i'm a size 8-10 normally and during this pregnancy i've only gained a belly, and slightly more around my thighs. i have found it extremely difficult to find some bottoms that fit, all the size 10 at target/kmart are huge, and the only place i could find sizes to fit me was online but we're way too expensive.
i bought a beautiful pair of 3, 1/4 white cotton stretch pants that i've lived in the whole pregnancy. they are size xs from pumpkin patch, with a midrife waist - sits under the belly, and the sides are stretched with the ajustable elastic inside. they we're $70 but i got them from the factory shop sale for $29....bargain. yes i would definately wear them afterwards also.
i also bought a pair of shorts size s from pumkin patch that are brown. i wish they we're black but they were on sale too so can't complain. both are of excellent quality and wash up beautifully. also i can see them lasting subsequent pregnancies.
i too can't stand the maternity pants that fit over the belly, i love to dress up nicely and feel a bit ackward with a big belly, let alone wearing ugly pants etc that feel unflattering.
i would have loved to have bought a nice summer dress, but the only ones i could find that i liked we're $150-$250. ridiculas...and i didn't buy them cause i will only wear it for a couple of months.
i have loved to wear singlet tops, and just bought some that we're bigger sizes to accomodate my bump cause they we're only $10 and i could buy a few and with lots of colours yet the proper maternity ones are up to $39 and only limited to black and white.