Maternity fashion trends have shifted dramatically over the last decade as celebrities redefine what it means to dress during pregnancy. Waiting until late February 2026 to share more of her personal wardrobe choices, Hailee Steinfeld offered insight into how she has been styling her new silhouette by drawing inspiration from iconic looks put forth by Rihanna and other bold fashion voices.
This focus on comfort first and expressive detailing places Steinfeld at the center of a broader conversation about how motherhood shapes everyday dressing. The outfits she shared position her as another high-profile figure helping push maternity style away from purely utilitarian garments and toward expressive, trend-forward ensembles.
The Shift in Celebrity Maternity Style
Traditionally, maternity wear was defined by soft silhouettes and loose fabrics designed to ease the changes of pregnancy. Over recent years, however, several high-profile celebrities have made headlines for wearing unexpected pieces while expecting, turning maternity clothing into a talking point in mainstream fashion. Rihanna's approach is emblematic of this change. During her pregnancies, she mixed tailored elements with casual staples and statement pieces, such as pairing oversized track pants with a tutu top or wearing unbuttoned baggy jeans with a cropped tee, underlining a willingness to own the bump unapologetically.
Steinfeld's choices fit into this expanding definition of pregnancy dressing. Rather than hiding changes in body shape, these outfits highlight confidence, texture and unexpected silhouettes.
Inside Hailee Steinfeld's Maternity Wardrobe
In her February 25, 2026 Substack post on Beau Society, Steinfeld detailed what she has "actually been wearing during pregnancy," charting a progression from oversized and layered looks appropriate for winter weather to more fitted and intentional outfits. Early in her pregnancy, large sweaters and outerwear dominated her wardrobe, which she described as practical for staying warm.
A standout piece was a striped sweater from a contemporary label that highlighted her bump when paired with low-rise denim. The jeans she chose are noteworthy because the brand behind them has also been a repeated choice for Rihanna through several pregnancies, forming a connective thread between Steinfeld's maternity style and the broader celebrity fashion landscape.
Steinfeld's styling choices also nodded to current trends like sock-and-loafer combinations, elastic-waist alternative pants that still look tailored, and even revisiting pre-pregnancy dresses that work with a changing body.
Key Pieces in Her Exact Shopping List
Based on Steinfeld's own shared images and wardrobe notes, her maternity closet features a curated list of pieces that blend comfort and contemporary style:
- Bump-Hugging Knitwear: Sweaters that hit at just the right point on the belly to create an intentional shape without constricting.
- Denim with Intentional Sits: Low-rise straight-leg jeans that could be worn unbuttoned for comfort but paired with structured tops for polish.
- Polished Loafers and Socks: Ribbed socks worn with classic loafers, highlighting a layering trend that continues to appear in street style.
- Elastic-Waist Tailored Pants: Alternatives to denim that maintain a polished silhouette while accommodating a growing belly.
- Versatile Maxi Dresses: Soft, stretchy dress fabrics that can double as everyday wear and slightly elevated pieces for social settings.
These items illustrate how maternity fashion trends can balance comfort and fashion influence without resorting solely to traditional maternity silhouettes.
How Comfort and Expression Coexist in Modern Pregnancy Dressing
The evolving nature of celebrity style during pregnancy has created a template for people seeking inspiration beyond typical maternity aisles. Figures like Steinfeld show that combining wardrobe staples with trend-aware choices can yield outfits that feel authentic to the wearer's personal aesthetic. At the same time, the influence of names like Rihanna underscores how wearing classic or statement fashion pieces can bring a fresh perspective to maternity dressing.
This shift in maternity fashion trends reflects wider cultural changes in how pregnancy and style intersect. Clothes that emphasize self-expression, adaptability and a strong sense of personal identity are increasingly central to how expectant individuals curate their wardrobes.
Why This Matters for Everyday Fashion Fans
Steinfeld's wardrobe selections provide a relevant example for people interested in affordable, wearable versions of celebrity style. Her choices demonstrate the value of mixing familiar garments with curated trend pieces to create outfits that feel timely without sacrificing practicality.
Even as maternity lines continue to expand, looking to celebrity style moments can offer fresh ideas on how to tailor familiar items for new needs. From knitwear that celebrates the bump to pants that adapt to daily life, these looks highlight how fashion can evolve with life changes rather than retreat from them.
Maternity Fashion Trends to Take Away
Whether inspired by Steinfeld's curated wardrobe or Rihanna's bold expressions, current maternity fashion embraces individuality. These examples show how trend awareness and personal comfort coalesce in outfits that reflect both lifestyle shifts and larger currents in contemporary style. Exploring these narratives reveals that maternity fashion trends are no longer niche but part of a broader dialogue about identity, confidence and creativity in dressing during pregnancy.
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