Are you Team Mob Wife or Old Money?
TikTok's Latest Fashion Trends Battle for Your 2024 Style Inspo:
If you're one of the millions of people around the world who, like me, have a scrolling addiction to TikTok, you're probably familiar with the endless cycle of fashion trends. Over the past few months, we've seen trends like 'clean girl' fashion/makeup and '#barbiecore' come and go.
This time it’s a battle between two aesthetics: ‘mob wife’ vs ‘old money’. Despite the difference in categories, both are tasteful and serve as a reminder of how fashion can be recycled.
You can read below about both fashion influences, and then decide which, if any, will help style your 2024 wardrobe.
Mob Wife:
The mob wife aesthetic is what I would call sophisticated maximalism. It’s an accumulation of fur, animal print, smokey makeup and strong 90’s influence. Many call it “loud luxury”.
The origin of the style is said to be Italian-American and resonates with those in areas in the USA such as New Jersey and New York. Take Carmela Soprano, wife of Mafia Boss Tony Soprano, as an example. In the 90’s drama “The Sopranos”, Carmela embodied the ‘mob wife’ style as we know it today. From animal print to voluminous hair and velour tracksuits, she rocks them all.
The 90’s was prime time for loud luxury. Alongside Carmela, Donatella Versace, the muse for the fashion label “Versace”, was an advocate for this kind of style. Think sexy, glitz, glamour, and chic.
In this year’s Fashion Weeks, (A/W 24), we saw the style being recycled. For example, we were served long floor-length coats and several top-heavy silhouettes created by boxy, oversized blazers. It shows sensuality through power and attitude as opposed to through the body. Trivieri, TikTok creator and mob wife pro, said how it’s not just the clothing you wear, “it’s an energy, an aura”.
Celebs such as Dua Lipa, Kylie Jenner, Blake Lively and Hayley Bieber have been seen sporting the look.
Accessories and makeup are also a key part of the aesthetic. Jewellery such as hoops, statement necklaces and stacks of rings help elevate the already dominant style.
“Smokey makeup” consists of sharp, heavy eyeliner, snatched contour and a red lip. Finish off with red nails whether this be short and square or sharp stilettos.
In an interview with Harper Bazaar, Trivieri said how “The whole Y2K thing felt a little younger, and I think this is a little bit more mature, sexier, and bold” and I couldn’t agree more.
For fashion inspo and more mob wife content @ktrivz on TikTok is there to fulfil your needs.
Old Money:
This style is significantly softer than loud luxury, hence it is referred to as “quiet luxury”. Imagine neutrals, Ralph Lauren, and pinstripes. The Old Money style is one to help build a capsule wardrobe full of essentials that can be accessorised and dressed up or down. The trend has become so popular that online shopping platforms such as Boohoo and ASOS have dedicated a category to it.
Though the title may insinuate differently, the clothing involved doesn’t have to be expensive. It’s all about how you wear it and what you pair it with.
Jumpers: Crew necks are the most suitable for this kind of look. Whether it be worn tied over your shoulders or tucked into a pleated skirt. If tied, pair with a shirt and tailored trousers or loose-fitting jeans.
Skirts- a huge part of today’s fashion. Try looking for one that’s pleated or tailored, bonus points if it is pinstripe.
Preppy isn’t a bad look, a Ralph Lauren polo might be exactly what you need to embody the “old money” style.
As for the colour scheme, there isn’t much variety. Warm beiges, whites, blacks, browns and creams often do the trick. Many inspo outfits on Pinterest consist of a monochromatic moment which I found quite effective.
Though often described as minimal, accessories yet again are crucial. Gold or silver will suit perfectly, whether this be in the form of a chunky hoop earring or a simple, thin necklace. However, if jewellery isn’t for you, experiment with a chic scarf or belt to tie everything together.
I’ve created a look below to get you started on an affordable, old-money wardrobe.
At the end of the day, fashion has no rules. You might decide to have elements of both aesthetics in your everyday outfits, or you might convert to full mob wife.
Hopefully, you’ve learnt something from reading this, or even better so found a new way to express yourself!
