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
Boiler suits are having a moment, but when Rihanna wore one during her 2023 Super Bowl halftime performance in February, she of course put her own twist on the trendy piece. She kept her fire-engine red suit unzipped to the waist — all the better to show off her big surprise: a second baby on the way. It was hard to miss that bump on display under her matching bodysuit. We didn't think she could top her first pregnancy reveal, but this nearly broke the internet that night.
Under Wraps
Just days before the Super Bowl, Rihanna participated in a press conference to talk about what would be her first live performance in nearly seven years. Little did we know she was hiding something special under her chic outfit. She wore a leather and shearling jacket that she held closed to strategically shield her midsection. She paired the jacket with a snakeskin print skirt and heels that laced up her legs. Her second pregnancy style game was already starting off strong.
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.
Not-So-Casual Stroll
Who could forget when paparazzi snapped Rihanna and A$AP Rocky out for what at first glance appeared to be a casual stroll in January 2022 — before everyone clocked something very different about RiRi. Turns out, the couple's winter walk was actually an epic pregnancy reveal. Rihanna wore a hot pink coat that she coyly left open to show off her baby bump, which was adorned with some colorful jewelry for the occasion.
Statement Coat
Stepping out to a restaurant in February 2022, Rihanna proved yet again that maternity style doesn't have to be matronly or boring. She looked absolutely fierce in this eclectic look which included a tie-front crop top, a patchwork denim-and-leopard-print coat, jeans, and a baseball cap. And there was that bump representing yet again!
Vogue Moment
Rihanna's first child hadn't even been born yet but was already gracing the cover of the fashion bible (in a photo snapped by Annie Leibovitz, no less). For its May 2022 issue, Vogue dressed our pregnant queen in a stunning red lace bodysuit and gloves by Alaïa — and you can just tell that Rihanna is absolutely feeling herself in this look.
Sheer Madness
When Paris Fashion Week got underway in March 2022, we thought the real fashion action was taking place on the runways. But it turns out, it was happening on the street, as Rihanna made her grand entrance at the Dior show dressed in this traffic-stopping, lingerie-inspired number. It takes some serious confidence to wear a daring outfit like this even when not pregnant, but Rihanna made it look easy. She owned the moment.
Fringe Benefits
Sure, this sultry ensemble was one false move away from a wardrobe malfunction but Rihanna was completely unbothered. Because she knew she looked like a pregnant goddess in it, with her belly draped in nothing but metallic green fringe. When it comes to redefining maternity style, this look is everything.
Blue Mood
We love a good catsuit moment, and it seems Rihanna does, too — but did we really think she was going to do it by the book? Not only did she wear one while pregnant, but her electric-blue style featured a round cutout on the front for her baby bump to peek through. What better accessory could you ask for?
Poppin' in Pink
During a night out in April 2022, Rihanna had everyone tickled pink by this adorable look featuring a bubblegum-pink bra top, matching ripped jeans, and a faux fur stole thrown over her shoulder. She fit right in with the Barbiecore trend sweeping Hollywood at the time.
