Thanks to all of your encouraging comments, my mom was happy to make a few more appearances on here! Once again for fit reference, she’s 105lbs, a little under 5’2,” and usually wears xs petite, oP to 2P or 26 in bottoms. She often asks me to help pick age-appropriate pieces that can be mindlessly thrown together for everyday outfits. I think some of these below items are great examples of staples that can transcend age!
Gibson Blazer ($49.90 ; regular price $98)
Amazing price for one of my key wardrobe staples that I bought at regular price (in white, grey, then black gradually over the years)! 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 have washed mine in the machine but only occasionally (when clothes are actually dirty) and on the gentle cycle cold, inside out, then hang on a petite hanger or lay flat on a mesh sweater rack to try.
Fit: TTS on the slim fit side. Pre-pregnancy, my usual size xxsp was perfect and now I just wear it open.
BP Drop Shoulder Sweater ($24.90 ; regular price $39)
I got this in order to confirm that it’s the same as the one I bought in a prior year, and indeed it is. This sweater may look quite basic in stock photos, but once you put it on, it’s the cut that makes it a staple I love. The material is drapey and lighter weight, and the cut features a banded bottom hem, dropped shoulders, and slightly puffed sleeves with a narrower cuff. Previously I front-tucked this into work pants, denim, and now wear it untucked over leggings.
Fit: slouchy casual, torso not too long on petites. I got xxs prior year and either cuff or push the sleeves up.
Topshop Faux Leather Jacket ($49.90 ; regular price $88)
Why is it so hard to find moto jackets in petite sizing like this? This one in petites is a nice shrunken fit, and a very good value. It’s made of a medium to thicker weight faux leather that has a more matte, pebbled finish.
Fit: Topshop’s UK sizing always runs a little smaller than US sizing, so a 0P fits similar to or a little smaller than US 00 petites at other brands.
On me: BP cami xxs (similar in xxs w wider lace trim), Zella leggings xs, Steve Madden booties 6
Express Crop Pants ($16 in cart; regular price $69)
These classic, wider leg cropped pants are such a steal right now with full stock left. They have a flat front and flattering crease with good drape. I’ve been mentioning these here and there but can’t fit into pants these days ; )
Fit: “Short” inseam is petite friendly, however if you want a true high rise fit you may need to size down if in between sizes. FYI, I often get the question of Short vs Petite at Express, and in my experience, the Short is usually about 1″ shorter than their Petite.
BlankNYC Faux Leather Jacket ($56.90 ; regular price $98)
BlankNYC makes some great moto jackets but I really wish they’d start offering petite sizing or xxs. I own a handful from over the years and usually get the sleeves shortened (most tailors can shorten moto jacket sleeves with zippers). The “chatter box” color on this is a beautiful, true cognac brown.
Fit: TTS for a women’s regular XS / 2, so roomy on someone who needs xxs and sleeves are a little too long on me. XS measures: 15″ across shoulders, 17.5″ across armpits, 16.5″ across waist, 23″ long sleeves (material is a thicker weight and lined, so will fit a little smaller than these measurements). My mom decided to keep the KFTK jacket (below) instead of this one, as she preferred the softer material.
Topshop Jamie Jeans ($45.90 ; regular price $70)
One of my longtime favorite, flattering cuts with a high rise that holds you in. The sale version is a classic medium grey color without bells and whistles, for those who don’t want rips or fading.
Fit: Snug waist, so I usually go up at least one size at the waist compared to other brands. I wore 25 x 28 in Jamie jeans pre-pregnancy with Nori, sometimes going another to 26 x 28 after having Nori. Fit is petite-friendly if you get “28” length – the inseam on my mom’s pair measures 25 inches long.
Btw, if you prefer skinny jeans that are less fitted and more comfort-focused, my mom’s favorite denim brand is Kut from the Kloth Petites – she tried all the styles on sale right now and loved the Donna High Waist Ankle Jeans (a flattering, shorter length compared to their other petite jeans) starting in 00 petite.
KFTK Faux Suede Jacket ($76.90 ; regular price $118)
See how this looks on me. I picked this out for my mom and it’s her favorite piece from the entire NSale. Material is a velvety soft brushed fabric, medium weight with a full lining. I like the little quilted detail at the bottom half of the sleeves. This is a piece you can easily dress up or down, thrown on over a tee with leggings and sneakers.
Fit: Sleeves are a little long on petite arms, however easy to alter due to no zippers (Nordstrom cardholders at certain levels can get this altered for free!). Fit is TTS; XS fits like a 0-2.
Right: BP dolman cardigan xs, BP cami xxs (similar in xxs w/ wider lace trim)
I reviewed these narrow-calf friendly OTK boots already in a previous post, but just wanted to show how they look with the shaft slouched down a little! The brown color is going fast but black is still fully stocked, and most versatile in my opinion if you wear a lot of leggings or dark denim (I already own black OTK boots from prior years).
