Out of the hundreds of maternity outfits we witnessed this year, these five stood out for their beauty and courage:

• Nicole Richie has pretty much built her celebrity based on her amazing pregnancy style. She has a way of wearing the hippie-hobo style with such class. Out of all her great picks this past year though, this number made her a gorgeous vision in white. Simple white silk cascades over her and swishes along the floor, making it appear she is floating. Paired with the headband, arm band and those black stones over her plunging neckline, she takes a simple look and gives it a boost. The best part? She looks amazingly comfortable.
• Paz Vega owes her poised pregnancy style to classic Spanish fashion. She had a way of using off-center pieces to accentuate her bump and show off some of her best features. This ensemble took the cake though. Flower print is either hit or miss and in this case it clearly is a hit, with a casual reminder of the beauty of pregnancy through its symbolism. The wrap style top to this dress drapes over her in an unusual way, hopefully setting a new trend in maternity dresses.
• Kendra Wilkinson has been surprisingly fashionable throughout her pregnancy, but it was this little number that tread new ground for all pregnant women. This little lilac number is a new take on the baby-doll. The color is stunning with her strappy silver shoes. Showing off her tiny legs, arms and just a bit of cleavage is working all her best features.
• MIA isn’t someone you would go to for fashion advice necessarily, unless you were trying to make a statement. This outfit was just so original, strange and yet delicious for its coloring and exaggerated ruffles. The pseudo peacock print is a play on fertility and it has a beautiful way of accentuating all the right curves. The multi-layered petticoat, and sleeve cuffs add contrast and playfulness. The bright blue sneakers are as comfortable as she could get and add to the “let’s play” theme to this gorgeous little number. A tiny sliver of bright yellow contrasts the whole outfit and brings the focus up to her red eye shadow and turquoise earrings.
• Allyson Hannigan started out the year with many questionable maternity outfits, but it was this green, patch-work dress that took our breath away. The silky material accents her curves by hanging loosely and the neck strap allows her to show off her thin arms and toned shoulders.  With a pair of casual brown sandals, this outfit looks like one of the best summer outfits a pregnant woman could get into.

 Which maternity outfit was your favorite of 2009?