10 Maternity Trends That Will Reign Supreme in 2024
Think maternity style is all stretchy pants and empire-waist tops? Think again. There’s a revolution happening in the world of maternity fashion, and the result is figure-skimming fabrics and bump-baring cuts that are sophisticated, sleek and downright sexy. Whether you credit celebrities for making pregnancy a style statement or forward-thinking designers who don’t make you trade your sense of adventure for that adorable baby bump, maternity fashion is not boring right now.
Ready to embrace your growing body and reclaim your personal aesthetic? The rules are, there are no rules. Read on for a closer look at the ongoing shift in maternity wear and hear from expert stylists on the hottest trends in maternity fashion for 2024.
The transformation in maternity fashion didn’t happen overnight. It started years ago by forward-thinking moms-to-be who decided to embrace their changing bodies on their own terms. First, in 1991, a pregnant Demi Moore bared it all on the cover of Vanity Fair. Fast forward to 2013, and Kim Kardashian showed off her bump at the Met Gala in a form-fitting floral Givenchy gown that stunned the crowds. In 2019, Ashley Graham stole the spotlight with an endless parade of maternity body-con outfits.
And then came Rihanna. She and partner A$AP Rocky announced their first pregnancy in February of 2022, in a series of photos showing the multi-hyphenate decked out in ripped jeans, bare-bump belly jewelry and a bright pink vintage Chanel puffer. From her first pregnancy look through the exciting reveal of baby number two at the 2023 Super Bowl, Rihanna’s bump and linea nigra were proudly on display, whether in a sheer, lingerie-inspired dress, low-slung pants, a bold red bodysuit or a silver mesh miniskirt and matching crop top. She broke every maternity fashion rule in the book—and enjoyed doing it.
Rihanna’s revival of maternity fashion has rippled out to other stars like Sienna Miller and Halle Bailey, who have already pushed the envelope in 2024. There’s more fun to come in 2024 with stunning looks from moms-to-be like Suki Waterhouse and Hilary Duff.
“Despite her changing shape, Suki Waterhouse has beautifully embodied her edgy, bohemian vibes without compromising her personal sense of style,” notes Jenny Greenstein, founder of Your Soul Style, a personal style coaching service. “What I admire about Suki and other pregnant women is their choice to embrace and flaunt their baby bump through clothing, often revealing a bit of skin. This choice not only celebrates their pregnancy, but also empowers women to confidently show their evolving bodies.”
Throughout the years, celebrities have helped influence and shape maternity wear trends; Rihanna didn’t single-handedly upend the industry. But her influence came at the right time and was further fueled by shifts in our cultural landscape. Changes in reproductive rights, growing momentum around body positivity, heightened interest in health and wellness, and increased awareness around consumption and waste are all impacting how moms-to-be dress.
Pregnancy’s physical changes—the burgeoning belly, the ballooning bustline, the widening hips—are no longer seen as something to hide. In fact, pregnant people are reclaiming them as signs of beauty and strength. “The pregnant body is a source of pride for a woman. I see this as a kind of modern femininity,” explains Yoo-Kyoung Seock, MS, PhD, a professor of textiles, merchandising and interiors at the University of Georgia.
Today’s trends also reflect pregnant people’s desire to be real about their journeys. “The complications and hard work the body does during pregnancy is now also more openly talked about,” says Melissa Tombro, MA, PhD, a professor of English and communication studies at the Fashion Institute of Technology. “Pregnant people are looking for ways to talk about miscarriage, bodily changes and mental health to receive the support they need. Fashion is a way to express that the dialogue is opening up and becoming more inclusive of all stages of this life-changing event.”
Amid a changing cultural landscape, it’s no wonder that maternity trends are shifting too. Here are 10 trends reshaping maternity style right now. Feel free to experiment—and, above all else, be true to yourself!
Luxe leisure
Maternity activewear has seen a surge in popularity, since it offers stylish and comfortable options whether you’re working out or staying in, says Stitch Fix M.O.M (Milestones of Motherhood) Stylist Gillian McHattie. When shopping for items like maternity leggings, make sure to take special note of functionality. “I love Beyond the Bump for a go-to legging that is sweat-proof and provides tummy support,” says McHattie.
Pro tip: With many people spending less in the current economy, they’re more conscious of what they buy during pregnancy. Ingrid & Isabel director of design Gabriella Tabak encourages moms-to-be to prioritize new pieces that look and feel relaxed, yet intentional. Sweater sets, lounge sets, leggings and roomy sweatshirts are staples that’ll stay stylish over the years (and throughout more than one pregnancy).
Two-piece matching sets
Sets have been on-trend for many years and will continue to stay strong for 2024, says Ingrid & Isabel designer Trina Do. Amid your most exhausting pregnancy symptoms, two-piece sets are easy to slip on for an effortlessly cool outfit.
