The Death of the Maternity Gown: How Skinny Jeans & Sharp Footwear Redefined 2014 Pregnancy Style

Between 2013 and 2014, a significant shift occurred on the streets of Los Angeles: the “red carpet” maternity gown was replaced by the high-fashion skinny jean.

As denim technology evolved to include multi-way stretch and discreet elastic paneling, Hollywood’s most photographed women began proving that pregnancy didn’t require sacrificing a sleek silhouette or a favorite pair of shoes.

Celebrity moms step out in stylish maternity jeans, showing how stretch denim and sleek silhouettes can keep pregnancy fashion both comfortable and polished (Credit: Owen Beiny / Nikki Nelson / SIPA / WENN)

This era redefined maternity style, moving away from oversized smocks toward “functional chic” denim and leather.

Below, we look back at the most influential maternity denim moments from this period, analyzing how stars like Kim Kardashian and Gwen Stefani paired their growing bumps with everything from distressed skinnies to daring footwear.

Teresa Palmer: Effortlessly Chic in Skinny Maternity Jeans

During her 2014 pregnancy in Los Angeles, Teresa Palmer became a prime example of how to maintain a sleek silhouette without sacrificing comfort.

Choosing a pair of super-slim J Brand jeans, she showcased how the era’s denim innovation—specifically the discreet elastic paneling at the pockets—allowed the fabric to expand while keeping the legs tapered.

This tailored look provided the perfect foundation for her footwear, ensuring the hemline sat cleanly above her shoes rather than bunching, a common challenge with traditional maternity cuts.

Teresa Palmer keeps her maternity look effortlessly chic in super-slim J Brand maternity jeans, pairing the stretchy denim with a striped tee, black beanie, and pointed black flats while out in Los Angeles on January 10, 2014 (Credit: Owen Beiny / Nikki Nelson / SIPA / WENN)

Olivia Wilde was another standout example of maintaining a personal edge during pregnancy, leaning into a relaxed, grunge-inspired aesthetic in early 2014.

Rather than switching to traditional maternity trousers, she stayed true to her signature off-duty style in distressed skinny jeans.

Olivia Wilde: Grunge Style With Distressed Maternity Jeans

In total contrast to flaunting her burgeoning baby bump in a sexy, tight-fitting blue David Koma dress on the red carpet, the actress stepped out in American Eagle skinny jeans in a light destroyed vintage wash, pairing the worn-in denim with a loose vintage MTV T-shirt that softly traced the curve of her growing baby bump.

Olivia Wilde flaunts her baby bump in a vintage MTV T-shirt and skinny jeans during a casual outing

She finished the casual Los Angeles look with rugged H by Hudson “Encke” ankle boots, a Proenza Schouler PS1 bag, and Ray-Ban RB3025 aviator sunglasses—proving that textured denim and laid-back styling can feel effortlessly cool even during pregnancy.

A few months earlier, she wore the same boots with an A.L.C. striped short-sleeve drape skirt dress.

Olivia Wilde channels laid-back grunge maternity style in distressed skinny jeans, a loose MTV graphic tee, aviator sunglasses, and brown ankle boots while out in Los Angeles on January 6, 2014 (Credit: Cousart / JFXimages / WENN)

Emily Blunt: Relaxed and Trendy in Ripped Maternity Jeans

During her 2014 pregnancy, Emily Blunt became a staple of “off-duty” maternity style in Los Angeles, proving that skinny jeans could be as practical for running errands as they are for a polished day look.

By opting for medium-wash denim with significant stretch, she maintained a streamlined silhouette that transitioned seamlessly from casual morning shopping to more structured afternoon outings.

This “relaxed-meets-refined” approach allowed her to experiment with various footwear, from flat leather boots to comfortable sneakers, without losing the tailored feel of her ensemble.

Emily Blunt keeps her maternity style effortlessly relaxed in skinny jeans and a loose black tee, finishing the casual Los Angeles shopping look with tan ballet flats and oversized sunglasses on January 7, 2014 (Credit: Owen Beiny / Nikki Nelson / SIPA / WENN)

Gwen Stefani: Bold and Stylish in Leather Maternity Pants

In late 2013, Gwen Stefani pushed the boundaries of traditional maternity wear in downtown Los Angeles by swapping classic denim for black leather skinny jeans. By integrating high-octane textures into her pregnancy wardrobe, she proved that “edgy” and “maternal” were not mutually exclusive.

This choice of sleek, light-reflective leather provided a sharp contrast to softer maternity layers and served as the perfect anchor for her signature bold footwear—often elevated boots or high-top sneakers—maintaining her iconic rock-star aesthetic through her third trimester.

Gwen Stefani showcases edgy maternity style in leather skinny jeans, lace-up combat boots, and an oversized military-inspired coat while out in downtown Los Angeles on December 21, 2013 (Credit: Owen Beiny / Nikki Nelson / SIPA / WENN)

Kristin Cavallari: Sleek and Modern in Black Maternity Pants

In November 2013, Kristin Cavallari demonstrated the power of monochromatic maternity styling on the streets of Beverly Hills. Opting for a sleek, all-black ensemble centered around leather trousers, she utilized a “column of color” to create a streamlined, modern silhouette.

