For a long time, maternity fashion was often viewed as a period of dressing down, hiding away the bump, and sticking to loose, comfortable clothes that prioritized utility over style. However, in recent years, celebrities have challenged these outdated conventions, proving that pregnancy can be a time of creative self-expression and bold style statements. By embracing their changing bodies in public and turning maternity fashion into a showcase of personal style, celebrities are rewriting the rules of what it means to dress during pregnancy. This essay explores how various celebrities have revolutionized maternity fashion, and the broader impact this has had on modern style and cultural attitudes towards pregnancy.
Breaking the Mold: Celebrities Embracing Bold Maternity Fashion
The concept of maternity fashion took a radical shift when celebrities began to embrace form-fitting clothing that accentuated rather than hid their baby bumps. Rihanna, one of the most influential figures in this movement, made headlines throughout her 2022 pregnancy by opting for unapologetically bold looks that showcased her bump. From crop tops and sheer lace to slinky dresses, Rihanna approached maternity fashion as an opportunity to demonstrate confidence, femininity, and power. Her Met Gala look—a custom black coat dress by Demna Gvasalia for Balenciaga—displayed her bump with pride while giving her the edgy yet regal aura that defines her style. Rihanna’s choices made it clear that pregnancy does not need to be hidden; instead, it can be celebrated as part of a woman’s identity.
Similarly, Kim Kardashian, during her pregnancies, frequently wore figure-hugging outfits, including bodycon dresses and even sheer ensembles. Her maternity looks challenged societal expectations that pregnancy should be subdued or hidden. Instead, Kim used her fashion choices to celebrate the body and draw attention to the beauty of her pregnancy. In doing so, she helped shift public perception of maternity style from a focus on practicality to one of luxury, glamour, and individuality.
Another figure who made waves with her maternity style is Blake Lively, who brought classic Hollywood glamour into her pregnancy looks. Known for her colorful gowns and sleek silhouettes, Lively embraced her changing body with confidence and elegance. Whether attending movie premieres or walking the red carpet, she consistently opted for bold colors, well-tailored outfits, and high-fashion elements that allowed her to shine. Lively’s approach demonstrated that maternity fashion can be synonymous with timeless elegance, influencing many women to feel that pregnancy can be a period of glamour and grace.
The Rise of Street Style: Everyday Chic for Expectant Mothers
While red carpets have offered celebrities a stage to redefine maternity fashion, many have also embraced stylish, comfortable streetwear that is aspirational yet accessible. Stars like Gigi Hadid and Ashley Graham have shown that maternity fashion can be practical, cool, and trendsetting all at once. Gigi, for example, was seen in cozy yet chic outfits during her pregnancy, opting for stretchy leggings paired with oversized blazers or cropped sweaters that provided both comfort and style. Her approach made maternity wear look approachable, blending high-fashion aesthetics with casual comfort.
Ashley Graham, a model and body positivity advocate, further emphasized inclusivity in maternity fashion. Her off-duty looks often included comfortable but stylish dresses, fitted jumpsuits, and flowing maxi dresses—all celebrating her pregnancy in ways that felt authentic and real. Graham has been vocal about normalizing different body types, and her maternity wardrobe embraced her curves, providing representation for plus-sized expectant mothers in an industry that often lacks diversity. Graham’s take on street-style maternity fashion influenced many women to embrace their bodies and take pride in their unique shapes during pregnancy.
Maternity Fashion Meets High Fashion: Influencing Major Brands
The influence of celebrity maternity style has also extended to major fashion brands and designers. Where maternity collections used to be mostly niche and uninspired, many high-fashion houses now see the value in catering to expectant mothers who want to look as glamorous as possible. Gucci, Dior, and Versace have all crafted custom maternity looks for celebrities, bringing haute couture to the world of pregnancy. These collaborations between luxury brands and pregnant celebrities help dismantle the notion that expectant mothers should not engage with high fashion.
When Beyoncé announced her pregnancy with twins in 2017, she chose an ethereal, goddess-like look that blended elements of high fashion and personal storytelling. Throughout her pregnancy, she wore flowing gowns by designers such as Peter Dundas, which were featured in her maternity photoshoots. These photos were nothing short of a cultural moment, presenting pregnancy as a beautiful, sacred experience deserving of artful fashion and grand celebration. The visuals Beyoncé shared influenced designers to reimagine maternity fashion, considering it a creative opportunity rather than a limitation.
Redefining Comfort: Fashion that Supports, Not Restricts
While there is no doubt that celebrities have taken maternity fashion to high-fashion heights, comfort has remained a key component of these transformations. One significant change has been the increased emphasis on clothes that allow for freedom of movement while still looking polished. Meghan Markle, during her pregnancy, frequently opted for comfortable yet stylish dresses that allowed her to move easily while attending royal engagements. Her wardrobe included loose-fitting coats, elegant maternity dresses, and tailored pieces that were chic but practical. Markle’s choices helped establish a new benchmark for maternity fashion—clothing that is simultaneously regal, comfortable, and sophisticated.
The trend of prioritizing comfort has extended to the athleisure market as well. Celebrities like Hilaria Baldwin have been seen wearing maternity leggings, sporty crop tops, and stretchy yoga attire, demonstrating that pregnancy doesn’t mean putting aside an active lifestyle or fashionable sportswear. The rise of maternity-friendly athleisure wear has provided expectant mothers with comfortable, versatile options, allowing them to feel supported without sacrificing style.
The Broader Impact: Normalizing Diverse Expressions of Pregnancy
The changes in celebrity maternity fashion have had a ripple effect, influencing the broader fashion industry and cultural attitudes towards pregnancy. The decision by public figures to embrace and celebrate their changing bodies challenges longstanding taboos and promotes body positivity. By normalizing the visibility of the baby bump and celebrating maternity in glamorous, high-profile ways, celebrities have helped make pregnancy a celebrated and stylish phase of life rather than a time to retreat from the spotlight.
Moreover, celebrity maternity style has impacted how maternity clothes are marketed and produced. Brands like A Pea in the Pod and Hatch have gained popularity by creating pieces that blend comfort with current fashion trends, allowing pregnant women to feel fashionable during all stages of their pregnancy. Even fast-fashion retailers such as ASOS and H&M have expanded their maternity lines, offering trendy, affordable pieces that cater to the desire for stylish maternity wear. The influence of celebrity style has made maternity fashion more accessible, diverse, and representative of different personal styles.
Empowerment Through Style
The most significant contribution of celebrities rewriting the rules of maternity fashion is the sense of empowerment it brings to expectant mothers. Pregnancy is a time of physical and emotional changes, and the ability to express oneself through clothing can be incredibly empowering. By adopting bold and diverse maternity styles, celebrities like Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Blake Lively have demonstrated that pregnancy is not a time to shy away from the spotlight but rather an opportunity to shine.
This empowerment is not limited to glamorous red carpet looks—it extends to everyday fashion, allowing pregnant women to feel comfortable, confident, and seen. Celebrities have shown that maternity fashion can be whatever the wearer wants it to be—glamorous, casual, classic, or edgy. This shift has created a cultural space where pregnancy is viewed as a time of beauty, strength, and creativity, all of which can be celebrated through personal style.
