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.

42 FLATTERING SHORT HAIRSTYLES FOR LONG FACES IN 2024

The goal for every face shape is to achieve a more balanced, oval look. For those with long faces, the key is to create the illusion of width. Explore these short hairstyles designed to enhance and flatter longer faces perfectly.

SHORT BOB WITH LONG SIDE-SWEPT FRINGE

This short hairstyle showcases a long, disconnected section on one side paired with a sweeping, long fringe.

SHORT PIXIE WITH BANGS

This pixie cut features longer front layers that function as a fringe, covering the forehead and creating the illusion of a shorter, wider face.

LONG TOP + SHORT SIDES

This haircut has short sides with layered longer pieces on top that cascade over the shorter sides, adding movement and an edgy vibe.

UNDONE TEXTURE

This look is perfect for those who crave an edgier, tousled style and appreciate textured hair. It’s a sassy yet highly stylish cut that makes a bold statement.

EDGY YET PROFESSIONAL

I would describe this look as both edgy and professional. After she chose to embrace her natural gray, we opted for a style that adds a touch of fun while remaining polished.

SHORT ROUNDED CUT WITH SIDE BANGS FOR OVER 60

Pushing hair away from the face helps to open it up and prevents it from appearing narrower. This hairstyle not only creates volume on the sides of the face, making it look wider, but also features a fringe that covers the forehead, contributing to a shorter and wider appearance. Additionally, it’s an excellent choice for women over 60, as it can help conceal wrinkles.

LAYERED & TEXTURED

This look is full of movement and highly versatile, allowing it to be worn forward or styled to either side. With plenty of hair and natural waves, I layered it extensively and added texture to reduce bulk. It can be worn sleek and smooth or with her natural wave for a more relaxed feel.

TAILORED BOB

This tailored bob features strategic color placement and is known for its clean, sleek appearance. I love how it accentuates her features with its precise cutting and thoughtful coloring. Keeping the length above her shoulders draws attention upward, creating the illusion of a shorter face. A side part further enhances the balance of her overall look.

MODERN & EDGY

This haircut is modern and edgy, perfect for a woman who feels her hair is overshadowing her style. I transformed her long, abundant locks into a short, sassy cut that’s both manageable and versatile, ready to rock any occasion with confidence.

GRADUATED TEXTURIZED A-LINE BOB

This look features a graduated, textured A-line bob. I enjoy creating this style because it combines a sassy, professional edge with the versatility to be dressed up or down. It’s a technically challenging haircut that allows me to highlight and enhance a client’s natural beauty and features.

SHORT CHOPPY THIN CUT

A short, choppy cut is a flattering choice that adds balance to the face. The framing and layering help reduce the appearance of length, creating a more balanced look.

SHORT HAIR WITH FRINGE AND LAYERS

Here’s another super short hairstyle that complements a long face shape, thanks to the fringe. The layering in this cut enhances the roundness of the head, giving the face a rounder appearance. The curved perimeter also contributes to a softer, more rounded face shape.

CLASSIC TEXTURED INVERTED BOB

This haircut is a textured, short inverted bob. I’ve added an edgy twist to this classic cut by removing excess weight and texturizing it. I love this style for its versatility—it can be adapted in various ways to highlight your personal style.

HAIRSTYLE WITH TEXTURE

Adding texture, especially with ends that point outward, helps make a hairstyle more flattering for longer face shapes.

UPDATED A-LINE

I would describe this look as a modern take on the classic short A-line bob. I love the angled transition from back to front and the textured interior layers. The bangs add a fresh, youthful touch to the style.

SHORT HAIRSTYLE WITH VOLUME AND FRINGE

The side part, fringe, and volume on the sides of the face all contribute to making this hairstyle particularly flattering for longer face shapes.

SHORT HAIRSTYLE WITH CURLS

The glamorous curls on this bob add significant volume to the sides of the face, making it an ideal short cut for a longer face shape.

SHORT BOB HAIRSTYLE WITH VOLUME

This bob features more volume on the sides than on top, and its silhouette helps create a rounder appearance for the face.

SHORT ASYMMETRICAL BOB HAIRSTYLE

This very short asymmetric bob is flattering for elongated face shapes, thanks to the fringe that covers the forehead. The horizontal coverage helps make the face appear shorter and wider.

SHORT HAIR WITH SWEPT FRINGE AND PINK ENDS

Here’s another hairstyle that suits longer face shapes, with curled-up ends adding volume. The side part and fringe further contribute to making the face look shorter and wider.

NECK-LENGTH TEXTURED CUT WITH FRINGE

Adding texture to your hair creates width and helps it expand. This hairstyle works best for longer face shapes with medium-textured and medium-density hair.

NATURAL WAVY HAIRSTYLE WITH TEXTURE

Naturally wavy texture can also enhance the width of the sides of the face, making it appear broader.

SHORT WITH CHOPPY FRINGE

This hairstyle falls just below the chin and above the shoulders, featuring a full and choppy fringe.

SHORT WITH LONG FRINGE AND CURLS

A long fringe combined with curls makes this hairstyle especially flattering for a long face shape.

