Baby, oh, baby, show us a woman who still thinks style has to suffer during pregnancy, and it’s a pretty safe bet that she hasn’t been keeping an eye on red carpet mamas.
Today’s moms-to-be are looking just as lovely with growing baby bumps as they do pre- and post-pregnancy, thanks to smart styling, fresh fashions and the confidence to show off those beautiful bulging bellies and newly formed curves.
Here are 12 celebs that truly glowed during their pregnancies. Say it with us, now: mama mia!
1Natalie Portman
Natalie Portman took home the Best Actress Oscar in February for “Black Swan,” but she also won best dressed honors from many fashion critics, pregnant and all. Dressed in a violet Rodarte gown that draped beautifully over her bump, Portman added long fringe earrings that drew attention to her glowing face.
2Cate Blanchett
“Cate Blanchett is Hollywood royalty from her acting to her style,” says celebrity stylist Elle Werlin, who has worked with Jessica Szohr, Emma Stone, Jane Krakowski, Mary Louise Parker and Beyonce, among others. “She looks radiant in this deep purple Dries Van Noten silk gown with an art deco clear green crystal embellishment around the neckline and florals scattered throughout the skirt.”
“Beaded necklines are a beautiful way to accentuate one’s glow of pregnancy, drawing the eye to the face and neckline,” Werlin adds of the look Blanchett wore while pregnant at the 2008 Academy Awards. “Also, chandelier earrings are a fantastic way to sparkle through pregnancy— always drawing the eye to one’s radiant glow, rather than growing curves.”
3Angelia Jolie
Excellent arm candy aside, Angelina Jolie did caftan-chic when she wore this Reem Acra floor-sweeping number to the Cannes Film Festival in 2008, while pregnant with her twins. The embellished neckline and sparkly earrings bring attention to her face, while the shape of the caftan helped spark a trend for non-maternity style-seekers, too.
4Halle Berry
We’re guessing there aren’t too many women out there who wouldn’t be thrilled to look as amazing as actress Halle Berry appeared in this Temperley Resort dress, pregnant or not. Attending the Palm Springs Film Festival back in 2008, while pregnant with her daughter, Nahla, Berry’s short, swingy, loose frock flattered her baby bump while showing off her unbelievable legs. How’s that for a hot, haute mama?
5Heidi Klum
Sometimes, life just isn’t fair. Take Heidi Klum. How does the mom of four stay so stylish, fashion-forward and red carpet-ready? Did we mention she has four kids? Well, for one, she knows how to dress her A-list body. This silver metallic Michael Kors mini is flirty, fun and, yes, very sexy.
“Don’t be afraid to show some skin,” says style expert Lindsay Albanese, who has dressed stars including Maria Menounos, Paula Abdul and Fran Drescher and styled for TV shows such as “American Idol,” “Access Hollywood” and “Today.” “And don’t be scared of trends, sparkle or shine. If you’re nervous about the belly looking bigger than it is, choose dresses that fit smooth around the belly—like Heidi’s—and keep the ruffles, gathering or pleats to other areas. Embrace your favorite body parts and show them off.”
6Jennifer Lopez
“Jennifer Lopez looks flawless in this one-shoulder, pleated, white silk gown,” celebrity stylist Elle Werlin says of the Versace Resort stunner Lopez wore while pregnant with twins to the 2007 Movies Rock event.
“What makes this look fabulous is the detailing, starting with the asymmetrical strap, which is great when one is pregnant because it automatically draws the eye up to the face, rather than down to the silhouette.
Also, the subtle detailing of the horizontal ruching on the bust and the vertical pleating on the skirt create optical illusions, elongating the silhouette and creating a gorgeous statuesque look. Always stick with solids when you want to elongate the silhouette when pregnant.”
7Amy Adams
Pulling off a pretty, polished and totally enviable look while you’re pregnant isn’t easy, but actress Amy Adams made it look effortless last year as she arrived for a “Late Show with David Letterman” appearance. We’d wear her soft gray belted coat, Louis Vuitton scarf and peep-toe Louboutins any day—with or without belly.
8Gwen Stefani
“Gwen Stefani is known for her rocker chic style and she rocked it perfectly during her pregnancies with flowy gowns like this one-shoulder leopard print dress,” celebrity stylist Elle Werlin says of the L.A.M.B. gown the singer/fashion designer wore to the 2006 Grammy Awards. “The one shoulder and detailing under the bust draws the eye upward, focusing the attention on her glowing face and the unique bold-print of her dress. The flowy fabric makes this dress drape perfectly, showing off her bump, but not accentuating it. And her accessories always help add that rocker edge like with these stacked gold bangles.”
9Christina Applegate
Sometimes, figuring out what to wear when your bump is just starting to pop can be even trickier than when you’re nearing your due date, but actress Christina Applegate showed us how it’s done when she was expecting her first baby at the premiere of “Cats & Dogs: The Revenge Of Kitty Galore” in 2010.
“Work around the growing belly,” style expert Lindsay Albanese advises. “Fashion trends are so accessory-crazed these days with belts, scarves, jewelry and layering, the ideas are endless. When in doubt, a basic, all-black, go-to outfit like this can be your foundation, and you can switch it up with fun accessories that suit your personal style. Jeggings and leggings have a lot of stretch and can easily be worn day or night. It would be worth it to spend a few extra bucks on a pair with a rayon/nylon/spandex combo in them so they keep their dark color and shape. Also, a worthy splurge is a great pair of maternity jeans.”
10Jessica Alba
Pregnant and wearing polka dots? Yes, please. Actress Jessica Alba looked every bit the shining star in this celestial-dotted Dolce & Gabbana maxi dress at the premiere of “Spy Kids: All The Time In The World 4D” in July 2011. Go ahead and gaze at the figure-flattering halter neck and empire waist. Maternity fashion never looked so heavenly.
11Sarah Jessica Parker
If anyone could prove being pregnant can be both sexy and fashionable, it would be “Sex and the City” star Sarah Jessica Parker. The actress just made it look so easy in this pale, pale pink Narcisco Rodriguez empire cocktail dress worn at the premiere of the HBO series’ fifth season back in 2002. And, just like her character, Carrie Bradshaw, Parker is rocking some serious shoes. Just because your belly is big, doesn’t mean your footwear needs to suffer.
12Paula Patton
When actress Paula Patton wore this bright orange fitted Carolina Herrera number to the 2010 Academy Awards, we were wowed at the way it showed off her pregnant shape.
“Just go for it,” style expert Lindsay Albanese says. “Bright, saturated colors are a huge trend, and there’s no reason you shouldn’t be a part of it if you’re pregnant. I suggest anything scoop or V-neck to elongate the figure if that’s what you’re worried about.”
