Affordable, nice maternity trousers (that fit)?

[CityDweller]

I need help! I'm just at point where wearing reg trousers (undone, kept fastened with hair tie, covered by bump band) is getting uncomfy. I need maternity trousers! I don't need smart work gear, and am ok for jeans, but want some smart-casual not skinny trousers I can wear in or out. To add to the challenge, I'm a clothes skinflint and as I rarely buy new stuff and don't have much cash, so am loathed to spend a lot. Would love to get something for under £25, but willing to spend more for a really great pair or two that will last me through (I'm 18 wks)

I tried the recommended places for affordable mat gear - h&m and new look, and both were a bust. Only had skinny-legged trousers that looked absolutely dreadful on me and sizing was off as I have muscular calves but am otherwise a standard 10/12. I also look like a twat in them - I'm 36 yrs old, not some beanpole teenager!

Any recommendations?

I like the NEXT maternity trousers. Hope that helps!

I've got a great pair of black trousers from Seraphine, but think they were about £45.

Seriously, check out ebay, as there are some great 'new with tags' bargains to be had on there. Obviously you don't get to try the stuff on but for example I've snapped up a few Isabella Oliver tops which are normally £70 for about £20.

Jeans from Jojo Maman Bebe are £29, but with a discount code - HZ92 is currently giving 15% off - that's down to £25.65. I got a pair of these dark bootleg ones, and they're lovely - good quality, super-comfy and very flattering. Get a size down from your normal size though - they size really big.

These black trousers from Picchu are good if you want something a bit smarter: they're smart enough for work, but also really stretchy and comfy. The only thing that's a bit strange is that the over-the-bump bit goes up really high - but I tend to wear a bump support band on top anyway, so it doesn't really bother me. They're currently reduced from £50 to £29.

I also like the NEXT maternity trousers - they do a good range of styles including boyfit and plenty of boot leg for about £25-£30

eBay - it's a godsend. Cheap as chips and as maternity wear is only worn such a short time will be good condition and you can sell it on again after!

Marks & Spencer, just regular not maternity - they do a stretchy wide-leg trouser in black and other colours as well I think. I'm normally a 12-14 so I just bought a 16 and they were great all through. Not skintight on the legs thank God and really versatile. I think they were about £15.

I love these - I wear them to work as they're smart, but can be dressed down easily because of the material. The band at the top is great as you can double it up while you're still small, but as your bump grows, you can pull it up higher. I had a pair with my first pregnancy, too, and they were the first item of maternity clothes I bought this time around.

Thanks for the recommendations!

Next maternity trousers are ace: I have a pair of black bootcut corduroys which I have lived in for the past 15 weeks, and a pair of smart black office trousers from there too.

Both have big over-the-bump pouches and a super-comfy, and i can still fit in them now despite being nearly 36 weeks and enormous!

I got the cords off ebay for £12 inc delivery, and they are as good as new. I would recommend searching on ebay using the search terms 'next maternity trousers size 12'....if you're lucky, someone will be flogging exactly what you need, in your size :)

Thanks danger - a pair of comfy and not-too-dorky maternity cords would be perfect.