Vanessa Hudgens Highlights Her Baby Bump in Mermaid-cut Cream Maxidress for ‘At Home With Narwal’ Summer Soiree

Vanessa Hudgens Brought Her Modern Maternity Style to the “At HomeWith Narwal” Summer Soiree Event on Thursday in Los Angeles.

The “High School Musical” alum, who is expecting her second child with husband Cole Tucker, embraced mermaid-inspired styling with her cream-colored maxidress. The look featured an off-the-shoulder neckline and fitted silhouette, highlighting the actress’ baby bump.

Vanessa Hudgens wears an off-the-shoulder mermaid style dress at the "At Home with Narwal" Summer Soiree on Aug. 21, 2025 in West Hollywood, Calif.

Vanessa Hudgens at the “At Home With Narwal” Summer Soiree on Aug. 21 in West Hollywood, Calif. Michael Buckner

The formfitting silhouette gave way to a mermaid skirt, hugging Hudgens at the knees and flaring slightly. As for her accessories, the actress and singer wore a bevy of statement pieces, including stacked rings and bold gold bangles, along with gold earrings.

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As for her glam, Hudgens continued to emphasize her mermaid era style. The actress’ hair was styled with a middle part and worn down with cascading curls near the actress’ waistline. Her makeup featured bold brows and a smokey eye with a glowing complexion.

Vanessa Hudgens wears an off-the-shoulder mermaid style dress at the "At Home with Narwal" Summer Soiree on Aug. 21, 2025 in West Hollywood, Calif.

Hudgens recently took to her Instagram account to highlight her newest era of her maternity style. “Mermaid mommy mode activated,” the actress captioned a video of herself teasing her long mermaid curls.

Hudgens joins the likes of Shakira in styling mermaid waves for the final stretch of the summertime season. Shakira showed off her take on the hairstyle trend during her concert in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, part of the singer’s “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran” world tour.

Vanessa Hudgens wears an off-the-shoulder mermaid style dress at the "At Home with Narwal" Summer Soiree on Aug. 21, 2025 in West Hollywood, Calif.

Mermaidcore styles have maintained a level of relevance for the last few years on and off the runway. In October 2024, Zuhair Murad showcased his mermaid-inspired spring 2025 ready-to-wear collection as part of Paris Fashion Week. Stars like Addison Rae, Halle Bailey and more embraced the aesthetic trend as well for red carpet events.

Hudgens has long been recognized as a trendsetter, often merging nostalgia from her “High School Musical” years with modern fashion influences. Her decision to embrace the mermaid silhouette during her pregnancy highlights her ability to blend comfort with elegance. The fitted dress not only celebrated her growing baby bump but also placed her at the forefront of maternity fashion conversations.

The actress has been open about enjoying this stage of her life, often sharing glimpses of her journey with fans online. By pairing bold accessories with a soft cream-colored gown, she struck a balance between understated sophistication and statement-making glamour. This approach reflects her confidence in exploring fashion that resonates with her personal milestones.

Events like the Narwal Summer Soiree provide an opportunity for celebrities to showcase emerging trends, and Hudgens used the platform to spotlight a style that feels both whimsical and empowering. Mermaid-inspired designs, with their fluid lines and mythical undertones, have become symbolic of strength and transformation—fitting themes for someone experiencing motherhood.

Her styling choices also align with the broader resurgence of Y2K-inspired aesthetics, where playful silhouettes and bold accessories dominate. Hudgens, who rose to fame in the mid-2000s, is in many ways reconnecting with the fashion influences of her early career while adapting them to her current lifestyle as a mother and performer.

What makes Hudgens stand out in this moment is her ability to personalize global trends. While mermaidcore has been embraced by stars on red carpets and concert stages, she has adapted it into maternity wear, carving out her own niche. The off-the-shoulder cut, in particular, framed her look with grace while maintaining a relaxed elegance suitable for a social event.

Her maternity style is also a reminder that pregnancy fashion no longer means compromise. Celebrities like Hudgens are demonstrating that expecting mothers can be both comfortable and experimental, embracing silhouettes and fabrics that celebrate rather than conceal. The warm reception to her look shows how cultural attitudes toward maternity style have evolved, placing more emphasis on individuality and self-expression.

The mermaid-inspired aesthetic will likely continue to gain traction as designers and public figures explore its versatility. From runway collections to casual events, the fluid silhouettes and shimmering details associated with the style offer endless possibilities. Hudgens, with her influence and wide-reaching platform, is helping to anchor the trend in mainstream fashion conversations.

As she moves forward in her pregnancy, it is clear Hudgens will continue using fashion as a way to share her journey. Each appearance becomes more than just a red carpet moment—it becomes a reflection of her identity, growth, and creativity. And with her willingness to experiment, fans can expect her maternity wardrobe to inspire designers and admirers alike.