Throughout Rihanna's pregnancy with her son in 2022, fans couldn't get enough of her parade of boundary-pushing "maternity" outfits. Every time she stepped out, she seemed to bust yet another supposed rule or norm about what women should wear while expecting. The headlines were filled with declarations that she was single-handedly giving maternity fashion a rebrand. And less than a year later, she's doing it all over again as she awaits the arrival of her second child with partner A$AP Rocky.
Like with her first go-around, Rihanna's pregnancy style continues to be defined more by what she's not wearing than what she is. She's not hiding her belly under oversize tops and tent dresses or pulling on maternity jeans with stretchy waistbands. Instead, she's proudly baring her naked bump every chance she gets and reaching for the same kind of sexy clothes she's always worn, including tiny crop tops, low-rise jeans, and even lingerie.
The 35-year-old singer has admitted in interviews that she doesn't want to buy conventional maternity clothes; she wants to be "rebellious" and challenge herself to experiment and get creative with dressing her pregnant figure.
"I'm hoping that we're able to redefine what's considered 'decent' for pregnant women," she told Vogue in April. "My body is doing incredible things right now, and I'm not going to be ashamed of that. This time should feel celebratory. Because why should you be hiding your pregnancy?"
And looking at all of the outfits that Rihanna has rocked so far while expecting her two babies, it really does feel like one big celebration: of the beauty, power, and wonder of the pregnant body. So it's not surprising that people everywhere are cheering her on as she challenges the assumption that expectant women need to dress modestly and cover up their changing body.
Here are 15 times when Rihanna broke all the rules with her edgy maternity looks.
Super Bowl Surprise
California Cool
In March 2023, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky stepped out for a little shopping in Los Angeles. The singer served up some serious ’90s nostalgia in a striped rugby shirt, baggy jeans, and classic Timberland boots. Always shaking things up, she wore her shirt cropped, baring her growing belly. We love how comfortable and relaxed she looks.
The White Queen
Rihanna looked positively regal at an April 2022 event for Fenty Beauty, dressed in this all-white outfit. She kept her bump covered but still made it the focal point with a figure-hugging turtleneck top. Throwing a white denim jacket overtop gave her classic look that signature cool factor we’ve come to expect from the “Umbrella” singer.
Oscars Night, Part One
Leave it to Rihanna to put on her own mini fashion show at the 2023 Academy Awards, modeling three different looks throughout the night. For her red carpet arrival, she slayed in a sleek Alaïa ensemble composed of a brown leather bralette layered over a sheer mesh turtleneck top that put her baby bump on display. She finished off the look with a leather skirt featuring thigh cutouts and a dramatic train. But she wasn’t done yet …
Oscars Night, Part Two
Later in the evening, Rihanna took the stage to perform her Black Panther: Wakanda Forever hit, “Lift Me Up” (which earned her her first-ever Oscar nomination for Best Original Song). She dazzled in a black bra top decorated with a curtain of glittery crystals, paired with black pants featuring a golden floral print. She accessorized the look — custom-made for her by Maison Margiela by John Galliano — with black gloves and some serious bling, including a collection of diamond necklaces.
Oscars Night, Part Three
For her third outfit change of the night, Rihanna slipped into this dreamy seafoam green look by Bottega Veneta, featuring an off-the-shoulder silk bustier and matching skirt, a shearling stole, and gloves. The unique color gave it a hint of retro charm while still feeling fresh and edgy, true to our RiRi.
Silver Siren
During her first pregnancy with her son, Rihanna once again celebrated her beautiful bump at an event for her Fenty Beauty brand. Her glam silver look — complete with a crisscross halter top and glittery column skirt — and her high ponytail were serving I Dream of Jeannie vibes. She even accessorized her bump with a delicate diamond chain.
