From donning trousers to signify workplace independence during World War II to discarding bras to reclaim ownership of their bodies in the 70s, fashion has consistently been a driving force behind female empowerment in the course of history.
Fast forward to the present day, fashion continues to be a potent form of expression, exploring diverse identities and reshaping social norms. As we delve into the cultural impact of today’s fashion, let’s take a closer look at two captivating Tiktok aesthetics, the Office Siren and Mob Wife, which took the internet by storm not only for their distinctive style but their empowering narratives for women.
The Mob Wife
While there is a saying that less is more, the latest fashion trend, the mob wife, is all about embracing an ostentatious and maximalist style—a stark contrast from the clean girl aesthetic or quiet luxury trend that dominated the fashion landscape last year. Fashion has always been an indicator of social class and mob wives are not afraid to flaunt their wealth donned in their big fur coats, loud animal prints and flashy gold jewellery.
The aesthetic attempts to replicate the portrayal of Italian-American mob wives from iconic mafia-inspired movies in the late 19th century. At the forefront of this style are characters such as Carmela Soprano and Adriana Le Cerva from The Sopranos, a mafia television series from HBO.
Many celebrities such as Dua Lipa, Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber have also unconsciously emulated the mob wife aesthetic with their glamorous, over-the-top outfits comprising knee-high boots and oversized fur coats. In case you’re still unfamiliar with the term, mob wives have been compared to the ‘nouveau riche’ who gravitate towards loud designs and bold colours.
However, owning an expensive outfit is not all there is to nailing the mob wife aesthetic. As Kayla Triveli, a Tiktoker who catapulted the aesthetic into virality, puts it, “It’s an energy, an aura. It’s about being very forward and bold.” The mob wife aesthetic aptly demonstrates how the power of fashion doesn’t just stem from the clothes we wear but the attitude we exude when carrying them. It captures the aura of a powerful woman who openly embraces her womanhood and sexuality, even in a patriarchal society. Her strength is reflected in her clothing, giving her a spark of confidence to conquer the world.
Perhaps the mob wife is less of a trend and merely an opportunity for individuals to play dress-up, argued trend analyst Amanda Lee. “We seem to be in this endless cycle of nostalgia for trends that were rooted in subcultures, values and context. Today, they are quite literally costumes that people put on and take off every day,” Lee adds. As we dress up, we slip on a persona and if that helps with enhancing our self-confidence, where’s the harm in that?
As with many Tiktok trends, the mob wife aesthetic has been a target of criticism for perpetuating shallow lifestyles, glamorising crime organisations and appropriating cultures. Despite the backlash, the trend’s empowering message in encouraging women to own up to their sexuality should still be applauded.
Below, we’ve listed down a few essentials so you can incorporate this viral aesthetic into your wardrobe.
Prada single-breasted faux-fur coat, $6900
Versace Medusa Greca choker necklace, $2040
Dolce & Gabbana leopard-print satin slip dress, $3043
Balenciaga Loop gold-tone hoop earrings, $719
Jacquemus Le Bambino Long Shoulder Bag, $1269
The Office Siren
In a nostalgic revival, the fashion trends of the early 2000s have made an explosive comeback in recent years. It is no surprise that the emerging TikTok aesthetic, the office siren, is inspired by looks from that era, featuring elements like smokey eye makeup, thin-framed glasses, archival fashion and a palette of neutral colours.
Channelling the very essence of this style is Giselle Bundchen’s character in The Devil Wears Prada. In the iconic film, she was seen sporting a white collared shirt, a fitted blazer and a pair of thin-framed glasses–an ensemble that, in retrospect, exudes office chic.
Another celebrity who has popularised the office siren trend is none other than supermodel Bella Hadid. Just months ago, she was seen photographed in a pinstripe shirt, black tailored pants and a pair of ‘Bayonetta glasses’ which is predicted to become a major trendsetter in 2024.
The trend has also hit the runway, with Danish brand Gestuz exploring the phenomenon in their Fall/Winter 2024 collection. “I love the sexier and somewhat humorous take on office wear,” said creative director Sanne Sehested as models strutted the runway in mesh lingerie and mini shorts paired with blazers. “It feels a little like the female taking over something that was traditionally more masculine and using it as a form of empowerment,” comments Sehested.
In an effort to glamorise the working woman, the office siren contributes to a broader conversation on female empowerment. The trend not only encourages women to anchor themselves in a traditionally male-dominated corporate world but also to assert their individuality and personal style within the confines of workplace dress codes.
The trend almost serves as a powerful clapback towards preconceived notions about how a woman can only be either one of two things: beautiful or intelligent. In reality, women are multifaceted and ideals don’t exist in a binary system. Who’s to say that women cannot embrace both their feminity and intellect? The office siren stands as a harmonious testament to the coexistence of beauty and brain, supporting the narrative that a woman’s beauty, expressed through her style, in no way hinders her ambition, intellect or competence in the workplace.
Below, we’ve listed down a few essentials so you can incorporate this viral aesthetic into your wardrobe.
