I wanted to do a post comparing pieces from some of the most loved categories of the Nordstrom sale (BFD, joggers + leggings!) and how the styles fit a petite frame. I also wanted to include some simple outfits with pieces I got in previous years that are back for this year’s sale!
Barefoot Dreams Cardigan Guide
Around this time of year I always get questions on the cuddly Barefoot Dreams cardigans, and which style is best for a petite frame. I have a small collection from over the years and pretty much lived in them during pregnancy, postpartum and for travel back in the day. They also make a cozy gift for mom, MIL, aunts, sisters, even grandma!
For fit reference, I’m about 5 feet tall, size xxs / 24 in jeans
1. Barefoot Dreams Long Cardigan size xs
Weight: CozyChic Lite
In recent years, this has become the favorite of my BFD trio! A while back I didn’t even consider it, thinking it was too long for a petite frame. But tastes change, and as I’ve gotten older I find this length more flattering and versatile with the casual outfits that I usually wear. This one is cut a little slimmer throughout the body and the sleeves, helping it look sleek and drape well. Like with the other styles, I do cuff the sleeves up on this one.
Right – fall outing: Spanx Kids leggings L, SM boots (very similar), similar Rag & Bone hat on sale
2. Barefoot Dreams Drape Rib Cardigan size xs (Updated version)
Weight: CozyChic Ultra Lite
This made a cameo last year as a limited edition style. It’s the lightest weight out of the bunch but only by a little. UPDATE: they updated this cardigan to be a few inches longer and the sash belt is now removable, versus stitched on like it was beefore.
3. Barefoot Dreams Circle Cardigan size XS/S
Weight: CozyChic Lite
The most popular style of the BFD family! And my first step into this cozy, snuggly world many many years ago. I think this cocoon shape is the most universally flattering cut out of the bunch, and the sizing is a little more flexible, so would be my pick if you’re shopping for one to gift a friend or loved one.
If you’re debating between the long and the circle cardigan ~ same outfit, slightly different looks:
Leggings Guide (Zella, Comando, Spanx)
I rotate my Zellas for running, light workouts, lounging and travel while I love a good faux leather legging for everyday fall-winter outfits. Here’s a rundown of some popular styles and how they compare:
1. Zella Studio Lite Pocket 7/8 leggings size xxs
My favorite Zellas for everyday wear thanks to the shorter length and convenient, generously sized pocket for holding my phone! Mine in the photo are a prior year version, and they’ve since moved the pocket up to make it more flattering and flush against the leg (I do own this year’s but they were in the wash when I snapped these photos!). The 7/8 length in a regular size XXS hits nicely right below my ankles. Update 2022: I tried the 2022 version in store and find them to be the same quality as mine from a few years ago. I suggest sorting the reviews by most recent, as I think they may have changed these back to the original after some complaints!
2. Zella Live In leggings size Petite xs
The original Zellas with nice and smooth compression fabric (a tad thicker than Studio Lite) and a little slot pocket hidden in the waistband. I personally wear the Studio Lite Zellas more due to the pockets and shorter ankle length!
3. Commando 7/8 faux leather leggings xs
Just added these to my staple leggings collection! After two babies, I’ve been wanting a slightly higher rise and more compression, and these delivered with a subtle pebbled faux leather finish. The Commando have the look of lightweight leather pants with a higher rise, while the Spanx below are more like stretchy activewear leggings with a slinkier feel. Heads up, the Commando leggings fit small with a lot of “shaping” power and took me a little time to wiggle on at first. The length is a little long on me but have a raw cut bottom hem that is very easy to fold under.
4. Spanx faux leather leggings
These are thin and light, liquid style leggings with a wide banded waist and side seams. A Petite XS was a little too much like a tight second skin on me and showed my knee grooves, etc (and was ~ 2 inches too long), so I had to return. Compared to Commando, though, they are a lot stretchier and more like athletic leggings, so I can see how comfy they are for all day wear and sitting!
I was curious about their very affordable kids sizing so gave these leggings another try, unfortunately the Kids XL pictured here is too loose throughout and pretty long (hems are folded under a few inches in the pic), though might suit someone who is a Womens XS and taller. Someone my size should fare better with their girls size Large.
