Rewriting the mom dress-code: Here's how you can ace maternity clothing

Rihanna combines streetwear with luxe accents. Pics/Getty Images

Browse through the maternity aisle of any clothing store and you're likely to find rows upon rows of loose overalls, billowing frocks and stretchy sweatpants. But when you're Rihanna, none of those rules apply. The singer and beauty mogul has added her own unique twist to her pregnancy style by selecting ensembles that don't conceal, subdue or even completely cover her bump, but embrace and celebrate it in all its glory. While public opinion online has been divided, with many decrying her wardrobe choices as being too racy, too tight, too short, and altogether not becoming of an expecting mother, the vast majority has cited her as an inspiration for doing things differently. Closer home, Sanjana Rishi, an attorney and entrepreneur, decided to throw convention to the wind while dressing her bump. From low-slung sarees paired with cropped blouses and oversized blazers to street-inspired biker short ensembles, she also proved that there's no reason to let your pregnancy cramp your style, if you are so inspired.

According to fashion designer Sanjana Bubber, Rihanna's take is symbolic of a wider shift towards accepting and normalising women's bodies in all their shapes and sizes. "Pregnancy causes a number of changes to the body. And, for some women, these can be difficult for them to accept. By refusing to hide her body under layers of fabric, Rihanna is making a strong statement on acceptance - even women who aren't pregnant can, perhaps, be inspired by her to dress the way they want to, without worrying about whether their body looks a certain way or what people will make of them," she elaborates. For those keen to emulate aspects of this aesthetic, Bubber lays down a few basic guidelines.

Sanjana Rishi's maternity style has an indie touch. Pics/Instagram

Focus on silhouette

"When layering your outfits, stick to tighter silhouettes for your inner layers and then add a puffy or oversized outer layer to balance the look. For instance, you could wear a jacket over a crop top and leave the buttons undone so the outermost layer frames your bump," says Bubber. She adds that a combination of tight and loose layers can help expectant moms to highlight only those areas they are comfortable with. There's also the added benefit of re-wearability, she points out. In that, you can easily continue wearing the stylish and deliberately oversized jackets or blazers even post your pregnancy.

Stick to monotone

A common element underlying most of Rihanna's and Rishi's pregnancy looks is their emphasis on monotone or wearing the same colour from head to toe. This, Bubber explains, can elongate your body, while also muting the overall outfit to make the bump the focal point of the look. Make sure to wear accessories, she adds, to add even more visual interest. "Pregnancy fashion should be an extension of your everyday style. It's not practical or even comfortable to advise expectant moms to pull off over-the-top glamourous looks every day. However, they can still dress up their comfort-wear with accessories," she says.

Sanjana Bubber

Invest wisely

"Many expectant mothers will succumb to the fallacy of having to invest in a whole new wardrobe. While certain essentials, such as pants with elasticated waists, can be easier to wear, they can easily pair these with other elements they normally wear. Crop tops, sarees, blazers and shirts, for example, can still find a place in your maternity style," Bubber explains. In fact, as many observers have pointed out, Rihanna too has been dipping into her regular wardrobe for her off-duty looks, reaching for outfits with slightly roomier fronts.