Beyoncé Knowles has been snapped frequently on the streets of New York City with little Blue Ivy Carter in recent days — certainly not taking to heart the old wives’ tale instructing that newborns should be kept indoors. In the process, we have seen the pop megastar tote her infant daughter wrapped in the most elegant of baby carriers. Beyoncé’s style, on the other hand, seems to have been ratcheted down quite a few notches.

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For one of the most glamorous dressers on the planet — so style-savvy that she wore five-inch heels in the final days of her pregnancy — her recent ensembles have prompted many to ponder Beyoncé’s fashion downturn.

Most recently, US Magazine has reported that, “in New York City on Monday the 30-year-old superstar wore baggy black pants, which featured bizarre cartoon characters in lingerie. She paired the wacky bottoms with black loafers and an oversized boyfriend blazer.”

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Hmmmm.

The Dail Mail sums up this look with the statement: “Purveyor of the staggering heel and the tiny bottom-skimming sequined mini, it’s almost a travesty to see Beyonce swamped in boyfriend style printed chinos.”

We agree. What’s going on here?

It is obvious that Beyoncé must be spending more time bonding with beautiful Blue than on her hair, clothing and make-up. Still, it is a bit of a shocker to she how much she has dialed her fabulousness down. From mostly wearing flat shoes, to stepping out in strangely printed trousers, this dowdy transformation of Bey is justifiably rattling to those of us who counted on her to serve face, hair and body 24/7.

Of course, Beyoncé has also looked stunning recently on several occasions, and received universal praise for her appearance at a Michelle Obama fundraiser in a curve-conscious blue Victoria Beckham dress. She is still bringing it. But with birth of Blue, Beyoncé will be bringing her fashion A-game far less frequently.

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It’s smart of Beyoncé to forgo heels so that she can safely carry Blue. But, she might be keeping it matronly (rather than marvelous) until four-month-old Blue Ivy is walking on her own. The public might have to look elsewhere for constant fashion inspiration.

Follow Alexis Garrett Stodghill on Twitter at @lexisb