Zella Joggers Guide (Restore vs Live In)
Next, a quick look at Zella’s two most popular jogger pants and how they fit a petite frame!
1. Zella Restore soft joggers (regular inseams only)
There are my old favorites (read my review) and one of the top items I’d recommend from the sale! Even though they are regular sizing, the xxs length is petite-friendly on me. The fabric is incredibly soft and comfortable, but still has a smooth finish which is nice (not “fleecy” which can get pilly or nubbly on pants).
I’ve also heard that some of you got the kids version of these! I haven’t tried the kids in this particular style but I usually take a kids size L in Zella bottoms.
2. Zella Live in joggers (regular + petite inseams)
In comparison to the Restore, the fabric of the Live In joggers is less cozy against the skin and more of a lightweight woven material, making these better for athleisure outfits and running errands, compared to the Restore which I wear to at home to curl up at my desk or on the couch in! They also have a small zippered pocket convenient for things you don’t want to lose while working out, like keys.
Love all your recommendations from the NSale! I’ve been following you for awhile now and recently got my sister to also follow 🙂 Fun Fact: Rio and my baby boy are just a few weeks apart!
I would love to learn more about your workout routine (if you have one) during and after your pregnancy!
Hello, I’m a long time follower and love your posts. Fun fact about me, I’m currently living in Europe and love to travel.
Your blogs are inspiring, love your outfits def going to need some ideas when returning back to office. I also have 2 kids though they r bigger than yours and so is my size lol
Love your blog & your style!
Fun fact : I almost got bitten by a barracuda during one of my snorkeling sessions.
I love reading about all things for us petite ladies from alterations to recommendations. Fun Fact: Both my kids had the same delivery date!
Hello, i love your blog! Fun fact – i have a 15 year old dog and a new 3 year old dog that I adopted during COVID!
Hi there, I’m a new follower and found you by accident actually, but I’m so glad I did! I’m loving your NSale posts and can’t wait to boost my fall wardrobe.
Fun fact: I’m half Japanese and half Sicilian, height wise I’m not petite, but I’ve always struggled with clothing and brands due to my petite frame; your suggestions are so helpful… and I loved your recent parenting post too 🥰
Thanks for the recommendation for the Nuna Rava!
Fun fact: I danced for 46 hours for a children’s philanthropy in college.
I’m 5’0″ and your blog is amazing! I’m a long time follower and a fun fact is I’m a big vermicomposter and I love my worms!
Thank you Jean for all the great content! Fun fact: I used to get corporate rental cars and crashed 3 in a row (all parking related and no one was hurt… Except my pride)
Love all your petite recommendations & recipes!
Fun fact: I raised a pig for 4H & he got expelled for fighting with another pig intheshowring!
Thanks for your recommendations! I always shop the Nsale based on your posts.
Fun fact: Im also in a mixed race relationship and love your tips about raising kids coming from two different cultures.
I love your blog and have been following it for a long time. I’m 4’10 and your fashion advice has helped me so much over the years! A little about me – I live in a big city but love the outdoors!
Thanks for all the great recommendations! Love how your blogs are so thoughtful and thorough. Fun fact, we’re the same height 🙂
I’m only 4’11”- I’m shorter than my mom and grandma. I love all your recommendations.
You are a lifesaver! I am 5’1 and always found myself shopping in kids sections before I discovered your blog.
For a working mom your blogs and recs are a timesaver! Fun fact: my son and I birthdays are a day apart!
I love rock climbing and cycling. Really enjoy posts with your mom – I’m about her size (and age).
Love your blog and insta as a fellow petite gal (5’1”). Fun fact: i once bought a tory burch bag from Nordstrom and kept the receipt in the side pocket and never wore it for years (like 4 years, so never had to remove the tags not threw out the receipt) and Nordstroms awesome customer service gave me a full refund. It was a couple hundred dollars and I was so thrilled. Another reason to be a loyal Nordy customer
It is great that you are a local influencer. Love your suggestions and recipes,.especially for Nori, as she is my daughter’s age and has similar allergies!
Shoutout from a fellow petite Asian who has been following your blog (and your recommendations) for 6 years + now.
