLY…

Here’s a younger Meg Ryan, once again embracing fall as her friendship with Billy Crystal develops over ten years. Their journey begins with a drive from Chicago to New York right after college and wraps up at a New Year’s party where they finally figure things out. The film features stunning scenes of golden leaves in New York, especially when Harry and Sally walk through Central Park discussing their dreams about love. They filmed in November, and Billy Crystal later shared that if they had waited just one more day, the leaves would have fallen after a rainstorm swept them away.

GILMORE GIRLS

No town does fall quite like the fictional wonderland of Stars Hollow. With its charming town square adorned with pumpkins for the Autumn Festival and Lorelai and Rory’s cozy sweaters, Gilmore Girls has become a favorite for many fans during the season. Binge this show if you’re in the mood for light-hearted drama, small-town charm, witty dialogue, and a never-ending love for coffee, coffee, coffee!

GOSSIP GIRL

If Stars Hollow isn’t serving up enough drama, Manhattan’s elite will definitely fill the void. Gossip Girl follows a group of wealthy New Yorkers navigating the ups and downs of being ultra-rich, ultra-privileged, and often misunderstood while being anonymously blogged about. This over-the-top show has a delightfully cozy early 2000s vibe. Plus, there are plenty of episodes showcasing the beauty of fall in New York City!

VIRGIN RIVER

If you enjoy classic soap operas filled with will-they-won’t-they romances, the occasional “whose baby is that?” storyline, and a charming setting, then Virgin River is perfect for you. This show fits into the appealing subgenre of “big city medic moves to small town and finds happiness” seen in American films and TV shows (think Doc Hollywood and Hart of Dixie). It follows a nurse who, after losing her husband, relocates to the remote Northern California town of Virgin River. While working for the local grumpy doctor, she unexpectedly finds love with the rugged bar owner. Filmed in British Columbia, the series features beautiful redwoods, misty mornings by the river, and cozy plaid lumberjack outfits.

CHILLING ADVENTURES OF SABRINA

You really can’t find a more gothic, autumn vibe than that of Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. The teenage half-witch, half-mortal Sabrina Spellman (Kiernan Shipka), along with her aunts (Lucy Davis and Miranda Otto) and cousin Ambrose (Chance Perdomo), live in a mortuary! This supernatural horror series is a much darker take on the classic ’90s sitcom, featuring blood, satanic rituals, and haunting images. 

Set in the fictional town of Greendale, it feels like Halloween come to life, complete with mysterious woods and witchy residents. As Sabrina faces the challenges of normal life (like high school bullies) and supernatural threats (like hellish demons), her coming-of-age story—and the show’s striking, dark costumes—definitely captures the spirit of “spooky season.”

CHARMED

As Halloween approaches, shows about witches and the supernatural are perfect for getting into the spirit, and Charmed, which entertained us throughout the early 2000s, is a great example. The series follows three sisters—played by the talented trio of Alyssa Milano, Shannen Doherty, and Holly Marie Combs—who are powerful witches trying to save the world while leading relatively normal lives in modern-day San Francisco. Their magical missions often clash with everyday life, causing chaos in their romantic relationships and frequently bringing them into contact with the police. For a similar feel, Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a wonderfully nostalgic option!

FRIENDS

What’s cozier than spending a few episodes with your best friends? Escaping to a world where NYC apartments are huge and every problem can be solved at Central Perk is perfect for a cozy night in. The ’90s fall fashion is definitely enviable, and there are plenty of autumn-themed episodes to enjoy, like “The One With The Football” and “The One With All The Thanksgivings.”

PRACTICAL MAGIC

We could spend a long time exploring witchy films and TV shows that are perfect for October, but Practical Magic, featuring a young Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as two witches in Massachusetts, is definitely our favorite. We especially love Dianne Wiest and Stockard Channing as their witch aunts who raise them. With a mix of two of our favorite plot elements—murder and magic—this film promises cozy viewing. A close second in this genre is, of course, Hocus Pocus, where Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy have an absolute blast as modern-day witches in Salem.

DEAR WHITE PEOPLE

In the fall-inspired category of “strong academia vibes,” Dear White People is a dramedy that follows Black college students at the fictional Ivy League school, Winchester University. The main characters include Sam (Logan Browning), Joelle (Ashley Blaine Featherson), Troy (Brandon P. Bell), Lionel (DeRon Horton), Coco (Antoinette Robertson), and Reggie (Marque Richardson). 

The series is based on a 2014 comic-satirical film of the same name, with the writer and director, Justin Simien, returning to write and direct several episodes. Each half-hour episode offers a different character’s perspective, showcasing some of the best seasonal fashion. While Winchester believes it is “post-racial,” the everyday experiences of the characters tell a different story. 

Dear White People addresses important issues like race relations, class hierarchy, politics, microaggressions, and unconscious biases, balancing sharp social commentary with humor and storytelling that resonates long after the episode ends.

The Half Of It

In the fictional Pacific Northwest town of Squahamish, autumn brings a chill and a comforting coziness. The atmosphere is muted and grayish, yet it radiates a quiet optimism that keeps hope alive for a happy ending, even when the narrative takes a somber turn. High school student Ellie Chu (Leah Lewis) runs an essay-writing side hustle to support her widowed father (Collin Chou).

One day, she is approached by a football player named Paul (Daniel Diemer) with a unique request: he needs help writing a love letter to his dream girl, Aster Flores (Alexxis Lemire). Unbeknownst to Paul, Ellie is a lesbian, and the feelings she pours into the letters to Aster aren’t entirely fabricated. While the plot may hint at familiar outcomes, the film’s true love story lies in the evolving friendship between Ellie and Paul.

They discover that truly understanding someone is a messy process, but ultimately rewarding, as what you initially see is often only half the story.

CONCLUSION

As the leaves change color and the air begins to crisp, there’s no better time to curl up on the couch with a cup of hot chocolate and your favorite entertainment. Whether you’re in the mood for a heartwarming drama, a suspenseful thriller, or a lighthearted comedy, this list of top 15 cozy TV shows and films has something to offer everyone. So grab your blanket, turn off the lights, and get ready to enjoy a cozy autumn filled with laughter, tears, and unforgettable stories.