Style Debrief: May 2026

Brief #005: Pregnancy-tested picks, what I'd buy myself for Mother's day, and my daughter's favorite shoes.

This is a field report for anyone who is pregnant, postpartum, parenting a small child, or otherwise trying to feel like a person while running on empty.

Which, in this case, is me.

Here’s what I’ve actually been reaching for.

I Woke Up Like This (Sort Of)

Looks like you tried, requires almost no effort.

Your Skin But Better, Pt 1 — This* is what I reach for on mornings when a full routine just isn’t happening (so… most mornings). It’s super hydrating and makes my skin feel brighter and more even. Your skin but better.

Your Skin But Better, Pt 2 — I tan easily but I have a truly impressive farmer’s tan from spending most of the year avoiding skimpy clothes and bathing suits. This* evens everything out gradually, looks natural, and is very low upkeep. A must have for an upcoming wedding I’m attending (wedding guest dress shared below). Farmer’s tan will not be welcome.

A Subtle Fragrance — During pregnancy and postpartum, I pretty much can’t stand any sort of fragrance. My usual favorites are borderline unwearable. This body mist* is light and refreshing, which makes it the perfect alternative. Bergamot & Hinoki has definitely earned its own place in my top rotation.

A Non-Aerosol Dry Shampoo — Back when I worked in an office, I did my hair nearly every morning. Once I became a mom, that completely went out the window. I wash every two to three days now, style once on day one, refresh on days two and three. This dry shampoo* is what makes it possible. I also have the unfortunate gift of eczema on my eyelids, which flares up whenever I use aerosol products (including dry shampoo). So the brush/powder application is key for me. A complete game-changer.

I Hate Maternity Clothes (Get These Instead)

Elastic waistbands and flexible silhouettes are my best friend.

The Elevated Pull-On Pant — The LESET Arielle Pocket Pant is my go-to elevated-comfy pant at the moment. It works before, during, and after pregnancy (which is the real bar for anything I’m buying right now). I also have a cotton version from Deiji Studios that is perfect for warmer weather. Both are great alternatives for the usual pregnancy workhorses (for me, that’s the Lululemon Align leggings and Spanx AirEssentials pants which have certainly earned their mention here but perhaps aren’t the chicest of options).

A Cool Skirt — Same logic in skirt form: I’ve worn several of Tibi’s elastic waist skirts during both pregnancies. They’re the only ones that actually feel like me: relaxed, clean, and a bit unexpected. Tibi reliably hits that perfect balance.

The Surprisingly Adaptable Top — This shirred-back top from Tibi is technically a t-shirt, but the adjustable ruched back makes it work across pregnancy in a way most tops don’t. You can wear it backwards to show off the bump. Plus, I can’t wait to style it post-pregnancy and it seems breastfeeding-friendly, too (at least for me).

The Non-Maternity Wedding Guest Dress — This dress is gorgeous. It has enough room that true size has worked throughout my pregnancy without being a maternity dress. I’m wearing it to a wedding in a few weeks and I was a little bit nervous about the bra situation, but it actually looks amazing even without a bra. I’ve already recommended it to a client who also loves it. And comes in a short black cotton broderie version which is equally good.

Something Bold

Pregnancy definitely makes your wardrobe feel really small. Not just because fewer things fit, but because you stop reaching for anything that isn’t pure comfort and practicality. Problem is, this gets boring, fast.

Bold accessories are my easy fix, and this Stone Fruit Ranch Ring is a really cool option. Rings are specifically good since they can’t be yanked, grabbed, or snagged by your little ones.

Caveat: my fingers swelled a lot at the end of my last pregnancy, so this tip has an expiration date. Thankfully, it’s only temporary.

My Feet Hurt (But at Least They’re Chic)

To be clear, it’s not the shoes. My feet just hurt, and there’s no way I’m wearing heels.

I’ve worn my Ganni lace-up ballet flats a lot (43 times to be exact), so I decided to invest in another interesting ballet flat for summer.

These studded black mesh flats are my solution. Interesting enough to feel intentional, light enough for summer. The simple mesh version is gorgeous too, but I chose the studded ones because I truly can’t be bothered to paint my toenails at the moment (IYKYK).

Something for Both of Us

For Baby Girl — These adorable ballerina shoes* are my daughter’s new favorite thing. She’s not walking yet, but she loves removing them from the zipper bag, holding them up in the air, and sticking her feet out when she wants them put on. So, emotionally, they’re a huge success. Use code Alyssa20 for 20% off.

For Mom & Dad — This one-handed wipe dispenser* earned its spot here because it is genuinely useful. The design is great. What else is there to say?

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This newsletter features affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no cost to you if you purchase through my links. An asterisk means I’ve received gifted product from the brand in the past. This post is not sponsored.

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Thanks, as always, for being here.

With Love,

Alyssa