Nobody’s Doing Pregnancy Style Like Lashana Lynch

Last month, British actor Lashana Lynch announced her pregnancy—by taking to the red carpet in a slinky Ottolinger gown that featured a graphic shirt-and-tie motif. “I wanted to keep the look really simple, poignant and effective,” Lynch told Vogue. “I feel comfortable and at ease, but also in charge of myself. Some red carpet gowns, although beautiful and stunning, feel like you’re putting on a different part of yourself, whereas here I feel like I’m celebrating the female figure.” Since then, Lynch has only continued to flex her cool maternity wardrobe. This monthe, while promoting her new film Jackal with Eddie Redmayne, Lynch has debuted a number of stealthily-chic looks that flip the script on maternity dressing.

When it comes to pregnancy style, there is often a misconception that one’s red carpet looks cannot be as daring or risk-taking, and focus solely on comfort. While ease is definitely important, Lynch has been working with stylist Karen Clarkson to conjure up designs that are also sculptural, form-fitting, and avant-garde. Last month, she hit the London premiere of the film in a formal gown that was very Old Hollywood—yet extremely modern, too. The strapless Lurline design featured a ruched bodice that accentuated her growing bump and a bubble-hem skirt—details that were unique and fresh.

As her press tour progresses, Lynch’s fashion choices have only gotten bolder. For the Rome screening, the star wore a navy Moschino dress with shirt-collar cutouts all over it—saucy! In Berlin, Lynch went for a more covered-up vibe—this time choosing a floor-length Balenciaga gown with an oversized bow at the front. That’s the magic of Lynch’s developing maternity style: There is beauty in its unpredictability, challenging the status quo of what pregnancy fashion should and can look like. Individuality rules, and Lynch is celebrating her pregnancy with distinctive looks that reflect her unique sense of style.

Below, see more of Lynch’s best maternity looks thus far.