J.Crew makes some of my favorite petite-friendly outerwear from over the years, so I’m thrilled to partner with them and share a few Fall staples from their current collection.
I wanted to highlight some cold-weather layering pieces including two beautiful neutral coats, and super soft sweaters in classic colors. For fit and sizing reference, I’m 5 feet tall currently between 105-110lbs, and ordering one up from my pre-pregnancy size in J.Crew.
Petite-proportioned teddy coat: Teddy sherpa topcoat
I absolutely love this take on the popular teddy coat that is still very on-trend this year! Their colors include the usual neutral favorites black and brown, but also other more unique patterns and hues including leopard and this gorgeous dusty grey-cream called “Nantucket Fog” that can be dressed up or down. Fit-wise, it’s not too slim, not too baggy (like some teddy coats tend to be), and the sleeve length in Petites is on the shorter side. The coat is a thicker weight with full lining and functional pockets.
Measurements of xs petite: 16” across armpits, 15″ across shoulders, 32″ total length, 20.5″ sleeve length. For the armpits and shoulders, I tried to measure where the lining is for actual fit purposes, because the outer is very thick and fluffy.
Cozy layering sweater: Mockneck sweater in supersoft yarn (also in turtleneck)
I bought this sweater earlier this season in camel (the “heather acorn” is a pretty true camel in-person) and went back for it in another color! Despite being in regular sizing, the cut is petite friendly with a slimmer fit, and several reviewers mentioned sizing up for a casual fit. True to its name, the fabric on this is very soft and comfortable with a medium thickness. The mock neck is higher than your typical mock neck, almost like a turtleneck so works well for warmth and layering under coats.
For those who prefer a higher neckline to fold/roll down, I also tried on the turtleneck sweater in supersoft yarn. The turtleneck is made of the same knit but in a slightly looser torso fit, and has a high-low style curved hem that’s 2 inches longer than the mock neck version.
Leather sneakers: Saturday sneakers
I was impressed by these – the outer feels thick and cushy, the insides are also lined in leather, and each pair comes with two different colors of shoelaces so you can change up the look! The leopard trim pair I have come with both black and white laces. I’m usually in between a size 5 and 5.5 and went with the smaller half size.
Timeless tailored topcoat: Lady Day coat
I got my first lady day coat what feels like a decade ago, and it still feels as timeless and age appropriate as it did back then! From my older collection, my white/cream one is a favorite due to how fresh it looks in the winter so I’m happy to see they have a new very similar “Vintage White.” See my white Lady Day coat styled on me here and here in older posts.
Above I have on this year’s current version in “Nantucket Fog” as well – truly loving this versatile new hue! The textured double cloth wool outer (hasn’t shown wear or tear or pilling for me over the years) is fully lined with a Thinsulate reinforced lining, and the nipped-in waistline creates a very flattering silhouette. The petite sizing on me is a more tailored, fitted cut and runs a little more snug in the shoulders and torso, so size up if you plan on layering.
Measurements of 2020 version size 0 petite: 14.75” across armpits, 13.5″across waist, 14″ across shoulders, 35″ total length, 21.5″ sleeve length. Once again for the armpits, waist and shoulders, I tried to measure where the lining is for actual fit purposes instead of along the outside of the coat.
Two classic petite-friendly blazers on sale
Going-0ut collarless blazer
Very petite-friendly blazer that’s a little slimmer in fit and shorter in length than other J.Crew blazers. I really love the clean cut and versatile fabric on this one. It’s a comfortable, stretchy knit material with a substantial weight to it and full lining, and a smoother (not sweatshirt-like) outer finish that looks polished. The lack of lapel and buttons in the front results in a streamlined silhouette, and the blazer has bracelet length sleeves.
Measurements of 00 petite: 15″ across armpits, 14″ across shoulders, 13″ across waist, 22.5″ length, 20″ sleeve length. Since it’s an open button-less front style, there’s some wiggle room in the torso fit!
Regent Wool Blazer
Your classic camel blazer in a lighter weight wool and full lining, with a label collar that is designed to be worn either flipped up or folded down. A size 0 petite is pretty fitted on me currently.
Measurements of 0 petite: 16″ across armpits, 14.5″ across shoulders, 15″ across waist, 25″ length, 22.5″ sleeve length.
Thank you J.Crew for partnering on this post.
Hi Jean! Crossing my fingers that you see this comment lol. The newer version of the lady day coat doesn’t seem to have great reviews. I LOVE my lady day coat from about a decade ago (bought on your recommendation!) and I’m so sad the quality seems to have gone down. Do you have any suggestions for a similar coat that fits petites just as well as jcrew? Thanks! <3
Hey Jean! I have been eying the lady coat from jcrew and its finally on sale. I am petite 4’11 and jcrew did not have the packer green in size 4 so I got the classic size. How much of a difference is it? Do you think it will be too long in the sleeve and bulky?
Hi Christina! If you’re 4’11” I’d highly recommend the petites sizing because the sleeves will be long. However, I don’t know the exact difference in measurement.
This place looks so nice! Love your outfits, so elegance on you!
Thanks for sharing 🌹
Wow! Your Lady Day Coat looks so cute!
I’m wondering if you have any petite corduroy pants recommendations?! I love cords!
I can’t vouch for their current styles, but J.Crew does have corduroy pants made from a blend of different fibers in petite sizing.
I’ve had excellent results with the Tablots Stretch Corduroy Jeggings.
BR petites has some good cords this season. Also second the Talbots recommendation. Have gotten great cords from Ann Taylor Loft years ago, haven’t checked their selection yet.
I’m afraid I don’t have any suggestions right now, but I’ll keep an eye out!
Hi Jean! I’ve never gone with a white/light colored coat because I assumed it would look dingy or dirty quickly, but your looks make me tempted to pick one up. How do you maintain yours? Is there a certain frequency you take it to be dry cleaned? Or is there a spot remover you recommend? Thank you!
My only tip here is to always wear a turtleneck or mockneck top or a scarf underneath to keep the collar clean since that’s my trouble area with coats, otherwise I don’t really have issues keeping the outer clean! I dry clean at the end of each season, maybe twice a season if I get something on the coat. Hope this helps!
These reviews are so helpful, thanks! FYI just ordered Lands’ End fleece dress in XS2-4 Petite. I think this runs small – the sleeves are the perfect length and the fleece is so yummy. Great option for petites looking for cozy fleece tunic/dress…most of the time they are oversized and way too big. I’m 5′, 105 lb,
I’ve had a really great experience with Lands End! Their stuff seems consistently good quality, like they will last a long time, well made, nice details, and from what I’ve seen they do make things small enough to fit your size, at least for tops and sweaters. What’s really great is that they include actual garment measurements in addition to their standard size chart. I don’t know if it’s only for specific styles or what but I’m really glad to see them doing that.
I got the double 00 petite in Fog and holy cow it was too tight on me! I’m usually in a similar size as you (before maternity). I returned it and placed an order for 0P Vintage White, but now based on your review, I am debating to place another order for 2P. I would like to layer up on my peacoat. Can you wear a comfy sweater in yours? Or still tight?
I’m a little over 5’1 and weight between 90-93 pounds. Jean’s sizing pre-preg was the same as mine. I have the the Lady Day Petite 0 this year. I had on 4 thin layers earlier (For running in 30’s degree weather) and this size still accommodating for me. If you plan on heavy weight sweater, Petite 2 may fit better.
Hi Alisha – if you’re the same size as me pre-maternity a 0P should work with a lightweight sweater. I can’t layer much under mine but keep in mind I’m about 15 lbs up from pre-maternity.