Last month I ordered a bunch of new arrivals from Express to try on for a collaboration, and ended up liking two rather different looks! I was torn between fleeced jeans vs a faux leather skirt – the jeans are much more practical for my current mom life, but the pencil skirt looked fiery on and is just a “feel good” piece. I did a mini poll on Instagram and the jeans won, but by a slim margin, so I kept those and also snapped some fit photos of the skirt to share!
Boucle Cocoon Coat (regular & petite)
But first, lets talk outerwear. Stylish coats available in smaller petite sizing are limited in general, but there are three classic options at Express right now including this belted black coat (very office-appropriate) and this belted long puffer. The one that really caught my eye though is this boucle cocoon coat in a striking jewel toned green, that would also look professional over workwear. If you’re not familiar with boucle, it has a thick nubbly yarn texture, and cocoon style usually indicates straighter cut along both sides. The coat is medium weight (requires layering in very cold winters) and the fit of my usual size was good, leaving enough room for a thick sweater underneath. Measurements of size xxs petite: 15″ across the shoulders, 17″ across the underarms, 21″ sleeve length, 33.5″ total length.
Mid-Rise Fleeced jeans (regular, short, tall & petite)
These are your everyday dark blue jeans, updated with a soft interior. I’m calling these “fleeced” instead of “fleece-lined,” since fleece-lined jeans usually have a separate flannel layer along the inside, which add warmth but also bulk. The jeans I’m featuring here feel like regular denim except the inside has a soft fleeced texture – no separate lining.
These jeans are labeled mid-rise, which in general gap a little bit for me at the waist (a belt helps) compared to Express’ high-rise jeans. The fit is true to size for their denim (size 0 fits like a 25 in other brands). If you’re debating between Short vs Petite, in my experience, Express denim in Short usually runs about half an inch shorter than the same numerical size in Petite. See how these look un-cuffed on me in the picture below! Measurements of my jeans in size 0 short when lying flat: 13″ across the waist, 9″ rise, 26″ inseam.
D’Orsay Heels
The flattering d’orsay cut of these heels look great on the feet, but FYI the 4″ heel and pitch is very high! Unless you’re an expert high heels wearer, I’d say these are for special occasions where you’ll be driving or uber-ing door to door and not on your feet the entire time. Express also has a lower heeled version that should be more comfortable for longer periods of wear.
Faux Leather Pencil Skirt (regular & petite)
I wish I had more occasions to wear something like this! The faux leather material (unlined) paired with a slightly longer waist-to-knee length looks fabulous on … a little va-va-voom yet tailored and edgy. It can also be worn throughout winter with black or dark colored tights. Sizing starts in 00 petite and it stretches, which is nice since leather usually looks best when worn snugly. I’m trying on a size 0 petite – measurements are 12.5″ across the waist, 15.75″ across the hips, and 23.25″ length with stretch.
Thank you to Express for partnering on this post.
I love those heels they are gorgeous!
Such a great look! Love your coat!
LOVE this coat and the whole look. It’s so casual and cute.
http://alexamjohnson.com
Hi Jean!
Where is your top from?
You are looking stunning as always. Love the way you have styled your coat. Can you also share the link to the top you are wearing?
Aw thanks! The turtleneck I’m wearing is an old one from H&M. J.Crew factory has a tissue turtleneck that feels and fits very similarly.
What’s the color of your lipstick? Looks great!
Thank you! It’s linked under the first photo (Bite beauty crushed chili : )
I love this coat on you!!! On the website, it offers an XXS in regular, or XS in petite. I believe you mentioned that your are wearing an XXS petite? I think we are exactly the same size, so just hoping to clarify before I order!! Thanks so much 🙂
Hi Holly! Unfortunately the xxs petite sold out recently so the website just makes it looks as if it didn’t exist! I would check back in case it comes back into stock : /
Jean, I was looking for a post with mesh laundry bag recommendation and was not able to find it. Can you please point to that post? Thank you!
Hi Oksana – this is the one I use! I have a couple of these:
https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/nordstrom-lingerie-large-lingerie-wash-bag/3160857
I love that color on you! Its so perfect for the season
http://www.sundaydahlias.com
What a cute coat! I really love the green color. It’s a nice color for the colder months!
Jae
http://www.allthatjae.com
Hi Jean!
Could you give us a rough estimate of your current weight/dimensions? I’m always never sure whether to order 0 or 00 online and I think pre-baby you wore 00p in most brands? Thank you!!!
Sure! I’m 5 feet tall and 100 lbs right now, was about 94lb pre-pregnancy. I still take mostly the same sizes as before baby except for jeans (I go 1 size up now and wear 0 or 25, used to wear 00 or 24 in jeans). For tops and coats I still do xxs petite or 00 petite when available.
Hi! I’m looking for a new belt – do you mind sharing what you have in in these photos?
Hi Cindy, I’m wearing the Hermes Constance belt
I love your style! I’m similar to your size so it’s helpful to see how clothes would look on our frame.
I have a question about the jeans – are they super warm? I.e. Will I be sweating in them if I wear them indoor? Or are they like a “brushed” material on the inside?
A brushed material is the perfect way to describe them actually. They are not super warm and I don’t sweat in them indoors – the brushed inner just adds a touch of softness in addition to the usual denim weight.
Love your style!
Would highly appreciate if you can talk about sunglasses for petite faces. I have a hard time looking for good sunnies ! Thanks a lot.
Sunglasses are really tough! And it’s not just about finding the right ones for “petite” faces since every petite lady has a different shaped face as well. Unforutnately I don’t have any tricks or guidelines because I just try on a ton of different styles (small, oversized, oval, square, cat eyed, etc) to find the best fit.
I really like the color of the coat. By itself the coat is really nice, but the color just makes it pop!
