February 23, 2024/Midnight
Erie, Pa., –Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram are known as the modern breeding ground and driving force of new aesthetics. The younger generations, especially young women, sometimes choose to dress or even act in a particular way just to fit in with a certain aesthetic.
An earlier example of this phenomenon is the cottagecore aesthetic, popularized by long, pastel-colored dresses, an affinity for gardening or crafting, and a soft personality. Another example is the dark academia aesthetic, always accompanied by a dark-colored skirt or sweater, often in plaid print.
However, none have lasted quite as long as the clean girl aesthetic, which has dominated social media for over a year. This look is complete with a hairstyle slicked back with gel, light but fresh makeup, and neutral-colored clothes.
On a deeper level, it is a representation of a young woman who always seems to have her life perfectly planned and executed, an embodiment of an organized and “put-together” young woman.
Though this aesthetic was incredibly popular last year and has even branched out into smaller sub-aesthetics, it seems to have finally met its match. The new mob-wife aesthetic seems to have been created in direct opposition to the clean-girl aesthetic. In fact, many of its supporters lean into the opposition of the clean girl aesthetic.
The mob-wife aesthetic is characterized by big hair and dark, exaggerated makeup. A vintage fur coat is a requirement to complete an outfit. In comparison to its predecessor, the mob-wife aesthetic is loud and glamorous. Its slight tackiness is embraced by the people who follow this trend.
Followers of the trend tend to love the loud, chaotic personality that the look seems to command. Recently, the trend has exploded on social media, and many believe that it will overtake the popularity of the clean girl’s halo.
While some feel that this aesthetic fits them well, others are having a hard time accepting that the trends have moved on past the clean girl look. Young women can feel pressure to clear the neutral-colored clothes out of their closets in favor of dark colors and vintage fur.
Some have expressed dismay on various social media platforms that this rapid change in the trends feels forced, and the financial burden of buying new clothes is becoming difficult.
For some, this shift has brought to light the concerning reality that some young people feel bound to conform. While there are enjoyers who are empowered by the new trends, others feel tied down and tired of the constant “aesthetic” changes.