Fun fact: I share my birthday with a parent & my partner!
Fun fact–im in my early 40’s and completely changing careers!
hi Jean! I have been following you for few years now, before you had your daughter! I love your style and since I’m 5’1”, you share great content for petite. Fun fact: my mom and her sister we’re pregnant around same time and they both named there kids Rubal. So I have a boy cousin few week younger then me named Rubal.
Hi Jean! I have been following you for many years including before you and Nick were married. It’s been great watching your family grow.. I am also Vietnamese and I love it when you share about the culture. Fun fact…I have a two-year-old Samoyed dog who I just love to bits. I am a first time dog owner and can’t imagine my life without dog now that I have one!
Hi Jean!
My name is Charlotte and a fun fact about me is I hate the word creamy more than moist because I’m a RN and when we use the word creamy we’re describing secretions and it just grosses me out 😂 thanks for doing a giveaway!! So exciting!
Charlotte L
I loooove following you! Come here often for style inspiration.
Fun fact: my brother and I have the same birthday 9 years apart
Love seeing your style recommendations! Fun fact: I’m half Chinese and half Cuban =Cubanese
I’m 5’2 with heels and I love your blog.
Fun fact: I used to work as a banana picker in AUS!
I started following you for your amazing fashion sense and later as I started a family as well, I now follow u for all the wonderful fashion and motherly advice! Thank you!!
I started following you because I loved your recommendations for petite friendly clothing! Your hacks and reviews have been super helpful. Fun fact: I have a fraternal twin sister but everyone swears we’re identical!
A fun fact about me is that I am entering this at the beach!
Hi Jean, Thank you for creating a blog for petites! I’ve always had a hard time finding the right clothes that would fit me properly. With your blog it gave me an insight of how to create my own style. I applause you for spending the time to share your wardrobe with us. One fun fact about me is I like to sanitize my shoes before I bring it in my closet to put it away! 😅
Love your petite recs and really appreciate the toddler recs as mom of two, too. Fun fact: I am obsessed with anything related to penguins.
Love your blog, been following ever since I had moved to Boston for grad school. Now moved back to Cali. Fun fact: my daughter was born on Cinco de Mayo last year.
Fun fact: I love baking my own bread, specifically milk bread 🍞
Love your blog, Jean – I’m in Australia but have bought a couple of your recs online and also when we visited Hawaii (first time in the US) in 2019, and have been more than satisfied every time!
I’m about to get a promotion.
– Deanna Z
I always look forward to your Nordstrom Anniversary posts. You always provide awesome recommendations. It never fails me. ☺️ Fun Fact: My first born was born in the same month as me. My second born has the same birthday date as my husband.
Love your style and especially love the cardigan and dress combo in the first outfit picture!
Fun fact: I started a vegetable garden this year for the first time ever. So fun and looking forward to harvest time.
Hi Jean! Fun fact : My first date and wedding anniversary with my husband was on his 20th birthday. Easy to remember haha
Fun fact: I love traveling but really hate flying. I’m even more anxious to fly now that I’m a mom!
Putting so many things on my wishlist for when I have access! Fun fact, I met my now husband in Malaysia!
Jean…love your blog. Thank you for doing all the research for petite gals. When I am stressed a new outfit always help. 😊
I love love love your style! I don’t have to go into the office anymore but I’m always trying to find an excuse to dress up in new outfits inspired by your posts.
Fun fact: I just recently had a baby and your journey of TTC and motherhood has truly been an inspiration. Nowadays, I look forward to your quick tips on managing Nori and Rio.
Hi Jean! Thanks for sharing your fashion and life wisdom over the years. I’ve been an avid follower and had the pleasure of meeting you and your lovely family when you did a talk at Google a few years ago. Fun fact: your garlic noodles recipes has saved dinner for us; my kids love it!
Hi Jean, I’ve been following you for many years. Thanks for all your articles and recommendations. I always look forward to your blog posts even though I’m not petite. I’m actually quite tall. Ha! 😄
Jean, you’re my fairy blog mother! Love you and your little family!
Fun fact: I Iove shopping.
