Hit me with your not-maternity recommendations

[Mybobowler]

I am very newly pregnant with my second baby and my immediate bloaty bump has reminded me how much I hate maternity clothes. I spent my first pregnancy looking like a sack of spuds (hello, saggy-bottom jeans and stretch, stripey tshirts).

I'd like to buy a couple of things - trousers, a dress, some dungarees or overalls - that are suitable for pregnancy but that I could maybe wear again. Does such a thing exist? Is now the time to embrace joggers outside the house? How do I avoid looking like I'm wearing a kaftan or pyjamas all the time? Or am I looking for a unicorn?

If relevant, I am tall and fairly slim. I had a very small bump with my first pregnancy but I know that's not a predictor for how this one will be. I have a very boring simple style - I'm a jeans-and-trainers woman but I do like to look half put-together.

Any tips?

I am categorically NOT pregnant and my dc are all teenagers/adults BUT I have bought an amazing jersey jumpsuit from an online shop called Beyond Nine. It’s comfy, flattering and simple. It’s all meant to be worn with or without a bump

I know you asked for non maternity but I really liked Isabella Oliver for maternity clothes and jbrand maternity jeans. Neither are cheap, but they will resell well after

Cos. Buy some maternity jeans, but otherwise Cos.

Aah some great suggestions, thanks! I've hardly spent a penny on clothes in the last year so I think I can probably justify buying a few nicer things now.

@Kenworthington those Beyond Nine overalls are lovely, what a find!

I've spent this evening eyeing up joggers on Hush. Just wondering if they're worth the money or if I should buy some for a tenner from H&M instead!

I am currently 19 weeks and before pregnancy I wore a lot of the tiered mini and midi dresses, These non maternity dresses still fit me now and still have room for bump to grow. As I really like this style I have bought some newer dresses in a size up to fit when bump is bigger. This style may be an option for you. They are loose fitting across bump so are very comfy as well as making you feel and look nice. They will also be good for summer as the longer styles wont need any leggings under - I'm not liking any waist bands on my bump currently.

Congratulations! I feel your pain though. I am massively pregnant, second time for me too and also hate maternity clothes. I have bought one dress from ebay because I just do not want to buy shapeless striped clothes so am rotating the same 4 outfits. I feel the same about clothes for breast feeding. Two things I prefer to wear at the moment are not maternity wear but stretch and hold their shape. A Jersey maxi skirt from monsoon I wear with a simple t shirt or a Jersey french connection maxi dress. Both outfits nip in under the boobs and drape over the massive bump. Feels a bit more me than leggings and maternity t shirts!