How To Work ‘Mob Wife Energy’ Into Your Jewelry Collection
Faux furs, oversized sunglasses and lashings of diamonds are trending under the hashtag #mobwifeaesthetic. Discover our edit of fine jewels to help you pull off the look with panache
The ‘mob wife aesthetic’ exploded on TikTok at the start of the year, with the hashtag garnering tens of millions of views within the first week of 2024. At its core, the look stands in antithesis to the minimalist, stealth-wealth vibe that pervaded fashion discourse last year. “The trend shot to prominence just as The Sopranos was celebrating its 25th anniversary, and within weeks of HBO launching a standalone Sopranos TikTok account,” explains Chloe Street, NET-A-PORTER’s acting head of fashion content. “Whether genius marketing strategy or a happy coincidence, the maximalist, high-octane look – which goes long on leopard print, leather, faux fur, big sunglasses and plenty of gold bling – had already begun trickling through on the runways.”
Loud leopard-print coats made an appearance at Dolce&Gabbana, Ferragamo and Rotate Birger Christensen, while there were big faux furs at Gucci, Coperni, 16Arlington and Versace. Sultry black leather midi skirts popped up at Saint Laurent, while Brandon Maxwell, Alexander McQueen and Fendi made the case for top-to-toe black leather. “I think the trend is so popular because it can be relatively easily and affordably adopted by everyone, whether you’re adding a leopard-print blouse and a red lip, or going for the full look,” says Street. “It also embraces a more imperfect version of glamour, which comes as something of a relief after a few years of the ultra-polished and preened ‘quiet luxury’ and ‘clean girl’ aesthetics.”
When it comes to fine jewelry, it’s a fairly simple recipe. Think unapologetically large diamonds held in bold settings, gleaming yellow-gold chains, and a power-brand timepiece. Earrings should hark back to the oversized styles of the 1980s, and a pearl necklace won’t hurt – it’s the ultimate matriarch accessory, after all. Here are the five key pieces of jewelry to help you channel ‘mob wife energy’ this season…
Yellow-gold statement earrings
Ear styling for the #mobwifeaesthetic is far removed from the delicate stacks of studs and huggies that have been ubiquitous in recent years. A one-and-done pair of knock-out statement earrings, preferably in yellow gold, should be the keystone of your look. David Webb’s striking and statuesque pieces are perfect – choose oversized hoops set with dazzling diamonds for a fail-safe finish. If you need something a little easier on the ear lobe, Gucci’s ‘Marina’ earrings – a NET-A-PORTER exclusive – wield brand power thanks to their engraved logo, while chunky designs by Lié Studio offer a similar oversized style in gold vermeil.
Solid-gold chains
When it comes to chains, bigger isn’t necessarily better. Intricate links and vintage design codes, such as twisted rope styles, mariner links, or curb links with diamond accents by the likes of David Yurman and Foundrae, speak to ’80s power-dressing better than the oversized, chunky chains made popular in recent years. Take your lead from Jennifer Lopez and mix up various lengths and textures – the A-List star was recently spotted wearing no fewer than three necklaces and a pair of oversized earrings with a plush faux-fur coat, giving mob wife energy in spades. For a final flourish, add a string of pearls – Mateo, Shay, and Mizuki all offer opulent designs.
Serious diamonds
When a mob wife wears diamonds, she means business, so look to Nikos Koulis, David Morris and De Beers for lavish, diamond-heavy designs that feel timeless and commanding. If substantial stones are slightly out of reach, choose band-style rings set with pavé diamonds and stack with abandon. A right-hand cocktail ring is another must-have – aim for a style that’s visible from across the room. Anita Ko’s ‘James’ ring, Kamyen’s fan-inspired designs, and Ofira’s ‘squoval’ silhouettes are strong, striking pieces that capture the mob wife mood.
A tennis bracelet
One of the most versatile pieces in any jewelry collection, tennis bracelets can be styled to suit a wide range of aesthetics, but they offer maximum mob wife impact when stacked several at a time. Anita Ko uses bold yellow-gold settings to amplify each diamond’s brilliance, while De Beers and Shay feature larger stones. Don’t be afraid to mix metals, either – white- and yellow-gold designs by Suzanne Kalan and Jennifer Meyer make the perfect pairing.
A power-brand watch
When it comes to watches, the mob wife prefers a timepiece that reflects her wealth and status. Cartier’s ‘Tank’, ‘Ballon Bleu’ and ‘Panthère’ designs are the ultimate examples of an ‘It-watch’, while its new ‘Baignoire’ and the Hermes Timepieces’ ‘Kelly’ are perfect for those who prefer a bangle-style design with a jewelry feel. If you’re drawn to ultra-modern watches, the Gucci ‘25H’ stands out, with chic straps in shades of cherry red, cream and black – the perfect mob wife color palette.
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