Whether your pregnancy style has been to embrace the maternity section in all its floral glory, or – like me – you’ve gone up a couple of sizes in your usual outfits, one thing there’s no getting around as autumn creeps in and your bump gets bigger, is the need for maternity trousers.
Over the past few months, I have ditched my failsafe denim and chosen to wear dresses all summer. But with the wind, rain and colder temperatures there’s no denying trousers are back on the agenda.
Having avoided them for months, where to begin? Under the bump or over the bump? Where is the best place for denim? And are there any non-maternity options still available?
Here’s my comprehensive guide to maternity trousers, with prices from as a little as £12.99.
How to find the perfect maternity denim for less than £40
Jeans are my most-worn wardrobe item ever. And I’m a firm believer in high street denim.
You really don’t have to spend a lot of money to find quality fabrics anymore. Pre baby bump, I usually turned to Zara mom jeans, Levis straight cut or Stradivarius mom fit.
So, for pregnancy, I’ve purposely avoided the more expensive options like Seraphine and Isabella Oliver, especially because I’ll be wearing them for such a limited amount of time.
River Island denim has been a great find. The maternity mom jeans have filled the gap left by my Zara mom fit.
They come in a range of washes and lengths – I opted for mid-blue in a 32 leg, which sits just above my ankle (I’m 5ft 6in), so they work well with boots or trainers.
They have the classic over-bump waistband that stretches with you throughout pregnancy and also makes them super comfortable. The only downside is not being able to tuck tops in.
For a cheaper option, head to New Look. These black Tori jeans are a steal at £29.99.
I sized down to a 10 so the tapered cut has a more snug fit on the leg. A slim leg is a good way to balance out your proportions while wearing baggy knits and loose maternity tops. Try with a striped oversized knit like this one from & Other Stories.
If you love a skinny cut, I had lots of recommendations for the most classic skinny jeans in existence – Joni by Topshop – which are available at ASOS.
The maternity style in these also has the classic over-the-bump jersey waistband. The stretch in the denim isn’t far off leggings comfort. And again, these work great with oversized tops, or can be dressed up with a flowy blouse and heeled boots for evening.
Shop my edit of the best maternity jeans
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Why leggings will be your best friend
A must-have in every maternity wardrobe, leggings are the most comfortable trousers you can buy and during pregnancy is no exception.
For that reason, I think it’s worth spending a little more. My favourites are Natal Active’s Luxe Maternity Leggings.
They pass my three main tests when leggings shopping – they don’t fall down, they aren’t see-through and they aren’t too short.
The waistband stretches high over my bump and gives just the right amount of support. While the deep black colour makes them perfect for wearing with an oversized sweater at the weekend. But they are also great for lounging around in and exercise thanks to the buttery soft fabric. The ultimate multipurpose buy.
If you’re looking for leggings purely for exercise, you can’t go wrong with Nike One Maternity Leggings. The fabric is thick and tight which provides extra support. Or for a cheaper, loungewear option, H&M’s Mama Leggings are ideal. The soft jersey feels like pyjamas – heaven!
Shop my edit of the best maternity leggings
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Yes, dressy trousers are still on the agenda
After denim, work and occasion trousers are the hardest fashion buy during pregnancy.
But don’t default to dresses or cancel your baby shower just yet. Palazzo trousers might just become your new BFF.
These Mango champagne-coloured pleated trousers are the only non-maternity trousers to feature in this round-up. But thanks to the super elasticated waist and wide-leg fit, size L fits easily over my eight-month bump.
They are available in a co-ord, with a matching pleated satin top. Wear it tucked in to define your bump and give more of a jumpsuit look, or wear untucked for a more relaxed style.
Finish with a low-heeled pair of strappy sandals (because who wants to squeeze into high heels while eight months pregnant?!) and you’ve got the perfect occasion look.
As for work trousers, look no further than H&M and these cropped cigarette pants. With a jersey waistband you’ll be able to sit comfortably at your desk all day.
Being unable to tuck into the elasticated waist makes workwear particularly hard for me. My go-to tucked t-shirt and blazer combo is out. Instead, style with oversized satin blouses. The pleated Mango top will also work with these and will layer well with an autumnal tweed blazer.
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How to wear pregnancy dungarees and not feel mumsy
The ultimate pregnancy cliché: Dungarees.
But bear with me. For the days you can’t face anything clinging to your waist, maternity dungarees are the answer.
This ASOS pair have three buttons on each side to extend the waist, so they can be worn throughout the nine months and beyond. (Although I confess, I’ve had mine on the loosest button for months, for maximum comfort).
Choose ones that have a wide leg and roll up the bottoms to enhance the laid-back, casual feel. And opt for lightweight layers like this New Look maternity Breton to wear underneath, or try a thin knit as the weather gets colder.
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