Maternity style is no longer what it used to be

Dressing options for expectant moms became synonymous with modesty and women everywhere are eager to change that

If you try to trace the earliest evidence of maternity fashion, your screen will quickly fill up with sack-like tunics, frumpy frocks, giant bows and even corsets designed to hide growing bumps. This might leave you feeling both disturbed and deeply grateful for the much-needed shift that has been brought about of late by a host of celebrity women.

In recent times, we’ve witnessed countless pregnancy reveals that challenge convention–Beyoncé made history by turning to a thin veil and lingerie and Sonam Kapoor-Ahuja broke the news on Instagram donning a bump-hugging bodysuit. Of course, there’s Rihanna, whose announcement–featuring a hot pink jacket strategically unbuttoned to show off a bejeweled belly–was only a preview of the many rule-breaking looks she has sent our way since. The 34-year-old mogul has ventured out in bralettes, low-rise bottoms, catsuits with cutouts, mini dresses and sheer négligée, proving with each appearance that nothing is off limits when it comes to how expectant moms are dressing up. For those of you wondering what the new mandate on maternity style is–and if there even is one–we got designers and the women who are leading this change closer to home to chime in.

Dare to bare

Most mothers-to-be will tell you that they, on more occasions than one, have received unsolicited advice on what is deemed appropriate when it comes to their choice of attire, and very few of those opinions encourage the show of skin. Somewhere along the way, maternity style has become synonymous with modesty and women everywhere are eager to change that. “I hate that pregnant women are expected to look ‘cute’. I can't stand that word. I want to look sexy and beautiful,” says fashion entrepreneur Pernia Qureshi-Gilani who has embraced high hemlines, gauzy saris and styles that celebrate, not conceal, her bump. Style curator and new mom Antara Motiwala-Marwah is on the same page. “People make women feel really conscious about their bodies and their growing bellies with opinions like ‘it’s too tight’ or ‘don’t show your tummy’. You don’t have to turn up frumpy just because you have a huge belly. Pregnant women can be sexy, they can be bloody sexy,” says Motiwala-Marwah whose pregnancy style, which was partial to pieces like cycling shorts and PVC pants, mirrored this school of thought.

Embracing change

In addition to covering up, another unrealistic pressure placed on expecting mothers is to somehow appear slimmer. While the world is undeniably inching towards broader definitions of beauty, it’s still tainted with tokenism and a long way from where it needs to be. The magazines we flip through, the hoardings we pass by and the varied forms of content on Instagram routinely feed us expertly airbrushed images and tips on how to trick people into thinking that our bodies are different to what they really are. This unhelpful messaging can be hard to shake off. It often creeps into the closets of pregnant women, who find themselves seeking slimming silhouettes and shades. “Your body will change, so will your size, and that’s okay. Enjoy learning to adapt to that and sizing up. I was happy to see my growing belly and the changes in my body and my style kind of went with it,” says Motiwala-Marwah, highlighting that acceptance is key to acing pregnancy style. “If you accept the beauty of what your body is doing, the miracle it’s producing, your mindset changes from within and that shows on the outside,” she adds.

Getting personal

Acceptance can also involve coming to terms with a newfound love for comfort–it’s the one thing that every single woman we spoke to said they needed most during their pregnancy. They, however, were also quick to clarify that it never came at the cost of their personality. “My style surprisingly hasn't changed much. I did start focusing more on comfort but I don’t believe pregnant women should look comfortable to a point where they look shabby,” says Qureshi-Gilani.

Contrary to popular belief, pregnancy does not necessarily warrant a wardrobe overhaul. “A lot of the labels that I ended up wearing during my pregnancy were ones that I was wearing anyway. One of the myths about maternity style is that you have to change where you shop from,” shares mom and blogger behind The Image Code, Tina Kakkad-Dhanak, who found that the needs of expectant mothers are often better met by familiar labels with an adaptable aesthetic than those that specialise in maternity wear. Bhaane, a label that’s close to Kapoor-Ahuja, whose take on maternity fashion is much-awaited, stands as proof. “While we may not specifically venture into maternity wear, a lot of our clothes are very inclusive of various body types and comfort. You can mix and match things from our existing collection and make it work. Also, I believe maternity wear shouldn’t be trend-driven. It totally depends on the woman and is very subjective. There are no dos and don’ts. I’m loving how much fun the new moms-to-be are having,” says Nimish Shah, Creative Director, Bhaane, leading us to a message as powerful as what Rihanna has been sending out with her bold outfit choices. By dressing her bump in pieces that wouldn’t have felt out of place in her pre-pregnancy wardrobe, she is establishing that your personal style can, and should persevere through your pregnancy.

“Honour yourself, who you were before you became a mom, who you feel yourself becoming and go with your gut. If comfort is important, then do that, if a day demands style, then do that but do it for yourself and not because it’s expected of you. It shouldn’t seem like you’re suddenly wearing someone else’s wardrobe. Your own individual style should always continue,” says Motiwala-Marwah, urging women to tune out the opinions of others and tap into their instinct.

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