Smart work trousers advice needed...

[StuckInTheFensAwayFromHome]

Well I am going to have to get something new as all my smart trousers are too uncomfortable for sitting at a desk and are getting too tight on my bum as my belly seems to be starting to grow...

I'm still fairly early on (13 weeks) and don't want to spend too much as I guess I will need to buy a few pairs as my bump gets bigger. Can any of you that have been in this position advise - do I go for specific maternity trousers or just get something regular in a bigger size for now?

What shops do people recommend? I've seen people say H&M are good - but do they do stuff smart enough for an office where lots of people are in suits?

Am probably going to try and do this first thing in Trafford Centre tomorrow, which although I don't know well I guess will have every possible shop going in it - so would be great to get some recommendations for shops to head for - that way I may be out of there by 10am before the xmas crowds turn up (hopefully)!

I got mine from Topshop; they're under bump maternity ones I got at about 13 weeks, 26 weeks now and they're still comfy and still fit in my normal size 12.
I wouldn't get normal trousers, it's the stretchy waistband not the size that make mine comfy. In fact I'm seriously considering never buying trousers with buttons and zips ever again!

I have some from Gap that are over the bump ones - they're great for later in pg but might be a bit uncomfy and fall down right now if your bump isn't big enough. My best maternity trousers are from seraphine, I think they only have shops in London though they have a good online shop. They're under the bump and elasticated in such a way that they don't look like maternity trousers.

At 13 weeks I wouldn't bother with a bigger size as you'll only be in them for a few weeks before they're too small.

I started wearing a-line skirts and boots as a bit more forgiving around the tummy. Or A-line dresses.

Or buy some long tops from the tall section of a shop like Dorothy Perkins and use a hair band to loop around the button and button hole to hold the trousers up.

New look do comfy over the bump ones reasonably cheaply. They're a bit shiny but smart enough and you don't want to spend loads on something you won't wear much.

Another vote for new look, in three leg lengths and my under the bump ones cost the princely sum of 11.99 three weeks ago. :)

I'm in the same position OP, normally size 10 but I have a pair of suit trousers in a 12 that I'm having to wear but not sure how long they will last. I looked online at maternity trousers but don't want to look stupid as they will prob be huge. H&m online advise you to order different sizes of maternity clothes depending on how many months you are so I might look there.

lurking with intent - 13 weeks too and standing up in work trousers when I put them on is ok, just really tight when I sit down (sometimes have to undo the button). Thinking of getting one of those "waist expander" thingies tomorrow - shopping in Glasgow city centre with mum - will put new look and H+M on my list.

Incidentally wearing a dress today which is much more comfortable, even with normal tights so for this stage I might go for another inexpensive dress until I have a proper bump!

Thanks all! My list of shops for tomorrow now is: H&M, Topshop, Gap and New Look.

Littlemisschristmas - that's why I'm going to go brave a shop rather than online for the first time. See what a few places do in real life - because its really hard to visualise how these trousers will look when they're on and to gauge if I am ahead for my bump size as it seems a bit early to be needing new clothes.

Iggly - so agree on the skirts thing - there have been 2 of mine that have got me through this week, but I need some more options especially if it stays this cold and I need a double layer of tights and trousers!

I second using hair/ elastic band to loosen current waistbands + belly bands over top (I like Topshop's). I managed like that perfectly comfortably until 19ish weeks by which time I was properly big enough for maternity clothes.

My topshop heavy duty leggings are the ones! Awesome and thick like proper trousers.

I got a couple of pairs of lovely work trousers from mamas & papas. Got them when I was about 14 weeks, am now 31 weeks and they're still great. And they're not just plain black or grey either!

They're under-bump with stretchy side panels and are very comfy. They have adjustable waist bands too. Plus, and if freaked me out at first, the changing rooms in mamas & papas have bumps you can try. You just fasten them round your belly and you get an idea of what you'll look like/how things will fit when your bump is bigger.

I know a lot of people don't like mamas & papas, but I think they're great.

I wore new look under the bump ones size 10 (I was a size 12) for my whole working pregnancy last time... Stopped at 34 weeks.

This pregnancy now a size 10 just started wearing them at 15 weeks although looser they have elastic bits at the side to change how snugly they fit and are doing a sterling job again.

I second the New Look under bump trousers (the £20 ones). Very comfortable!

Start trawling eBay too, I've had some bargains! I got a great pair of mothercare trousers that have adjustable side buttons so they can get bigger as they grow.

I have to dress very formally for part of my job and have bought a suit from Seraphine Luxe brand. I've been really pleased with it but only bought one cos of the price!

Well I went to Trafford centre last night and have to say I was really disappointed, as most of the shops don't stock their maternity ranges and you have to buy them online anyway. H&m was the best but all the trousers were too casual for my office and there were no black opaque tights other than in a small size. I did find a pair in mamas and papas but not hugely convinced as they are under bump and i prefered the idea of some over bump trousers. Will see how they look with some of my blouses. It looks like best option may be online...
Thanks all for advice...