I just looked at a receipt from a prior year Nsale, and noticed the Barefoot Dreams circle cardigan is actually priced lower this year! This annual favorite will likely sell out by the weekend in smaller sizes.
Right: Topshop faux leather jacket 0P, Madewell mules 5.5 (mine are an older color)
Btw here is the Adidas US big kids to EU womens size conversion chart again! More accurate than the one on Nordstrom. So accordingly to this, a US big kids 3.5 should fit a EUR 35.5 which is like a 5 to 5.5 in womens.
Zella kids twist front hooded top ($24.90 ; regular price $39)
I saw this kids top on my mom (below) in girls sz XL and liked it so much I got it in girls L. It totally works for not just exercise, but also athleisure / mom-on-the-go outfits, and also regular casual outfits if you pair it with jeans and booties. Fabric is lightweight with a smooth, soft finish. There’s a hood, and also small thumb holes in the sleeves if you’re a runner.
Fit: Kids L (10-12) fits like xxs petite. My mom who typically wears xs petite has this in kids XL, and the sleeves are a tad long on her but overall good fit.
If you like the fit of Zella kids, also try: supersoft side tie top (light but cozy, fleecy material), space dye leggings with side phone pockets, mixed media jacket with fleece lined back.
BP Open Stitch Cardigan ($31.90 ; regular price $49)
Ignore this particular brighter color, but this 100% cotton, medium weight ribbed cardigan is one of the best everyday basics in the sale and comes in several neutrals that are easier to pair. I also got this in order to try on and confirm how similar it is to the prior year version that I bought. The fabric, weight, and fit feel just like my older version, and I can also say that mine has held up well with wash & wear (I wash all sweaters in mesh garment bags).
Fit: intended to be a roomier slouchy casual fit. I take xxs regular and cuff the sleeves up once. In comparison, this long Halogen cardigan that I bought ~ 2 years ago is more drapey / lighter in weight and comes in petite sizing for shorter sleeves.
See my other Anniversary Sale reviews below!
- 9 versatile sale picks including slim calf Hunters + a few pieces I’ve had for years
- 5 Baby gear deals + Nuna car seat guide
- Best of Nsale boots & shoes fit reviews
- My mom & me outfits including favorite at-home lounge pieces & a gorgeous green petite jumpsuit
- Nori & me teddy coats (older post, but both of our cozy jackets are on sale this year!)
Hi Jean, I rely solely on your NSale picks and suggestions. Thank you so much for putting this info out there and posting pictures. It’s my guide and lifeline to this sale! I was able to purchase several items through your recommendations. I’m petite and asian like yourself so I find your taste and picks most helpful. You’re so adorable pregnant! In some pictures I forget that youre since you’re so tiny. I love your site and what you do. Big fan! Thanks!
Hi Susan, thanks so much for your kind words and feedback. I’m so glad to hear you find some of these posts helpful and hope I don’t disappoint with the items you got!
Your mum is cute and look really young. Lovely.
Your mom is too cute. Love these posts!
Thank you (and your mom) for your detailed, honest, and helpful posts! I ordered the Zella kids twist hoody and ended up ordering the other color too after trying it on! The socialite tshirt also arrived today and it’s so soft and versatile! Great recommendations!
So happy to hear that! I usually stay away from the kids department since I don’t love the fit on womens but this twist top was a win. Glad you like the socialite printed tee too!
Hi Jean! Would you be able to comment on your mom’s grey Topshop jeans vs. your grey Everlane pair? Thanks!!
Hi Ann! I have both pairs laid out to compare and would say Topshop Jamie jeans are known to definitely narrow in at the waist more. It makes them very flattering IMO but some will find the Everlane to be more comfortable for all day wear due to more room and flexibility at the high rise waist. The length, material thickness, and stretch on both are actually pretty similar but my Everlanes are a few shades darker.
Thank you so much!!
Your mom looks so good in everything! She is in amazing shape and I want to know all her anti-aging tips!
Hi Lisa, that’s sweet of you … from observing her, I don’t think there’s any secrets but she eats healthy (must have her leafy greens daily), is religious about sun protection, and drinks lots of water : )
Your informations are very helpful….want to get the brown faux jacket, grey sweater and the waterproof wedge shoes and also keeping on eye on that nuna car seat. By the way, my baby was born on July, 2019 and ur guidance on pregnancy related clothes, baby items, and postpartum related guidance was very helpful…. still I go to ur instashop to help me what to get for the baby. Trust me, even I am a health care professional, I am a new mom and have no guidance at all…Ur posts helps me a lot… and so far whatever you mentioned does not fail. Thank you.
