For the first time in a long time, it was not just the stylish frocks that made a statement at the Academy Awards, but the baby bumps underneath them. Actresses including Cate Blanchett, Natalie Portman, Salma Hayek, and Penélope Cruz walked the red carpet with noticeable pregnancies, and their choices in maternity wear signaled a shift in how expectant mothers dress for formal occasions..
Gone are the days of flowy muumuus and empire-waisted dresses. The new maternity red carpet style is all about embracing the bump, with form-fitting gowns that accentuate rather than hide the pregnant figure. Blanchett, who is pregnant with her fourth child, looked radiant in a fitted Armani Privé gown that cinched at the waist and flowed over her belly. Portman, who is expecting her second child, opted for a more bohemian look in a long, flowing Lanvin gown with a plunging neckline and empire waist. Hayek, who is pregnant with her first child at the age of 40, looked stunning in a form-fitting Gucci gown that hugged her curves. Cruz, who is pregnant with her second child, chose a simple but elegant black Versace gown that featured a plunging neckline and a fitted bodice..
The trend of pregnant actresses wearing stylish maternity wear on the red carpet is a welcome change from the past, when expectant mothers were often expected to hide their bumps under loose-fitting clothing. The new styles are not only more flattering, but they also send a positive message about embracing pregnancy and motherhood..
In addition to the actresses who walked the red carpet with visible baby bumps, there were also several pregnant stars who chose to keep their pregnancies private. Reese Witherspoon, who is expecting her third child, did not walk the red carpet, but she did attend the Vanity Fair Oscar party, where she showed off her growing belly in a fitted black dress. Jennifer Garner, who is pregnant with her third child, also skipped the red carpet, but she was spotted at the Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscar party, where she wore a flowing black gown that concealed her bump..
Whether they chose to show off their baby bumps or keep their pregnancies private, the pregnant stars at the Academy Awards all looked their best. The new trend of maternity red carpet style is a welcome change, and it is sure to continue in the years to come..