VERSATILE UNDERCUT PIXIE

This versatile undercut pixie is easy to style in various ways, from sleek to textured. The longer, angled fringe flatters her face shape and draws attention to her eyes. The overall look complements her skin tone and personality.

VERSATILE BOB

 This versatile bob offers a variety of styling options. It can be worn sleek and straight or textured with a bit of curl or product. The fringe can be parted to the side for a modern look or straight down the middle for a 70s vibe. With just one cut, you can achieve four different styles.

SHORT HAIRSTYLE WITH FLIP

Flipping hair outward adds width, making this hairstyle ideal for long face shapes with medium-textured and medium-density hair.

TRIANGULAR BOB

This triangular bob features a slight angle forward with minimal layering and plenty of texture for a relaxed look. What I love most about this style is its effortlessly messy vibe, low maintenance, and versatility, making it suitable for a variety of lifestyles and ages.

CHIC FRENCH-INSPIRED BOB

I love this haircut for its versatility. Whether you want a textured or sleek look, this chic French-inspired bob can be styled to match. It’s a super low-maintenance cut that works well with all hair textures, so feel free to experiment with various finishing products.

INDUSTRIAL AND EDGY

I’d describe this look as industrial and edgy, inspired by steel and rust. We applied a styling cream to damp hair for hold and body. This style works well for finer hair or medium textures with a natural curl. After blow-drying smooth, we used a heat protectant spray and added curls, piecing them out with a medium-hold putty to achieve a great natural texture. It’s super easy and perfect for a quick, stylish look!

CARE FREE

This look has a carefree vibe, with the bangs adding a playful touch to the bluntness of the bob. Given the short length of the bob that frames the jaw, we opted for lighter bangs that don’t fully cover the forehead. The angled bangs create a triangle on her brow, which helps to maintain the elongated appearance of her face.

VERSATILE PIXIE HAIRCUT

This pixie haircut features a shaved undercut with short-to-long layers throughout, while maintaining length in the fringe. My favorite aspect of this cut is its ease and versatility in styling. It’s perfect for clients who want to highlight their jawline, neck, and cheekbones. The shaved section makes it very low maintenance, yet the longer fringe adds a feminine touch.

ASYMMETRICAL A-LINE

I’d describe this look as highly versatile, suitable for both daytime and nighttime with minimal maintenance. It’s an A-line bob with an asymmetrical cut, allowing the fuller side to be styled straight, curly, wavy, flipped out, or pieced into an edgy look. The version I created is more of a glamorous evening style, perfect for pairing with statement earrings and dressing up. I used a Sutra Beauty infrared flat iron for the curls and Kevin Murphy styling products to enhance fullness and shine. My favorite aspect of this look is its timeless quality.

CLASSIC & CLEAN FOR OVER 40

I love how classic and clean this look is. The side-swept long bang softens her features and helps balance the length of a long face. For those with a long face, this is a great way to break up the length. Chin-length hair also adds a rounder appearance to the face.

BADASS BLONDE

I’d describe this as a badass blonde look because it perfectly captures her style in this picture. What I love most about it is the versatility in styling. With the length on top, she can go for a sleek, straight look, a bold, lifted style, or add some edgy, curly texture.

SLEEK YET EDGY

This style is a quintessential bob, defined by clean lines and precise angles. It maintains a sleek appearance with a touch of edge. What I love most about the bob is its timeless quality; it’s a true fashion staple that instantly conveys confidence and femininity.

BLUNT BOB WITH PRECISE BANGS

This blunt, chin-length bob with straight, precise bangs is a timeless look. What I love most about it is that it remains stylish and on-trend due to its clean, contemporary lines combined with a classic shape.

SHORT SLEEK BOB WITH FRINGE

The horizontal fringe of this bob highlights the eyes and covers the forehead, creating the illusion of a shorter and wider face.

PHYLLIS

The longer side of this cut adds width to a narrow face, while the shorter side contours closely to create a rounder silhouette. The fringe covers the forehead, contributing to a shorter and wider appearance.

SARAH

This sleek neck-length bob is ideal for long face shapes, offering a sophisticated style that softens features. The subtle layers and inward curve enhance natural volume, giving the hair a fuller appearance. The blend of natural gray and silver highlights adds a modern, elegant touch, perfect for women who embrace graceful aging with ease of styling. Ideal for everyday wear, this hairstyle is low-maintenance and well-suited for a busy lifestyle.

FUN & SASSY

I love this look for its fun and sassy vibe, offering plenty of styling possibilities. This client has been growing out her hair from a short pixie cut, proving that the growing-out phase can be an exciting opportunity to experiment with styles you might not have tried before. This style is perfect for someone in the process of growing their hair, as it allows the top layers to catch up with the perimeter length. It’s also a quick style for straight hair—just a power dry and some wax will add direction and texture. However, if your hair is wavy, this length might require more daily styling to achieve the same effect.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, finding the right hairstyle for an elongated face can be a challenge, but there are countless flattering options to choose from. The key is to find a style that balances your facial features and complements your personal style.

Whether you prefer a pixie cut, a bob, or a lob, there are many short hairstyles that can help to visually shorten your face and enhance your natural beauty. By experimenting with different styles and techniques, you can find the perfect short hairstyle to flatter your elongated face and make you feel confident and beautiful.