UPDATE: See my best of NSale boots & shoes review post for fit photos, including of the petite/slim calf-friendly Hunter rain boots below!
This year has been very unique to say the least, and I know many of us are not shopping much for various reasons! But if you ARE shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, I wanted to start by highlighting a few versatile petite-friendly staples, along with practical, weather-resistant shoes for running errands or running after a little one.
A few of these are actually pieces that I purchased a while ago at full price, and would wholeheartedly recommend! For tomorrow Ive been working on a detailed baby gear deals review post, so do check back if interested!
1. Gibson Knit Blazer (petite & regular)
Amazing price for one of my key wardrobe staples that I bought at regular price (in 3 colors, gradually over the years)! Pre-pregnancy, my usual size was a perfect slim fit on me from torso down to the sleeve length.
This blazer is made of a thicker knit material (fully lined) with the comfort of a sweatshirt but the polished structure of a blazer – works nicely for pairing over jeans, leggings, or work pants alike. I’ve recommended this for the office / working from home, travel, and even over dressier looks.
Gibson Knit Blazer $50
(Regular $98)
2. The Best Faux Leather Leggings
Some of you might recall how much I raved over these “leather” leggings last year! Last fall, small sizes sold out right away at full price, so I was thrilled to see them back this year AND on sale.
These are not too thick or thin, and have a flattering high rise with a more matte finish (not shiny). After trying both, I much prefer these to the very popular (and much pricier) Spanx faux leather leggings, which fit more like thin spandex on me in comparison.
I wore these SO much Fall through Spring, subbing them in pretty much anytime I’d wear regular black leggings for an instant stylish upgrade. They pair easily with sneakers, flats, heels or booties alike!
Faux Leather Leggings $29 (Regular $49)
Sizing starts at XX-Small. Pre pregnancy, this was a perfect fit on me except in length, which was easy to fold under (as pictured here) and they’d stay in place all day.
3. Water Resistant Wedge Sneakers (sz 4 – 13)
Lots to love about this shoe! Water-resistant outer, comfy low platform with non slip rubber sole, and low wedge heel for some added height. Not to mention, $50 is a wonderful sale price for genuine suede sneaker-booties. Listing says runs narrow but I felt that my usual size was comfortable on me (will post a photo this week)!
Caslon Wedge Sneaker $50 (Regular $100)
In black, camel, or leopard in extended sizing 4 – 13! My usual size 5.5 fit me, but they do run narrow per the item listing.
4. Tie Waist Ankle Pants
These are back!! Another item that sold out quickly last year for good reason. These feature a unique rich terra cotta color, flattering petite-friendly fit, and good quality medium weight fabric with pockets. I also like that the fabric does not wrinkle very easily.
5. Zella 7/8 Length Leggings
Always a reader favorite, these have a petite-friendly length, good high rise “hold ,” and are made of quality moisture-wicking fabric. Their Studio style is a little lighter weight than their Live In’s (petite ladies will need to get these hemmed) – I’m currently living in their maternity crop Live Ins which has provided great daily support, and will continue to do so postpartum!
Zella 7/8 High Rise Leggings $43 (Regular $65)
Pre-pregnancy, xxs is a good snug fit on me and 24″ inseam is a great length.
6. Barefoot Dreams Cardigans
Another annual reader favorite! This is the time of the year to pick up Barefoot Dreams as gifts for friends, family, or a gift to self. Their Cozy Chic lite material is super soft for WFH, lazy weekends, and makes a great new mom gift too.
In addition to their signature Circle Cardigan (see my review), this year I want to mention their longer Cozy Chic Lite Long Cardigan (love the cocoa taupe color) which comes in size XS. Even though the length is long, it feels less overwhelming on a petite frame than many of Barefoot Dreams’ other cardigans.
Barefoot Dreams Circle Cardigan $69 (Regular $116)
Available in three neutral colors.
7. AllSaints Leather Jacket
Two of the most petite-friendly AllSaints styles just so happen to be included in the NSale, however none in black. The Balfern (pictured below on the left in 00) is an iconic style that they are best known for, with shoulder epaulettes, three pockets, and a waist belt for an edgier look.
The Dalby (below right in 00) is another timeless leather jacket with more subtle metal hardware and no belt. The SA told me that Dalby has the shortest full-length sleeves amongst jackets in AllSaints’ signature collection.
AllSaints Dalby Jacket $300 (Regular $450)
Sale colors include grey, blush, or white. See this in black (full price) and a beautiful sale colored leather (the rose pink is on sale for $180!) on Allsaints’ site.
AllSaints Balfern Jacket (Regular $498)
Sale colors include grey ($330) or berry ($320). See this in black (full price) and a sale suede color on Allsaints’ site.
8. Hunter Refined Quilted Boots
I’m sorry, Hunter Tours…these might officially be my new favorite petite-friendly style! Will post a photo later this week. I’ve tried on their regular “refined” style before (designed to be more streamlined than their regular boots) but the insides rubbed a bit against my ankles. These quilted versions however felt quite comfortable, with a nice slim fit that I could adjust using the back buckle strap. They’re such a different look from Hunter’s regular preppy rubber boots, and the lining inside the quilted version also feels warmer than their regular boots!
Hunter also has super cute leopard rain boots as part of the Nsale this year in womens, kids, and toddler versions! You bet I got a pair for my wellies-loving gal!