Kelcy
Ahhh girl that coat is so gorgeous!! I just loooove how you have styled it
http://www.petiteelliee.com
Ellie xx
Love the outfit. Try buying it online, but 2 days after and already not in stock. Not the first time this happens …😓
I’m sorry, Vicky! I post on Instagram when a new blog post goes live and the small sizes usually disappear quickly after that. Which item and size were you looking for?
I love this look. Also what lip color are you wearing in these pictures?
Thanks Samantha! I’m wearing Bite Beauty lipstick in Crushed Chili
I never see Express shoes being offered in anything smaller than a size 6 on their website. How did you get your size 5 shoes??
It was a surprise to me too earlier this year! Almost all of their shoes come in size 5 BUT they carry so few in inventory so it’s almost always the first size to sell out. You can sort their shoes by size on the side for sz 5 to see what’s still available.
Jean,
I am really bored with skinny jeans and have been trying some flare and bootcut styles.. is this something a short girl can pull off.? The trick seems to be finding something that is a bit high waisted and fitted to the knee and flares just enough.. can you please please shop for us.. pretty please? You know you want just the right pair that little Nori can borrow later..
Hi there! I actually LOVE the look of flared jeans but my problem is I have to wear them with high heels for an elongating look. And depending on how wide the flared bottoms are, if the heels aren’t high enough then the jeans hit my shoes oddly. I tried some on from Paige before (petite sizing is still pretty long, FYI) that were super flattering in dark denim. If you’re bored with skinny maybe also try slouchier boyfriend jeans with the cuffs rolled up? I like that those can be worn with either heels or flats.
Stunning as always jean. I’ve been eyeballing that Hermes belt of yours for a couple of years now. One day I may break down and buy one. So chic. Love, Val
Always lovely hearing from you, Val! Don’t wait too long to treat yourself … it’s one of my most worn accessories! xx
That leather skirt is sooo cute <3 🙂 And loving these jeans too – the fleece makes it sound so cozy for the winter! And your coat is gorgeous as well – love that color so much!
XO, Elizabeth T.
http://clothestoyouuu.com
Hi Jean – looking sharp here!
So that’s what the Instagram poll was about 🙂 I picked the skirt since I had a work mindset, but I’m happy with your decision and am now very interested in the fleece-lined jeans.
Also recently, I was shopping at Express online since I was in the market for a new wool trench coat to replace my old one for everyday wear. They had a great deal/promo that I couldn’t miss out on and so I bought two of the belted one you’ve pointed out: the tweed in XXSP & white in XXS. I also wanted to try to figure out which size is best for me, so we’ll see…
Keep warm!
Hi Amanda! I hope one of those coats work out for you – keep me posted on what you think (and how tall you are for reference) since I haven’t tried those myself!
Ah I love the color of your coat! X
https://www.thoughtsinstyle.com/
Such a beautiful coat – I love this shade of green!
Rebecca | http://www.peppermintdolly.com
Love ♥️this look … love the coat!
🍂🌸🍁ROSES FOR FRIDAYS 🍂🌸🍁 | by mia | A Creative Lifestyle Blog
You look beautiful as always & I fully enjoyed reading this post. Thank you for always being so descriptive. It really helps. I absolutely love when you feature looks from Express. It’s one of my favorite retailers. And that coat….beautiful. ❤️️
Thank you so much for your feedback, Tennile! Sometimes I wonder if I provide too much unnecessary info haha ; )
xx
In love with this coat!
I love that coat Jean, it looks amazing! Also loving how you’ve styled it, too!
Happy Sunday!
Michael
https://www.mileinmyglasses.com
A very sophisticated look Jean, probably because of the material and colour of this wonderful coat. Love, Lieske
I love the colour, it’s a beautiful shade! I might try it myself – hopefully for once a coat fits on my petite frame! 🙂 Fingers crossed! 😀
http://charmainenyw.com
Love the coat paired with that skirt! Gorgeous look for the office.
I’m a bit confused by the pants though. They’re denim with a kind of one-ply fleece lining (the single layer as opposed to a double). Are they stretchy? Do you notice a big difference between those and two-layer fleece-jeans?
– Grace | https://www.thekeenkind.com
Love the coat paired with that skirt! Gorgeous look for the office.
I’m a bit confused by the pants though. They’re denim with a kind of one-ply fleece lining (the single layer as opposed to a double). Are they stretchy? Do you notice a big difference between those and two-layer fleece-jeans?
– Grace | The Keen Kind
Hi Grace – yes they’re hard to describe! It’s totally different from two layer fleece lined jeans because those are regular denim with a second layer of fabric on the inside. These are just one layer, but the reverse side of the denim has a light white fleeced touch to it.
You look so glamorous. And I’m so impressed you can look that glamorous and be a new mum at the same time. Very jealous! I will continue to aspire and dream. Wish we could get some of those clothes in New Zealand.
Hi Emma,
You are so kind. But most days I don’t make my way out of pajamas, and sunglasses have been a godsend for covering up tired eyes ; ) I wish some of these companies would have more favorable international shipping as well! xx
I love this classic look! Those shoes are to die for! Have a great weekend!
Briana
https://beyoutifulbrunette.com/
Love the coat! It’s a stunning color and it looks amazing on you!
Hey the coupon code expired. Before you posted this post ….0
Thanks for letting me know! I’ll ask if they have an updated one. However that coupon is not stackable with the current promo going on today (ending tonight) on their website which is actually a better deal!
Wow! The coat is gorgeous! Such a great color especially for the upcoming holidays. Thinking about get that leather skirt too lol!
May || https://themoderness.com
That coat looks beautiful on you. Could I ask what is the material
Composition of the coat? Thank you.
Hi Mary, it’s 50% wool, 50% poly with a poly lining.
You coat is perfect and so elegant!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com