Pro tip: When shopping for two-piece sets, choose ones that lend themselves to a versatile mix-and-match wardrobe. Matching sets can really give you a bang for your buck when you pair them with other wardrobe staples.
Bump-baring fits
Celebrities like Rihanna and Suki Waterhouse have brought the freedom of a bare bump into mainstream fashion. If you’ve previously steered clear of flashing your midsection, consider giving crop tops another look while pregnant. Layer your crop top with a blazer, coat or sweater for a look that works in cooler temps.
Pro tip: “If a bare belly feels too exposed, ease into this trend by embracing form-fitting styles like a stretchy knit dress or experiment with a body-hugging top that features side cutouts to offer a peek of your bump without feeling like you’re baring too much,” suggests McHattie.
Sustainable styles
Want to keep your consumption—and spending—in check? Wear your pre-pregnancy clothes for as long as possible, or shop your partner’s closet. Accommodate your growing baby bump with a zip-in panel that you can add to your favorite winter coat, or shop stretchy fabrics that will spring back after pregnancy.
Pro tip: If you’re planning to spring for new maternity items but want to minimize your impact, McHattie recommends choosing clothes made from organic fabrics or recycled materials for an eco-conscious yet comfy look.
Polished and effortless workwear
As more people return to their offices, many parents-to-be are finding themselves in need of polished, yet comfortable pieces for work. “Think soft trousers, an elevated ponte pant or a versatile top that works well for away-from-home pumping,” says Tabak.
Pro tip: When it comes to workwear, it’s a good idea to embrace “wardrobe builders”—aka versatile pieces you can wear in many different contexts. “The button-down shirt dress is a great example of an elevated staple that can be worn many ways,” says Do.
Metallics
Metallics are back with a bang in 2024, with bold silver dresses, statement bags and glimmering shoes stealing the show on the red carpet and beyond. “I really like the idea of integrating metal accessories into a maternity look, such as jewelry or footwear,” says Greenstein. “It makes it easier to effortlessly embrace the metallic trend without getting too caught up in the fit.”
Pro tip: Stick to neutral or pastel colors for the base of your clothing item, allowing the metallic accents to pop. Shop staple metallics like silver, gold and rose gold to get the most mileage out of your items.
Flowy summer dresses
Flowy summer dresses are a maternity style mainstay, and this year’s batch is all about light, breathable fabrics you can wear on multiple occasions. Consider cotton or bamboo fabrics for airy looks that won’t wrinkle or show sweat in hot temps.
Pro tip: Do and Tabak forecast a return of classic stripes and painterly florals for spring. The PinkBlush Maternity team also says floral is trending and suggests you grab these colorful designs in pretty pastels.
Denim everything
PinkBlush Maternity stylists say that this year, they expect to see moms-to-be flaunting stylish straight-leg jeans and chic denim dresses, combining comfort with contemporary fashion for a trendy maternity look.
Pro tip: Maternity jeans come in both under-bump and over-bump styles. Choose the one that feels most comfortable for you. Over-bump styles often provide additional support, while under-bump styles may feel more breathable.
One-and-done dressing
“Whether it’s a unitard, jumpsuit, or romper, one-piece dressing has made a big impact on pregnancy wardrobes everywhere,” says Do. “It’s easy to put an outfit together and looks cute at any stage!”
Pro tip: Opt for wrap dresses or jumpsuits with adjustable ties or belts. These styles allow you to customize the fit around your growing bump, providing comfort and versatility.
‘90s vibes
“White dresses, preppy vibes and ‘90’s sophistication—a la Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy—will add the cool factor to maternity fashion this upcoming season,” says Greenstein. “All you really need to accomplish ‘90s sophistication is a relaxed blazer, which, when worn open, can easily accommodate a growing bump.”
Pro tip: Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy frequently opted for monochromatic outfits, especially in neutral tones. Consider wearing all-black or all-white ensembles for a sleek and sophisticated look.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Trina Do is a designer at Ingrid & Isabel. The popular maternity brand is on a mission to reinvent maternity wear with styles that just work, whether you’re rocking a bump or not.
Jenny Greenstein is the founder of Your Soul Style, a personal style coaching service. A mother herself, she's particularly passionate about empowering moms through a unique combination of mindfulness and style.
Gillian McHattie is a Stitch Fix M.O.M (Milestones of Motherhood) stylist, with expertise in supporting the style needs of moms throughout every phase of motherhood.
Yoo-Kyoung Seock, MS, PhD, is a professor of textiles, merchandising and interiors at the University of Georgia.
Gabriella Tabak is the director of design at Ingrid & Isabel. The popular maternity brand is on a mission to reinvent maternity wear with styles that just work, whether you’re rocking a bump or not.
Melissa Tombro, MA, PhD, is a professor of English and communication studies at the Fashion Institute of Technology.
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