Hunter Refined Short Rain Boots $110 (Regular $175)
Also available in black, though those are full price. The sale “Dark Slate” is a pretty dark grey that will still go with black.
9. Longchamp Expandable Tote
This expandable version of Longchamp’s classic Le Pliage tote is an Anniversary Sale classic that often sells out quickly! This one is another great gift option if you’re shopping in advance for the holidays.
Longchamp Le Pliage Expandable Tote $120 (Regular $195)
Available in 4 colors.
I bought the Gibson blazer finally but it seems bulky on me and looks bulkier one the shoulders than yours seems to. I’m also about 5’ tall. Have you tried the version this year? I’m wondering if they’ve changed it.
Hi Vanessa – yes I did try this year’s version in grey! It felt the same as my old one, it’s definitely a thicker material so I try to refer to it as sweatshirt-like. Sorry to hear it feels bulky on you… which color did you get as I’m wondering if that makes a difference?
Hi Jean, thanks for responding. I got it in white. The material is thicker, which I like, but it seems bulky in the shoulder area. Still deciding if I’ll keep it.
Hi Jean, thanks for responding. I got the white one. It is a thicker material, which I don’t mind, but seems bulky in the shoulder area. Still deciding whether to keep it-I don’t know if I’m imagining I look like a linebacker!
Hey Jean! Are the Halogen waist pants more orange in person or are they as dark of a red/orange as your picture? I’ve seen pictures elsewhere and they look a bit bright. Thank you!
Hi Marie, sorry for missing your question! They don’t feel like a bright orange to me, I think a rust red orange is better to describe it
I remember reading your old, old blog posts when brands like these were rare! Would you consider doing a blog post on the best way to transition from “fast fashion” brands to more lasting (but more expensive) brands?
Hi Caitlin, my very first blog posts were on Ann Taylor, Burberry, H&M, and Theory! I have always loved mixing and matching high and low end, so I don’t think it’s necessary to transition per se but rather, If there are certain types pieces you find yourself wearing again and again then those could be worth spending more on. For example, for me I tend to splurge on coats, bags and boots whereas others enjoy splurging on denim or a great higher end tee sweater.
Hi,
I love your website. Can you please let me know where you got the green emerald ruched skirt in photo for the subscribe page from? Thanks.
Regards,
Joy
Hi Joy! The emerald skirt is featured in this post: https://www.extrapetite.com/2019/11/mmlafleur-workwear-business-formal-petite-try-ons.html
Shikha
SP
shikhap1590@gmail.com
I would love to buy multiple colors in the Gibson Knit Blazer but I am not a fan of dry cleaning. Have you tried machine washing? If so, what setting has worked for you? Thank you!
Hi Salima – yes I wash mine inside out in the delicates cycle on cold and then either hang dry (MUST make sure the hanger you use is the right size for your shoulders and not too wide for the blazer shoulders) or lay flat to dry on a mesh sweater drying rack. I always avoid the machine dryer for nicer pieces since that’s what does the damage. In general though I avoid washing pieces unelss they’re actually dirty, to help them last longer and not wear out from washing too soon!
I saw some cute girls dresses in the sale that I would wear. Do you know what size you would buy from the girls dress section?
Hi Ashley, I wavered between a girls 12-14 usually pre-pregnancy, 14 to be safe! If it’s letter sizing it was a little tricker as I am in between kids L and XL.
As a long time reader, I can attest that you definitely have been using these items. Thank you for being selective with your recommendation.
I appreciate that, Rose!!
I cannot wait to buy the Barefoot Dreams cardigan! I’ve waited months for it to go on sale! Great round up!!
Hi Sherry, you will love it!
For the Papin All Saints jacket, what size would you recommend? I am 4’11 and 103 pounds. I’ve never purchased this brand before! I’m planning on wearing it with a t-shirt or light sweater.
Hi there – it’s very hard to say because I haven’t tried the Papin myself. Pre pregnancy I was 95lb, 5 feet tall and fit 00 in their jackets so you could potentially do the same or 1 size up
Hi Jean!
I always look forward to reading your sale picks =) Just wondering how you wash your BP faux leather leggings as the website says to spot clean. With a toddler around, I need something that can be thrown in the wash so I’m hoping you have some tips for me.
Thanks!
Julie
Hi Julie, I hand wash them in cold water inside out and then hang on a pants clip hanger to dry. You really don’t need to wash them very often at all though, similar to leather pants, because if you spill anything on the outer, it wipes right off!
Please show the sneaker on you and styled. Thank you!! 🙂
Hi Viviana, here’s how the sneaker looks on (scroll down to the water resistant shoes section : ) https://www.extrapetite.com/2020/08/petite-sweater-dresses-moto-jackets-boots-sale.html
Great picks and suggestions Jean! I have had my eye on those BP leggings for awhile but my size keeps selling out so I am hoping this year I will have better luck. I also have a couple of Longchamp bags and they are the best!
Maureen
Jean, Id forgotten all about the Nsale this year! Thanks for letting us know some of your cute wardrobe staples are back in stock, those rust colored pants are so pretty on you! I hope all is well with your family and pregnancy!
Such a nice selection!
Mireia from TGL
Thanks for sharing your favorites! The Gibson blazer is so cute with the slim cut. Did you have the alter sleeve length? I sometimes love a blazer but then the sleeves are too long.
Hi Courtney – no, the blazer hasn’t been altered. I’ve been very impressed by the fit of the petites sizing off the rack, hence why it’s been one of my top recommendations : )