In case you missed the memo, you are one hot Mama! And with beaches and community pools recently opening, now is a great time to prep your summer maternity wear and turn it up a notch. We're not talking about your typical dowdy maternity dresses or swimwear so covered up it looks like something out of a different era. Instead, we're taking a page from Rihanna.
Maternity fashion is evolving, and we are so here for it! This summer, we are getting inspiration from Rihanna's redefined maternity wear and what she said to Vogue: "My body is doing incredible things right now, and I'm not going to be ashamed of that. This time should feel celebratory. Because why should you be hiding your pregnancy?"
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In that spirit, we're vowing not to compromise our fashion sense this summer just because we are pregnant. To stop hiding our bodies and embrace the beauty of our growing bellies. Now, this doesn't mean you have to rock lingerie if you don't want to, but you should be able to have fun with fashion and wear what makes you feel confident.
To help, we've put together some of our favorite summer-style ideas inspired by trailblazing Mamas like Rihanna. From new takes on maternity swimwear to ideas for upgrading your pregnancy streetwear, we've got you covered.
Hold onto Your Fashion Sense
Motherhood is filled with sacrifices, but your fashion sense should not be one of them. If you weren't wearing an all-black wardrobe before you got pregnant, you shouldn't start now. Resist the urge to conform to society's beauty standards and wear clothes just for their slimming effect. You're growing a tiny human inside of you; that is not something that should be minimized.
If your wardrobe is filled with bright colors, interesting silhouettes, or funky patterns, there is no reason you should have to give that up just because you are pregnant. Don't compromise your personal style; instead, look for pieces that suit you and are also comfortable.
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Look Beyond the Maternity Section
For some items like nursing bras, the maternity section is a necessity. But when it comes to your summer outfits, don't feel limited by maternity wear. You can still shop your favorite nonmaternity sites. Just look for oversized garments or order up a few sizes. Clothes that hit below your bump or anything with a tie, drawstring, or elastic are fair game. Here are a few ideas for your next shopping trip:
Button-down Shirts
Button-downs are a chic yet easy way to look instantly put together while pregnant. Look for oversized versions that you can wear unbuttoned with a bandeau top or grab one from your closet and tie it above your bump. Slip-on a pair of shorts or a silk maxi skirt, and you are ready to go.
Jumpsuits
Breezy, wide-leg jumpsuits are just what you need during the summer. We've seen so many cute varieties in tropical prints, bright colors, sleeveless, backless – you name it. Most have ties or elastic waistbands, so they are perfect while pregnant. Order up a size, and you'll be able to wear this throughout most of your pregnancy. Look for breathable fabrics like cotton or linen blends to keep you cool in hot temperatures. Pair this with espadrilles or block heels.
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Kaftans or Tent Dresses
There's something about kaftans that instantly serve up images of the beach. Get those summer vibes going in lightweight versions that keep you looking and feeling great. Look for styles with buttons or clasps down the front. Tent dresses are another summertime favorite that give off that airy vibe; add a bit of sexy with side cut-outs or a lace-up back.
Kimonos
For breezy summer nights, swap your lightweight jacket for a printed, chiffon kimono. It's perfect over a dress or tank top or as a beach cover-up. Choose between long or short options and go bold with your favorite summer prints and colors. Since it is open, there's no need to worry about sizing, so it does double-duty as maternity wear.
Add Some Sparkle to Your Swimwear
Being in a swimsuit while pregnant can come with a lot of insecurities, but it's time to banish that inner negative voice and enjoy some time in the sun. One of our favorite looks that Rihanna donned while pregnant was a red, orange, and lime green sequined bikini and wrap skirt.
After trying on lots of less-than-flattering maternity one-pieces, seeing her unique swimwear choice was eye-opening. Take a page from her book and skip the dowdy maternity swimsuits. Instead, look for a bikini or one-piece in a slightly larger size. Go for one with sequins, enticing patterns, cut-outs, or details like gemstones, embroidery, or crochet.
