The Rihanna maternity style edit
In Rihanna’s world of maternity style anything goes, including short skirts, crop tops and sheer dresses
A sartorial shift occurred the day Rihanna first revealed her first pregnancy in early 2022. Sporting low-waisted distressed blue jeans with a bright-pink vintage Chanel puffer coat unbuttoned to reveal her bump – decked out in layers of bejewelled chains – Rihanna reimagined the rules of maternity style, and how.
Foregoing demure jellyfish dresses and maxi skirts for slinky minidresses, skirts, baggy jeans and all things body-fitting, the superstar and makeup mogul’s baby bump has been the show-stealing element of every outfit. And due to her style icon status, Riri’s maternity style is already influencing new moms-to-be. According to the design team at maternity wear brand Seraphine, while their A-line dresses have always been a customer favourite, the tide seems to be turning. “We have found that the body-con fit is becoming more popular with our customers. When pregnant, many people find themselves gravitating towards this style and often layer up with shirts and knitwear for a super comfortable and versatile look.”
Inspired by Rihanna’s style, it seems that pregnancy dressing is all about embracing your personal style. While certain maternity clothes might be necessary, buying the clothes you normally wear just sized up is a great way to look and feel your best.
And in case you run low on inspiration, take a page out of the superstar pregnancy playbook with our Rihanna-inspired maternity style edit.
Cosy coats
A go-to move for expecting mothers looking to hide their baby bumps, Rihanna reclaimed the oversized coat as a bonafide style piece throughout her pregnancy. Oversized red Balenciaga parkas, bright orange fuzzy jackets and hooded Alaia coats were impeccably styled by the singer to both hide and highlight her bump.
The best part about buying an oversized coat during your pregnancy is that it’s a piece you’ll wear for years after. Pair a functional Seraphine parka or a cosy padded Monse jacket to brighten up some baggy jeans or cargo pants for a day of errands. For sleeker options, look to Tom Ford’s sexy faux fur options or a sheer Margiela confection that draws focus to your bump.
Sheer for days
Stunning in the front row at Dior’s AW22 show, Rihanna opted for a sheer black lace babydoll, owning the sheer gowns and underwear as outerwear trend with elegance.
Channel Rihanna at the Oscars with a sheer torso gown from Christopher Esber or embrace frilly femininity with a Simon Rocha puff sleeve dress. If all-around sheer isn’t your thing, dip your toe into the trend with a sheer-panelled dress like this black mini from Valentino.
Crop tops
Riri’s only maternity style rule is to put her baby bump on proud display. While getting your hands on a metallic custom Coperni crop top like hers might not be easy, you can find other options to let your belly breathe.
Opt for an off-duty model look in some cargo pants paired with a tie-dye Off White cropped top or loose Bermuda shorts with a collared Prada crop top. For a fun night out, look to Area’s cult favourite crystal-embellished heart-shaped crop top.
Snug Bodycon
Another fantastic way to show off your bump and feel sexy in your skin is fitted dresses, as evidenced by Rihanna’s epic collection of bodycon dresses. While the singer’s iconic Miu Miu tank dress is sold out, you can opt for a feather trimmed iteration to copy her style. Pair a peach Victoria Beckham mini dress with an oversized shirt and sandals for the comfiest day look. For date-night options, Norma Kamali has a gorgeous lilac one shoulder dress, while Mugler’s tulle panelled dress combines bodycon with a hint of sheer.
Low-rise jeans
While the growing popularity of low-rise jeans may be a cause for despair for most of us, Rihanna owned the look with pride. Seraphine’s design team has noticed an uptick in the demand for various denim silhouettes as well. “Our denim range has evolved with the trends offering shapes other than just the skinny jean but adding in slim legs, tapered cut, boyfriend, wide-leg and more under-the-bump options where you can show you belly loud and proud.”
Keep it casual like Rihanna in some classic distressed jeans from Re/Done or paint splattered cargos from Acne studios. Pair yours with a casual tee and a trucker hat to score maximum cool points. You can also switch things up with a low-rise denim skirt for added comfort and this flared Marine Serre iteration is a great pick.
Cut It Out
Rihanna wore a sheer Gucci dress with a prominent keyhole cutout at Milan Fashion Week last year. The perfect way to show some skin without revealing too much, cutouts are a great trend to embrace while pregnant.
Monot’s maxi cutout crepe dress is an elegant option to highlight your bump at a party while Self-Portrait’s pink dress is perfect for brunches with the girls. Put a twist on the trend with a cutout jumpsuit, perhaps Galvan’s brown jumpsuit with geometric cutouts.
All The Sparkle
The Diamonds singer sparkled all the way through her pregnancy. Rihanna embellished her looks with body jewellery and even crystal chained tops.
Copy her style with Stella McCartney’s crystal chain top. Pair a crop top with GenZ favourite label Cult Gaia’s bra chain necklace or go classic with a Versace medusa body chain. Playing with some dazzling jewellery is definitely the easiest way to up your pregnancy style.
Read more: The AW23 trend report
