Over the last decade, we’ve witnessed something of a revolution in pregnancy dressing, with a new generation of A-listers, fashion industry types and style-conscious women genereally challenging the many outdated tropes that still persist around it. Muumuus are out, sheer fabrics and directional silhouettes are in. No one personifies this shift better than Rhianna, who, in her pregnancies (past and current) has always maintained her distinctive sense of style, and built many-a scene-stealing red-carpet outfit around her bump. Who could forget the leather and mesh Alaïa dress she wore to the 2023 Oscars? She throughly debunked the notion that a baby bump is something to be “covered up”.
I have lost count of the number of editors I’ve witnessed navigating their pregnancy style with unwavering swagger in the Vogue office, many of whom found clever ways to adapt the non-pregnancy pieces already in their wardrobes. Yet, there is one person in particular whom I would consider to be Condé Nast’s very own Rhianna, and that is Glamour’s European fashion editor, Londiwe Ncube.
Whether she’s rocking a colourful Christopher John Rogers jersey dress at London Fashion Week or making a cup of tea in the office kitchen in Adidas trackies and a Miu Miu polo, her looks never fail to deliver – the fact that she stepped it up even further during her recent pregnancy is further testament to her styling prowess. In the interests of public service, I grilled Ncube about all things pregnancy dressing and personal style. Scroll down to read her top tips.
Courtesy of Londiwe Ncube.
Courtesy of Londiwe Ncube.
Did you have any preconceptions around pregnancy dressing before you got pregnant?
I thought it looked quite frumpy and so mundane. I was really dreading those stretchy pregnancy jeans, and I knew classic maternity wear would not be for me. I also resent the idea of having to buy a whole new wardrobe for nine months that doesn’t necessarily speak to my personal style and would not be re-worn.
Courtesy of Londiwe Ncube.
Courtesy of Londiwe Ncube.
How do you think society’s attitude to what pregnant women should wear has changed?
I think there’s been a real reset in the way we view pregnancy, not just as a medical chapter but as part of life. Women are staying active, working, travelling, showing up as themselves throughout, and their wardrobes have naturally followed suit. My mum, for example, had a completely different pregnancy experience, it was restricted to traditional expectations, and she often comments on the joy she feels seeing me bump out – wearing what I choose.
I also think there’s a shift away from the more boxed-in ideas of how pregnant women should dress, and maternity wear has started to expand beyond practicality into something expressive and individual. I think people are definitely far more open to how women choose to present their bumps. Showing skin or baring the bump doesn’t feel taboo anymore, but more like a celebration.
Courtesy of Londiwe Ncube.
Courtesy of Londiwe Ncube.
What are your top tips for navigating personal style when pregnant?
Lean into the changes. Pregnancy shifts your body in ways that are powerful and beautiful, and your style can move with that. I found new ways to wear my favourite pieces rather than overhauling everything. And when it feels right, especially in that glorious second trimester, let yourself embrace a sense of play and expression. I also love drawing inspiration before heading into something, and pregnancy style was no different. For my first, I created a Pinterest board full of pregnancy style looks – this will get you excited about dressing your bump.
Courtesy of Londiwe Ncube.
Courtesy of Londiwe Ncube.
What pieces or outfit pairings have you relied on most during your pregnancies?
I lived in vintage Levi’s, Haikure and Dala denim worn low and loose, the wide fit balanced my bump beautifully through all trimesters. I also leaned into oversized vintage tailoring for work, layered over good basics like fitted vests and supportive bras. I felt my best in vintage finds with a bit of stretch, like a beautiful JPG dress from Los Feliz Vintage. Anything with a front double zip or buttons that I could leave slightly undone became my go-to, it gave me a sense of freedom and made dressing up more fun rather than restrictive.
I remember eyeing up all these Ksenia Schnaider pieces but I thought I’d have to wait until after the baby to enjoy her designs, but I’m so glad I didn’t. There’s so much playfulness and personality in the cuts, and that made me feel like myself. Pregnancy doesn’t mean pressing pause on your personal style.
Courtesy of Londiwe Ncube.
Courtesy of Londiwe Ncube.
What are your thoughts on buying pregnancy-specific clothing vs adapting your pre-existing wardrobe?
I naturally lean into oversized dressing, so I know everyone’s wardrobe will adapt differently to a growing bump. But I’d always recommend starting there before buying anything new. It keeps you anchored in your own style at a time when so much else is changing, and it’s the more conscious, considered choice. Not every piece will work (and that’s okay), but you’ll be surprised how much can be adapted with clever tweaks and layering. A great maternity bra is non-negotiable though – you can’t compromise on this!
Courtesy of Londiwe Ncube.
Courtesy of Londiwe Ncube.
Who are your pregnancy dressing pin-ups?
Rihanna, of course, for completely shifting the narrative, but also mamas like Cynthia Cervantes, Veneda Carter and ’90s Lauryn Hill!