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Accessorize Your Bump
Part of celebrating this moment in your life is cherishing your body and all of the amazing things it can do (like growing a life!). We've embraced showing off our bumps in recent years, but now it's time to take that a step further by adorning it in jewelry.
Hatch founder and CEO Ariane Goldman tells Vogue, "Celebrating the bump in a beautiful, form-figure way isn't enough…now we're showing the bump and bedazzling and bejeweling it." Get in on this trend just in time for the summer by piling on those sparkling layers, from bedazzled bra tops to body jewelry and décolletage grazing necklaces.
Upgrade Your Streetwear Style
T-shirts and jeans are a combo that never gets old, but there are many ways to have fun with streetwear. Pair sneakers or slides with a satin shirtdress and a ballcap supporting your favorite team. Don your favorite band or graphic tee and tie it over your belly paired with a colorful crochet maxi skirt. Wear wide-leg Bermuda shorts, trending bucket hats, or neon printed tanks for added Y2K vibes.
Not loving the stretchy bands on your maternity jeans? Grab a pair of nonmaternity wide, low-rise denim instead so you can still wear them once the baby is born. Try different styles with colored, embroidered, or ripped jeans too.
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Get Comfortable in Your Own Skin
Moms can be anything they want to be, and that includes sexy. You don't need to be overly modest now that you are pregnant. Do what makes you comfortable and be as covered or carefree as you want. Here are some of our favorite sexy maternity looks for the summer:
Cut-Outs
From red carpets to runways, cut-out styles are having a major moment. Rock this trend with a keyhole dress, side peeping swimwear, or a maxi dress with the perfect waist cut-outs to show off your bump. Take it up a notch with color-blocking styles, so you'll look great while also capturing that summer breeze.
Halters & Crop Tops
Bring retro vibes with a colorful crochet halter or crisscross crop top. Proudly display your bump in this season's latest styles in bright colors or exotic floral prints without worrying about shopping in the maternity aisle. Pair this look with a matching maxi skirt, palazzo pants, sandals, or stacked heels.
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Sheer Style
Incorporating something sheer into your maternity wardrobe sounds way scarier than it actually is. Take a cue from Rihanna's Oscar Gold Party look, where she paired a black bandeau top with a sheer long-sleeve overlay and a black sequin skirt. It was a memorable outfit that looked equally sexy and elegant.
Add this into your summer fashion line-up with a colorful sheer swimsuit cover-up, sheer-paneled dress, or a slightly sheer, printed top.
Mini Skirts
Maternity miniskirts may sound like an oxymoron, but you'll be grateful to let your legs cool off in the hot summer months. Choose an athleisure style skirt with a drawstring waistband or a casual denim skirt for a stylish look that is also super comfortable. Pair this with some terrycloth slides and a button-down tied shirt for the perfect casual summer outfit.
Bodycon Looks
Fitted body-hugging dresses have long been a favorite of pregnant women like Kylie Jenner or Natalie Portman. This trend is here to stay, with bodycon jumpsuits and leotards also becoming an essential part of a maternity wardrobe. Newer versions for summer come in a wide range of corals, blues, and nudes. It's a great look that can be dressed up or down for whatever occasion.
Photo Credit: Rodnae Productions, Pexels
Add Interesting Textures
Playing with silhouettes and color is a fun part of fashion. Something that is less explored but so impactful is texture and fabric selection. It's one of the best maternity fashion secrets to elevate your style and make outfits appear more luxe than their price tag.
Crochet is the perfect lightweight knit for summer to show off your pregnant figure. This year, there are many options, from halters to swimwear, evening dresses, and matching skirt sets. Textured accents like sequins, crystals, embroidery, or feathers are another fun choice.
Are you looking to turn up the heat? Take a page from RiRi's stylebook and wear lace-up back tops and dresses for a sexy, stylish maternity look.
Let your maternal power shine through with unforgiving confidence, no matter which outfit you wear. You and your body are incredible, and that should be celebrated, not hidden under loose clothing. And remember to let your style evolve, not be diminished during this amazing life journey.
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