This approach proved that leather wasn’t just for rock-star aesthetics like Gwen Stefani’s; in a matte or polished finish, it could serve as a sophisticated alternative to denim. By keeping her pants slim and dark, she drew focus to her choice of footwear, often pairing the look with pointed-toe flats or ankle boots to maintain a high-fashion edge throughout her second trimester.

Kristin Cavallari steps out in Beverly Hills with a sleek all-black maternity look, pairing leather skinny pants and a ribbed turtleneck sweater with pointed-toe black pumps on November 20, 2013 (Credit: Owen Beiny / Nikki Nelson / SIPA / WENN)

Kendra Wilkinson: Casual Comfort in Classic Maternity Jeans

For the November 2013 world premiere of Frozen in Hollywood, Kendra Wilkinson made a definitive case for high-low maternity dressing. By choosing classic blue skinny jeans for a red-carpet appearance, she leaned into a more accessible, “girl-next-door” aesthetic that was gaining popularity at the time.

This relaxed denim choice served as a neutral canvas for her footwear—typically a pair of statement heels or wedges to elevate the casual pants for the cameras. Her styling demonstrated that even at high-profile events, the right cut of maternity denim could offer both the support needed for a growing bump and a polished, photogenic finish.

Kendra Wilkinson cradles her baby bump at the Frozen world premiere in Hollywood, pairing black skinny maternity jeans with a green ombré top and beige peep-toe platform heels on November 20, 2013 (Credit: Owen Beiny / Nikki Nelson / SIPA / WENN)

Lauren Silverman: Sophisticated Simplicity in Classic Maternity Jeans

In October 2013, Lauren Silverman provided a masterclass in “elevated basics” during a Beverly Hills outing. By pairing a crisp white knit with classic indigo maternity skinny jeans, she created a clean, sophisticated canvas that allowed her footwear to take center stage.

Her choice of red two-strap sandals added a deliberate pop of color, proving that even a casual grocery run can be a high-fashion moment with the right shoe. This silhouette—slim denim anchored by a minimalist, vibrant sandal—remains a timeless formula for maternity styling, emphasizing comfort without sacrificing a polished, high-contrast aesthetic.

Lauren Silverman steps out in Beverly Hills with Simon Cowell, pairing distressed skinny maternity jeans and a loose knit sweater with red ankle-strap sandals for a relaxed yet polished pregnancy look on October 27, 2013 (Credit: Owen Beiny / Nikki Nelson / SIPA / WENN)

Rachel Zoe: Glamorous and Flared Maternity Jeans

No retrospective on maternity denim would be complete without Rachel Zoe’s influence. While much of 2013 and 2014 was dominated by the skinny silhouette, Zoe remained a staunch advocate for the flared maternity jean.

This “boho-chic” staple, which she famously championed throughout both of her pregnancies in Los Angeles, offered a dramatic alternative to the tapered look.

The wide leg of a flare provides a unique structural balance to a baby bump, creating an elongated line that pairs perfectly with the towering platform heels and wedges Zoe is known for. Even years later, her commitment to the flare remains a blueprint for those seeking a more glamorous, retro-inspired maternity aesthetic.

Rachel Zoe embraces her signature boho-glam aesthetic in flared maternity jeans, pairing the retro silhouette with a flowing black top, statement faux-fur coat, and oversized sunglasses in Los Angeles on November 22, 2013 (Credit: Owen Beiny / Nikki Nelson / SIPA / WENN)

Kim Kardashian’s Fashion Comeback: Embracing Maternity Style With Elegance

Kim Kardashian’s 2013 maternity style journey reached a turning point in Beverly Hills, where she finally traded restrictive silhouettes for elevated comfort.

Following the news of her finalized divorce from Kris Humphries, the media personality stepped out on April 20, 2013, sporting a relaxed, monochromatic ensemble that prioritized both movement and aesthetic.

Kim Kardashian steps out for lunch at Il Pastaio in Beverly Hills on April 20, 2013, embracing effortless maternity style in a beige V-neck top, white cardigan, white skinny jeans, and tan flat sandals (Credit: WENN)

After experimenting with belly-hugging, restricting cuts, and super-tight leather during her early pregnancy, this white-and-beige look marked a significant shift toward functional chic.

Kim Kardashian showcases elegance in white maternity jeans, revealing a subtle baby bump with comfort and style

Kim Kardashian opted for a relaxed yet polished look, pairing a V-neck tee with a loose white cardigan, crisp white J Brand jeans, and flat sandals.

The jeans are actually maternity denim—possibly one of the first maternity-specific pieces Kardashian wore publicly during her pregnancy. At first glance, they don’t resemble traditional maternity jeans. However, as the photos below reveal, the design sits comfortably under the stomach, allowing the fabric to accommodate her growing baby bump without digging in.

Kim Kardashian radiantly embraces motherhood in stylish white maternity jeans during a casual outing

More Celebrity Maternity Looks Prove Great Style Doesn’t Stop at the Shoes

Celebrity pregnancy style has repeatedly shown that fashion and comfort don’t have to be mutually exclusive.

From sleek maternity denim to statement heels and polished flats, these stars proved that the right footwear can anchor an entire look—even during the most transformative months of pregnancy.

If you love seeing how celebrities balance baby bumps with bold shoe choices, explore more maternity fashion and heel moments below.