Rise of the bare baby bump! Gone are the days of hiding blooming bellies under frumpy frocks – having your tummy on display like Rihanna is the hot new look for mothers-to-be

• Rihanna is leading the way in look-at-me maternity wear, showing off her bump
• The singer, 34, has stepped out in crop tops that expose her blooming figure 
• Actress Shay Mitchell has followed suit with her baby bump on display
• Stylists say pregnant women are no longer ashamed of their changing shape 

There was once a time when pregnancy fashion was dominated by stretchy trousers, baggy t-shirts and tent-like dresses that concealed any trace of a bump. 

But celebrities like Rihanna are leading the rise in look-at-me maternity clothes that put the emphasis on celebrating – not hiding – pregnant women’s figures.   

The 34-year-old singer, who is expecting her first child with beau A$AP Rocky, has stepped out in low-slung jeans, crop tops and skimpy string vests that proudly show off her blooming baby bump.

Canadian actress Shay Mitchell, 34, followed her lead, flaunting her pregnant curves in a white crop top and light-wash jeans. 

No frumpy frocks here! Celebrities like Rihanna are leading the rise in look-at-me maternity clothes that put the emphasis on celebrating – not hiding – pregnant women’s figures. Pictured, Rihanna steps out in a string top and low-slung jeans for a dinner in Los Angeles this month

Following her lead: Actress Shay Mitchell puts her baby bump on display in a white crop top and jeans. The 34-year-old was heading out to Drake’s Super Bowl party this month

Early adopter: Catfish star Nev Schulman posed with his girlfriend Laura Perlongo, who had her pregnancy bump on show at the MTV Video Music Awards in New York in August 2016

Bumping along: Kylie Jenner, who welcomed a baby boy this month, stepped out with her bump on show

Speaking to FEMAIL, TV and celebrity fashion expert Miranda Holder explained the outfits marked a departure from traditional maternity fashion that is based on women feeling somewhat embarrassed of their bumps.  

She said: ‘Rihanna has always been a sartorial trailblazer, and her current wardrobe is no exception, as she paves the way for new, sexier, unashamedly unapologetic pregnancy fashion. 

‘She is a woman, she is with child and she is proud of it – she is embracing and celebrating her beautiful baby bump – and why shouldn’t she?

‘Child bearing is one of the miracles and great privileges of being a woman and is nothing to be ashamed about or hide. 

‘Rhianna is ripping up the fashion rulebook once again and instead of opting for the usual demure, modest and often downright frumpy oversized baggy tops, dungarees and smock dresses, putting her own unique spin on things.

Behold, the baby bump! Rihanna announced her pregnancy with this stunning photo shoot. The musician adorned her bump in strings of vintage jewels and wore a vintage Chanel coat

Covered in crystals: Pregnant Cardi B performs onstage at the BET Awards in June 2021 with her bump on display thanks to a sheer cut out panel on her catsuit 

Game Of Thrones star Sophie Turner, who is rumoured to be pregnant, showed off her midriff while out and about in Los Feliz, California, with husband Joe Jonas and daughter Willa earlier this month 

Not long to go! Australian model Tammy Hembrow, who is expecting a baby girl, flaunted her blossoming baby bump in a crop top and ripped jeans

‘This might not be everyone’s ideal for maternity fashion, and Rihanna’s signature blend of ‘glam meets streetwear’ is probably too edgy for most of us, but she is setting a great example to women in that she is wearing what makes her feel great, even if it means defying traditional social conventions.’

How to make look-at-me maternity wear work for YOU 

Miranda says: ‘Being pregnant is a very personal and emotional process, we all handle it very individually, so really the only rule should be that you put yourself first. 

‘Never apologise for that beautiful miraculous body and choose outfits that lift your spirits and make you glow even more. 

‘Try clingy, super soft knits for example rather than oversized, a jumper dress could be ideal. Experiment with belts over dresses to accentuate your shape, choose clingy separates that can be layered to give “coverage” that you are comfortable with. 

‘Educate yourself on colour psychology to navigate those hormonal highs and lows. Zesty orange can be uplifting and energising when you are feeling tired for example, or natural green can be very soothing and calming if you are getting some pre-delivery nerves.’

Rachel adds: ‘If you are trying these looks yourself, remember to wear some beautiful flattering colours. When choosing Jersey make sure it has enough support so you feel comfortable, copy the accessorising in RiRi as that has a tremendous effect on the overall look.

‘If this is really new to you and you are not sure, try layering tight jersey underneath with a bright coloured puffer or jacket on top.’ 

Celebrity stylist Rachel Gold agreed: ‘Times have changed and we are now in an era of acceptance and non-tolerance of judgement and shaming so hopefully women will feel more empowered to show off whatever they want whenever they want.

‘It’s an exciting exceptional and life changing time so why shouldn’t women be able to wear exactly what they feel like wearing without judgement.

‘We all know that Rhianna is the bad girl of what’s hip and fabulous so it is absolutely no surprise that she is rocking these fierce, non-traditional and one of a kind looks.’

The singer announced her pregnancy in a stunning winter photoshoot that saw her reveal her bare pregnancy belly in a pink padded vintage Chanel coat left untied around her midriff.

For added wow factor, she adorned her bump in strings of vintage jewels and a Chanel chain. 

More recently Rihanna showed off her burgeoning baby bump in a glimmering sequin ensemble for a Fenty Beauty and Fenty Skin photocall in Los Angeles.

Even when wearing baggier items like an oversized sports jersey, Rihanna adds a sexy touch with a pair of strappy heels.

It’s part of a trend towards sexier maternity wear, as seen on stars like Kylie Jenner and Ashley Graham. 

Once pregnancy bumps were only on show in a bikini – if at all – but now they’re on full view in restaurants, red carpets and photo shoots. 

If they are covered up, then pregnant stars are favouring fabrics that hug every curve. 

‘Recently we have seen more of a trend towards closer fitting and downright sexier maternity wear and I think this is just fabulous,’ Miranda explained.  

‘Being pregnant is a very special time, as women we glow, there is much excitement and anticipation and we deserve to feel our very best. 

‘Clothing can have such a powerful effect on how we feel, how we see the world, and consequently how the world sees us. 

Trailblazer: Rihanna has always led the way in the fashion stakes and it’s no different in pregnancy. The mother-to-be stepped out in a slinky ensemble in Los Angeles this month

Kim Kardashian opted for this daring lace ensemble exposing her bump when she was pregnant with Saint in 2015 

Pregnant and proud! It’s part of a trend towards sexier maternity wear, as seen on stars like Kylie Jenner and Ashley Graham, pictured in a skin-tight dress in New York in 2019

‘Making conscious choices that put a spring in our step and elevate our confidence can only be a good thing. It’s very individual, but let’s not judge each other for being comfortable with our changing bodies.’

The stylist added that months in lockdown have added to this feeling of liberation. Now that women are out and about, they want to showcase their bodies. 

‘During the pandemic we all virtually lived in loungewear or at best, sports luxe – I think there is a sense of wanting to catch up on lost time,’ she added. 

‘People want to get dressed up, to celebrate life and have fun, and fashion is a wonderful way to express ourselves and achieve this.’

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