Ever since celebrities such as Rhianna fell pregnant, there became no such thing as ‘maternity clothing.’ Crop tops, leather mini dresses, bike shorts, and sheer dresses have become popular. No longer are mothers hiding their bumps in unflattering shilloutes instead embracing them, and why not incorporate their bump as part of their style, rebranding that classic ‘maternity style’?
Rihanna’s Pregnancy Style
Is Rihanna changing maternity style forever? From the Met Gala to street style, Rihanna’s looks are a dramatic, bold inspiration for mothers-to-be. Knee-high boots, mesh dresses, crop tops, low-waisted jeans, and a lot of jewelry. And, of course, the most show-stopping accessory, her growing belly. Alongside Rihanna, Beyonce, Cardi B, Kylie Jenner, Kim Kardashian, and Ashley Graham have all given us incredible maternity looks. However, in the last few years, the maternity street style has had a revolution.
Pregnant Rihanna Debuts Baby Bump wearing Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Pink Silk Puffer Coat with Gripoix Buttons and Fall 1996 #jaiyeorie
— Jaiyeorie247 (@jaiyeorie247) January 31, 2022
Rihanna revealed that she is well into her first pregnancy in photos recently snapped in Harlem. …She debuted her Baby Bump wearing Chan… pic.twitter.com/N7g1h40mVK
Rihanna at the Fenty Beauty x Ulta event in LA (March 12). pic.twitter.com/7Bf5pm5Z3N
— FentyStats (@FentyStats) March 13, 2022
just another manic monday… pic.twitter.com/Dmwarw5dRw
— Rihanna (@rihanna) May 5, 2023
not even monday pic.twitter.com/CsX6etu04z
— Rihanna (@rihanna) April 30, 2023
— Rihanna (@rihanna) February 12, 2022
Rihanna wearing what looks like a novelty Disney t-shirt, looking closer the t-shirt actually reads: “Who Dat Is? Dat’s Jus My Baby Daddy”. Obsessed is an understatement.
With fashion icons like Rihanna paving the way, it has led to a much more experimental approach to maternity style, which proudly embraces body positivity and self-expression. In the US, especially when female empowerment and women’s rights feel like it’s being stripped, a woman’s right to control and celebrate her body the way she chooses is more important than ever.
Expecting Social Media Influencers
Expecting social media influencers have also started documenting their individual pregnancy style. Many influencers are learning to style their new body and sharing with followers through TikToks and Reels. Embracing motherhood on their platforms, not just with style but with lifestyle, helping new and expecting mothers feel calm.
@camilacoelho 1,2,3 or 4?🖤🤰🏽 #pregnant #style #fashion #fyp
♬ Woman – Doja Cat
The maternity wear industry is expected to reach $41.3 billion by 2031, nearly doubling its $21.6 billion worth from 2021, according to a report by Future Market Insight. Although for some, motherhood means a time to start dressing more conservatively, for many, that is old-fashioned. #Freethebump is a TikTok trend that’s received a lot of controversies as different generations of women decide whether it is appropriate to have their stomachs out while pregnant. Many women say it’s their body, their right. We couldn’t agree more!
@summerrachelwarren YouTube: summerrachelwarren
♬ original sound – That’s iconic
@thebarbieblank Free the bump 🤰🏼 #pregnancy #babybump #fyp
♬ original sound – Vanessa King
Rebranding motherhood
With the rebrand of style comes the rebrand of the motherhood lifestyle. Although each pregnancy journey is different, a lot of expecting influencers have shown through social media, how fun pregnancy and motherhood can be. Wearing heels, dressing up, going out, and working out, with many keeping a similar lifestyle too before children. Rihanna gave us a halftime show to remember at the 2023 Super Bowl. Wearing a red bodysuit, red playsuit and a red puffer jacket that revealed her bump.
Maternity is the new sexy. Motherhood can be approached as such a negative thing, many people think you must give up who you were, but they’re wrong. Women are rewriting the rules.
Student at Manchester Metropolitan University studying a master's in Luxury Fashion Management.