That means a lot to me – so happy to be of help in the little ways! I know how overwhelming some of those smaller decisions can feel as a first time mama! xx
I’m serious, can we please get a post about your mom’s skincare routine?!? She is glowing and looks amazing! I want to know what to do now at 30 to get her skin 😀 <3
Haha she doesn’t use many name brand products (just the ones I recommend and buy for her) but she’s a stickler about sun protection and always wears large floppy hats or baseball caps outdoors to shield her face / décolletage area. It reminds me just how important regular sun protection is and how it’s probably more effective than any pricey skincare products!
So awesome your mom was able to do some try ons with you! You both have great taste and I love your picks! I hope there are still some items left when the sale goes public. It seems a lot of things are sold out already. 🙁
Maureen
My daughter and I both follow your post. We love your styles, a lot of good information. Glad to see your mom post with you, you both are beautiful. Thanks for helping me to get idea, stay informed and look good.
Stay safe and healthy.
That makes me so happy to hear! Wishing you and your daughter all the best.
Thank you for the post. Keep the outfit inspo coming. I am the same size as your mom and wanted to know how Express Mock Neck xxs fits her. Was wondering if I should go for Xs instead.
Hi Priyanka! Both sizes worked on her but she is more comfortable in xs since she prefers less tight clothing. However since the sizing of this mock neck top is not petite, the armholes may be too big on the xs for you depending on your height.
Thank you for the sale recommendations and the many pictures. It helps a lot. Thank you for having your mom showed us some pictures too. You and your mom both look amazing!
Thank you so much, Natalie!
I love your mother’s outfits. So stylish, up-to-date and age appropriate. I am close to your mother’s age and love being stylish When the outfit is age appropriate it looks great on. I like what your mother is wearing and how great it looks on her. Thank you for these good looking looks!
Thanks, Susan, she appreciates your kind words!
Hi Jean, where did you get your picture frames from?
Hi they’re from Framebridge! I’ve ordered a couple things from them online and have been happy with the experience.
Your mom is adorable! I can see where you get your good looks from.
That is kind of you, Mannix! Now I hope I can learn a fraction of her cooking skills ; )
I keep forgetting you’re pregnant because all of your clothes camouflages it so well! Everything you pick is so cute! Even though I’m not your size, I still find your info super useful 🤗
I am so glad you did another post with your mom! You both look great and encourage your mom to continue to model with you whenever possible. I love it!
Im loving these posts with you mom, Jean!!!! Lovely!!!! I’m ordering those boots and mock neck top! 🙂 thank you!!!!! Fernanda
Thank you Fernanda, Anne, and Penny for the lovely comments! This was so fun to do with my mom and she definitely feels encouraged by your messages : )
Wow…your beautiful mother looks like she could be your sister!!
Oh my gosh, you make being pregnant look soooo good! I was not even close to being this fashionable while pregnant! 😂
You’re very kind, but most days I’m living in just the black maternity leggings and a cardigan! Especially with Covid going on. It is fun to style outfits again though in anticipation of being outside more down the road!
Can you comment on how the BP cami compares to the Abercrombie cami you’ve posted in the past? (e.g., fit, quality, style)
Thank you for reminding me, in fact, I just updated the post with that alternative. I actually got my BP ones a while ago and the material on the two are pretty similar (both thinner, delicate draping fabrics and adjustable straps) but the A&F lace trim is a lot wider which I prefer! So if given the choice between two in the same color, I’d prefer the wider lace. I own a few different older A&F lace camis though (including a cotton one and a bodysuit) so would have to see their latest version to truly compare.
Having your Mom model clothing is so helpful. Please encourage her to continue!
Thank you, Beverly! I feel so fortunate to have her here esp during these times : )
Oh—just as a side note, the Zella kids hooded jacket link is directing to the suede moto instead. 🙂
Thanks for the heads up, just fixed! : )
I didn’t have much on my list from the Nsale but this post has changed that, haha! I LOVE seeing the juxtaposition of you and your mom with various outfit inspo. I am the exact same size as her, so her fit reviews have helped me with several purchases in the past. I definitely look forward to more “mom and me” posts in the future!
I appreciate the feedback, Beth! She had fun modeling and I think this will bring a smile to her face to read!
I’ve been eyeing that brown jacket! It looks pretty snazzy on, do you think you’ll keep it?
Hi Caitlin, are you referring to the brown Blank NYC jacket? The color is beautiful but it fit a little big on me so not keeping it. I ordered it for my mom but she preferred and is keeping the KFTK one instead!
Yup, that’s the one! Good to know. I might snag that black jacket that you said was petite friendly instead. Thank goodness for this blog to give me a heads up!