Love your blog. Thanks for posting about cardigans and leggings– two of my favorite articles of clothing! Fun fact: I love karaoke-ing and hope to go back to a karaoke bar soon!
Thank you always for your recommendations. Being a petite person and immigrant, didn’t know anything about petite clothes and came across your YouTube videos. Since then, I have been reading your blogs. Thanks for blogs for baby essential things. You have saved me a lot.
Fun fact: my daughter is really attached to my husband since I wasn’t there for her during covid pandemic ( I works at the hospital.) Now I am very grateful for what he does int he same time really jealous of him although he is really tired of taking care of her ( day and night).
Im looking forward to purchasing some leggings you recommended like the zella ones for lounging and casual wear. I hope it’s thick enough that the outline of my undergarments won’t show… Also considering the faux leather ones for winter. Love to throw it on in winter, for those chillier nights going out and given the material it can be dressed up.
Fun fact- I’ve only told this to a handful of friends… but I will be starting a new job as a Operating Nurse soon in sept. So I’m super excited for this change and challenge, as I have been doing bedside for awhile.
I just discovered your blog lately and I love it. As a petite women myself I’m always struggling to find clothes that looks good on me and you are such a huge help.
Fun fact: the meaning of my is grape in Hebrew.
Not a petite girl but love your style and your down to earth posts
Always look forward to your Anniversary Sale updates and recommendations – all the research, photos, and sizing tips helps me feel a little more confident shopping online for sure!
Fun fact: I used to competitively figure skate before college!
I always enjoy reading your posts! Fun fact: My daughter was almost a Christmas baby, but held off so I could enjoy Christmas dinner.
Hi Jean, Love your blog and style inspo I’ve got to say that of all of the petite bloggers out there you by far are the classiest!
Fun Fact: I have over 15 professional licenses but deep down inside kick my self in the butt for not having started my own petite blog years ago! Cin cin to Friday!
A few years ago when mid-rise was in fashion, I bought 7 pairs of Zella leggings to literally live in. Regrets! I now realize high waisted is the way to go to cover the tummy!
I love your recommendations and reviews- you and your family! Fun fact: I joined Instagram when it was a really new app and my handle has no numbers, just the name. I have people constantly wanting it and even trying to hack in my account but I don’t want to give it up because it holds all my memories, especially my kids! My oldest was only 1 when I got insta.
I’ve really appreciated all your reviews over the years. The baby ones are especially helpful to refer back to! Fun Fact: I got a part time retail job during a “quarter life crisis.”
Fun fact: I had a surprise $30 note in my account for the Nordstrom sale! Okay, so maybe that’s not a fun fact for anyone else, but it was super fun for me!
Always come back to your page for inspo and tips!
Fun Fact: Just got back from Hawaii with our baby (1st plane trip!) and totally used your 3 part series on traveling with baby for reference. Keep on blogging!! <3
I love your detailed reviews and posts, and can’t decide if I’m here for the fashion and style posts, or for all the delicious cooking and recipes! Fun fact: I was in a big screen movie when I was in high school, and my character was shot and killed! It was wild and fun!
my boyfriend bought me my first ever barefoot dreams cardi for christmas and i love it so much i’m going to buy some for my sisters for christmas at this sale!
Fun fact: I’ve moved 9 times in my adult life 🚛
I love all of your recommendations and outfits, Jean! Fun fact: I teach at the same elementary school that I went to!
Hi Jean,
Love all your recommendations for the Nsale. I just ordered a few things.
Fun facts: My mom had 7 girls, then tried 8 years later to have a boy. But she ended up having another girl. I’m the baby. 🤗
Great recommendations as always. Fun fact: Great website for petites, have been following almost since the start though it is my first comment.
Hi there ! Love the petite recs ; it’s helped me not drown in clothes or tailor 5 inches up anymore!
Fun fact: I was born in a blackout at the hospital and my brother always says my parents took home the wrong kid! It’s been 30 years now….
Jean, your blog has been a life saver! I have been following you for years and was so excited to try the zella joggers. Looks like they are both sold out. Have you ever tried the girls zella joggers?
Always enjoy reading your blogs and if posts!
Fun fact: I have a fear of heights yet I experienced skydiving and it was one of the most exhilarating experience of my life.
