How to Get the Mob Wife Look

Basic Black

Start your outfit with a foundation of basic black – black tights and a black slip dress are perfect. But any black base layers will work – black pants, pencil skirt and blouse also works. Stay with looks that are sharp and chic over frilly and soft-looking. Mob Wives command respect. They look tough and a little threatening. So own it!  Shop black slip dress.

Add Animal Print

Now, start adding the layers. Start with a good ol’ leopard print, which is associated with being cool, edgy, and rebellious. I topped my black base layer with a leopard-print shirt dress in a silky fabric to add a little sheen.  Shop leopard print dress.

Glam Accessories

Now it’s time to add on the shiny things! Mob Wives want to show off their riches and do it in the form of big, bold jewelry. So add the bling - gold chains, diamonds (or rhinestones!) and go full maximalist. Carry a clutch bag to hold your cash tight and slip on a pair of high heels.  Shop gold necklaces.

Big Coats and Bigger Sunglasses

Lastly, complete your mob wife look with a big furry power coat. To be clear, I’m not a proponent of real fur coats because there’s no reason to kill animals for fashion or entertainment. So if you go for this look, be sure to shop faux fur or vintage fur, no new fur. I have this vintage fur coat that was my mom’s. It’s a beautiful coat and a symbol of how hard my dad worked to be able to afford this gift for her, but I’m conflicted about wearing it because it’s real fur. I keep it for its beauty and sentimental value, but by no means do I condone going out and buying a new fur coat. Top your look with a pair of giant sunglasses to stay incognito while wearing your flashy fit.  Shop faux fur coat.

Some Thoughts on the Mob Wife Look

While the mob wife trend is all in good fun, nobody promotes actually marrying into the mob. And while the look is meant to be one of empowerment of a woman in a dangerous underworld, objections to the trend also highlight that women are often objectified in a patriarchal structure that is typical of gangster lifestyles –at least those portrayed in film and TV. Others have taken issue with the glamorization of criminal life and cultural appropriation of Italian culture and stereotypes. Just some things to keep in mind if you want to try out this look in real life.

I’m always the first to encourage dressing up for fun, so try on the mob wife look – just don’t take the lifestyle too seriously.

See more of my looks in the  Stiletto City blog and my  Instagram page.