Why Maternity Styles Are Changing

Celebrities didn’t single-handedly upend maternity style. But their influence came at the right time and was further fueled by shifts in our cultural landscape. Broader cultural shifts around reproductive rights, body positivity, health and wellness, and less mindless consumption have all reshaped how moms-to-be think about getting dressed.

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.

One of the most interesting developments in maternity fashion in the past decade? Styles that mirror mainstream fashion aren’t just for celebrities, “Expecting moms can now access the same trends seen in ready-to-wear,” she adds. Whether you’re taking a page out of the broader fashion world or leaning into specific

Maternity trends, feel free to experiment with these exciting on-trend styles.

Image: Rachpoot/Bauer-Griffin | Getty Images

Expanding silhouettes

Look for wide-leg or flared styles with a soft knit waistband, side stretch panels, or an over‑the‑bump panel so nothing digs in, suggests. Balance the volume on the bottom with either a more fitted top or a structured layer—think a crisp button-down worn open, a cropped cardigan, or a blazer you don’t need to button.

Image: Telemundo | Getty Images

Center-stage bumps

Style experts agree that playing up the bump is a trend that isn’t going anywhere. While Rihanna helped bring the bare bump into the mainstream, today’s maternity style offers plenty of ways to put the belly front and center without fully baring it. Wrap silhouettes, empire waists, and strategic side ruching draw the eye upward and create clean, flattering lines that celebrate the bump rather than conceal it, says. “Whether you’re wearing a cropped top or a partially buttoned shirt, bumps are viewed more like an accessory versus something to hide,” notes Hamula.

Ready to lean all the way in? Follow the same styling rules as any accessory edit: Invest in one standout piece, then balance it with a few everyday basics.

Image: Claude Yao Sahi/Johnny Nunez | Getty Images

Dimensional romance

Love will be big in 2026. Interest in “romantic” styles has increased nearly seven times among women, and mentions of puff sleeves are up more than 90 percent, Stitch Fix reports. “Expect lace, velvet, and saturated jewel tones to come to the forefront for events and date nights like Valentine’s Day coming up,” Don’t save the romance just for special occasions, though. “Softer, moodier details add texture while still offering comfort and flexibility throughout pregnancy,” she adds.

Pro tip: If you love the romantic look but don’t want to feel overwhelmed by fabric, encourage moms to choose one bold detail—a puff sleeve, a dark floral, or a velvet texture—and let that be the star.

Image: Danielle Del Valle, MICHAEL TRAN | Getty Images

 

Retro aesthetics

If you’ve been feeling nostalgic for a time gone by, you’re not alone. “Clients are loving midcentury silhouettes and timeless tailoring, with requests for ‘polka dot’ items having surged 175 percent while sales of structured jackets are up by more than 30 percent, Tap into the vintage-inspired aesthetic while keeping things current with the help of timeless prints such as polka dots, stripes, and animal patterns,” says Hamula.

Image: The Hapa Blonde | Getty Images

Sizing up

Amid economic and environmental concerns, not everyone’s springing for new pregnancy looks. “I’ve been observing that most people—celebrity or not—refuse to buy maternity clothes during their pregnancy, and that’s what’s going to happen in 2026 as well,” says Varkki. “Clients spend 60 percent less on pregnancy wardrobes than they did three years ago. They’re buying men’s shirting, sizing up in Zara, and wearing the same bodysuits through month 9 and postpartum.”

Pro tip: Make the most of repurposing closet favorites by splurging on a few key pieces. “Invest in a good mix of maternity staples that can last you through all trimesters. Try mixing in pieces you already own so you don’t have to overhaul your entire wardrobe. Sprinkle in a few fashion pieces, and you’ll be set,” says curvy-faja.