Love all the Nordstrom reviews, especially for products that seem similar by description! Fun fact: I was the first college graduate on my mom’s side of the family.
Thanks for sharing all your reviews on the sale! Those BFD cardigans look so comfy!
Fun fact—I love archery and I can shoot all day long, even though I’m terrible at it!
I love your blog!
I visit the blog for inspiration and tip for petite clothing styles. It has been fun to follow along your journey. Fun fact about me – My first job was at the statue of liberty 🗽 .
Fun fact: I worked as a bartender during my college years! It was quite the experience and one that I’ll remember till I’m old.
Thank you for the very informative blog post regarding the Nordstrom anniversary sale. I’ve been wanting to try out the Barefoot Dreams cardigan for years, but never could afford it. Winning the gift card would mean so much. Thank you for doing this giveaway! 🙂
Fun fact about me: my fiancée and I met at the same church my parents got married in 25+ years ago. We’ll be getting married in that same church as well.
I love reading your recommendations! I’m about the same size as you and it was so difficult to find clothes that did not need alterations! I’m an elementary school teacher and need to start dressing semi professional so I don’t get mixed up with the kiddos!
So excited to try out those Zella leggings!
FUN FACT: I have a twin sister. She’s the one that introduced me to your blog!
I’ve been eyeing a BFD cardigan for a long time and this might be the year I finally purchase it!
Love your blog! Especially the anniversary sale posts. Fun fact: I can ride a unicycle!
Love your blog Jean! As a new mom of a 2month old, I don’t know how you have time for all your awesome posts AND being a super Mom!
Love, love, love your blog. It has made shopping easier for me. Specially your detailed info about any product is what I love about your blog.
Fun fact: As a child I used to love climbing trees and would jump from a height. I have never told this to my kids as a mother now I would not want my kids to do this. 😉
Hi Jean,
I love all of your N sale picks! I am also just shy of 5’ and have been following your blog for about 6 years now! Thank you for helping me find my own style and understanding petite sizing.
– Celina P,
All of these cardi’s look so SOFT! I’ve been lusting after Barefoot Dreams for the longest time!
Loving your style, girl. x
Been following you since my college years (now 32 and a mama). Fun fact: I have perfect pitch!
Hi Jean! Been following you since my college days 🙂 You are my fashion inspiration and a fun fact about me is that I just found out will be a mama! I hope you have a wonderful day 🙂
Love these outfits. A fun fact about me is I recently taught myself (somehow!) to wiggle my ears.
Great post! Fun fact- I read your blog while nursing my 6 week old at 3am … its what I look forward to during middle of the night feedings! 😴
I am working on my green thumb with several resilient low maintenance indoor plants! Verdict so far is it’s still a bit yellow. 🙂
In high school, I joined the East Indian Club and learned a dance to perform in front of the entire school which was around 3k.
My fiancé and I love all the kid-friendly, easy recipes you share. Thank you!
I am so happy to have found your blog last year! I am 4’11, 92 lbs and have always had the hardest time finding flattering clothes for my petite frame.
Fun fact about me: I have 2 younger siblings and we are exactly 10 and 20 years apart. It wasn’t planned!
Fun fact about me: I like to eat alone in restaurants. Sometimes. Not all the time but sometimes. Tosy F.
Love your picks! I have been thinking about the barefoot dreams cardigan so this was super helpful! Fact about me – I have a daughter and son – not too far in age from Nori and Rio. Love all your kid tips!
Love your blog! Learned to read music before I could read words.
Love the style ideas and style hacks you have for petites. I am 5’1. I recently used your tip for when the shoulders are too big and also the sleeve length one. I also love the pictures you share with you and your Mom.
Fun fact: I have 3 petite sisters and we all share petite ideas with each other as well. They also view your site.
Love your style of dressing!! I started following after Tia Bhuva posted about your blog. Much love ❤️
Thanks for this post and the giveaway even thought you don’t have to! Definitely looking forward to getting some of these pieces!
Fun fact about me is I have the same birthday as Lucy Liu.
