maternity clothes don’t have to be ugly—just ask rihanna
image credits (left to right): adrian edwards | gc images via getty images; getty images; north woods/backgrid; getty images; backgrid; rihanna/instagram; dutch, khrome/splash news/back
style tips, celeb inspo, and budget-friendly ways to slay your pregnancy fits.
if you’ve ever googled “cute maternity clothes” and been hit with a wall of beige basics and shapeless tunics… you’re not alone. but here’s the truth: you do not have to sacrifice your style just because you’re pregnant.
this week, rihanna pulled up to the cannes film festival 2025 in another jaw-dropping maternity look that reminded us all: maternity wear can be hot, bold, and fashion-forward—if you want it to be. from body-con dresses to low-rise jeans, riri has proven time and time again that you don’t need “maternity” labels to serve looks while pregnant.
and she’s not alone—meghan markle also famously stayed away from most traditional maternity wear during her pregnancies, opting for chic coats, elevated basics, and sleek silhouettes that worked with her bump, not against it.
so, how do you keep your fashion game strong while your body’s changing and you’re prepping for the arrival of a tiny human?
1. skip the maternity section (yes, really)
image credits: getty images
instead of investing in maternity-only pieces that you’ll wear for a few months, look for:
stretchy fabrics (ribbed knits, jersey dresses, wrap styles)
oversized blazers or button-ups you already own
dresses with ruching or tie-waists that grow with you
elastic-waist pants or skirts that sit below the bump
these are often more stylish—and more comfortable—than what you’ll find in most maternity departments.
2. swap, borrow, repeat
image credit: bonnee
let’s be honest: pregnancy is expensive. between medical bills, baby gear, and cravings that won’t quit, the last thing you need is to drop hundreds on a temporary wardrobe.
that’s where bonnee comes in.
bonnee is the clothing swap app where fashion lovers trade what they’re not wearing for something new-to-them—for free (just pay shipping). it’s the ultimate budget-friendly, sustainable, and community-driven way to update your wardrobe.
pregnancy is the perfect time to swap:
jeans that no longer fit for flowy dresses or stretchy skirts
fitted tops for oversized button-downs or trendy layering pieces
seasonal pieces for comfy, bump-friendly staples
plus, once you’re postpartum and your size starts shifting again? swap what doesn’t work anymore and get new fits without spending extra.
3. pull Inspo from the real maternity style icons
image credits: rihanna/instagram; karwai tang/getty images; dia dipasupil/getty images
we’re not talking about maternity brands (no shade). we’re talking about the women who made pregnancy fashionable:
rihanna: crop tops, sheer dresses, leather coats. her bump has been a bold accessory.
meghan markle: minimalist, royal-chic vibes with a focus on tailoring and classic silhouettes.
keke palmer: glamorous gowns, fitted bodysuits, and fearless color choices.
what do they all have in common? confidence. they wore what felt good, looked good, and reflected them—not what some outdated maternity aisle told them to wear.
4. it’s about your vibe
image credit: matelli graves/dts
pregnancy isn’t one-size-fits-all—and your style doesn’t have to be either. maybe you love romantic cottagecore dresses, or maybe you're a streetwear queen who wants to keep the fits coming.
the key is to dress for your comfort, your body, and your vibe.
whether you’re bumping around town in a knit maxi or throwing a blazer over a sports bra, own it.
tl;dr: you’re pregnant, not powerless
maternity clothes don’t have to be boring, beige, or a style sacrifice.
take a note from rihanna (and meghan), and use this chapter to explore your evolving fashion sense. with smart layering, bump-friendly silhouettes, and a little creativity, you can slay every trimester.
and when your wardrobe needs a refresh without blowing your baby budget?
bonnee’s got you. swap your way to stylish pregnancy fits—without spending a dime (except shipping).