After more than a year of no travelling, definitely itching to get on a plane & go somewhere
Fun fact: When I was college aged, I raced a pet hamster in a rollerball derby and won 2nd place. I was 2x older than most the other contestants…
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I followed you for your petite style and continued following with all your mama / parenting hacks. Fun fact about me: I drowned in Puerto Rico but made it out alive, had numerous panic attacks in the ocean since but somehow went caged shark diving in South Africa without a oanic attack. Oh yeah, another fun fact, I walked around the pediatrician’s office today with my blouse open after breastfeeding and no one said anything until I noticed 20 mins later. 🤦🏻♀️ #momlife
New first time mom looking for new clothes for the changed body.
Hi! Fun fact about me: I was on Wheel of Fortune 🙂
Thanks for reviewing the barefoot dreams cardigans! Fun fact is I drive with two feet with an automatic car.
First time commenter! Love following your blog, it’s the only one I actively follow! Fun fact: for a job, I learned how to make gelato from world class artisans and got sent all over to eat and make gelato!
Always love your helpful reviews of items! Fun fact: my mom named me after Dolly Parton’s song! Although, when I grew older and listened to the lyrics I always wondered why she did bc I am Asian and don’t match that description at all lolll gotta hand it to my immigrant mom 🙂
I have a spa date with a family member next week that I’m excited about!
Love all of your nsale picks! Fun fact about me: i live in hawaii but hate the sun. Wish we had a fall season so i could wear all those cute boots and sweaters!
Love your style!
Fun fact- we have 6 cats, 2 dogs. All rescues. TBH, Don’t know how it happened, they chose us. ❤️
I’m the Chinese voice of Waze!
Hello, I just wanted to say I love your blog and style. Fun Fact: I am currently expecting my second child !
I’m 4’9” and my almost three year old is more than half my size. 🥺
Fun fact about myself – I went to 3 different elementary schools in 3 different countries.
I broke my arm in a flag football tournament in college 😬
thank you for including us extra petite
thank you for always sharing your nordstrom sale pick! I find them so helpful 🙂
I have an identical twin sister and we each have a baby girl and they are only 6months apart, growing up like twins!
I have three kids. The oldest is in college and the youngest in diapers!
I ran a relay race from LA to Vegas. 341 miles!
I’ve been struggling to learn more about petite outerwear (specifically caridgans) so thanks so much for this awesome review Jean! Fun fact about me – I never passed level 1 of swimming lessons…maybe that will change this summer 😅
I started following you for baby tips (with Nori). Now I follow you for functional fashion 🙂
Lovely post and giveaway! I once broke my arm falling down the stairs!
Love your blog!
Fun fact: My daughter convinced me to get matching Disney outfits and headbands so we can wear it at Disney World.
I am a software engineer but I do not like coding!
My middle name is star! And my name also means star 🙂
Hi Jean! I love your blog— thank you for all the tips and tricks for us petite ladies!
Fun Fact: I’m 8 months pregnant (1st time mama) and the only thing I’m craving is a potbelly’s sub that I can’t have lol!
Hi Jean! Fun fact about me is I’m just about the same size as your mom so I love it when she makes an appearance 🥰. I usually have to guesstimate and go one size larger from your stated size for a good fit.
love reading your blog as our kids are very similar in age and though I’m 8” taller, find the styling tips very helpful!
My physical built is exactly like you and I am so glad I found your blog. Thank you
I’m relatively new to your page but I love your style! I think it’s so versatile and it’s helping me a lot in revamping my wardrobe 🙂
Love your style and seeing your adorable kids!
Fun fact about me: my hubby & I have the same birth date! 🙂
I’m totally obsessed with your style and blog! 😄
Thank you Jean! You are detailed and thoughtful and I appreciate your posts so much. I have a love of gardening and pockets on my leggings are something I only recently got into, how has it taken me so long?! I’ll be giving your Zella rec a try of they don’t sell out before I can get to them.
Thank you for the valuable content as always <3
I’m a clinical psychologist and I love helping people sleep better!
Jean, I’ve been reading your blog for years! Love your petite classic style and especially have loved watching your family grow. Fun fact, recently moved from SC to PA and finding the summer to be equally as hot! I also have a boy and girl similarity a aged to yours so I feel like you saved my maternity fashion for work. I got a lot of ideas from you!