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.
Fun fact: I dropped out of high school (don’t have a degree, diploma, or GED), but I’m a lawyer.
Second fun fact: I’m 5’9″ and love your blog! Definitely the opposite of petite :).
Hi Jean! I’ve been following your Nsale recommendations for years and they’re always my favorite. Fun fact: I was born in the middle east and I’ve lived in Asia, the UK, and in two states of the western U.S.
Love your recommendations ans style! Fun fact- my husband and I may be unexpectedly expecting our third. God help us.
Love reading your posts! I’m your size and am always delighted to see your latest finds.
Fun fact: I work with my husband renovating and renting residential homes. He’s taught me how to use power tools like a pro.
Love your posts! Especially the motherhood/littles ones. Fun fact: I’m having my second baby (and my first girl!) this fall and couldn’t be more excited.
Love your blog! Fun fact: I won the handwriting award in 5th grade and I still take handwriting neatly very seriously!
Fun Fact: I went to high school in Hawaii 🌺
I follow you on IG and always love your recommendations!
Fun fact – my husband is my high school sweetheart and it’s going on 16 years!
The BFD cozy chic lite cardigan is my fav piece!
Fun fact- I’m a homeowner at 25 years old! I hope to buy a multi family house soon. I’ve worked so hard to get here.
Fun Fact: You got me hooked into kdrama.
I love the Zella leggings and an excited to try the joggers. Fun fact: I teach group fitness classes, so I’m always in need of leggings!
Fun fact about me: I’m an aerialist & circus performer.
I’ve been following you for a while now Jean and looking forward everyday for your post. You inspired me a lot from your simple yet elegant style to your life journey. Thanks for all your recommendation, it helps a lot for a petite woman like me.
Fun fact we are pretty much the same size so I love your recommendations! From the anniversary sale, the Zella leggings and BFD cardigan have been my favorite. Thank you!
Your blog has been so helpful in finding petite looks! Fun Fact: I am pregnant with my second boy and his due date is the same has his brother’s bday!
Thank you for all the recommendations <3 Fun Fact: I've been following you for 10+ years and your journey from Deloitte to now is very inspiring to me 🙂
Love your style! Fun fact: I’ve been following you since I found you on Pinterest probably 10 years ago.. I searched “how to dress like an adult and not look like a child when you are extra petite”!
These are great reviews. A fun fact about me, I am small and petite, but at one point volunteered on our local ambulance. The double takes that I got from looking like a child driving the ambulance, was hilarious. Martha A
Hi Jean!! Thanks for all your fit reviews for NSale! I recently moved and there isn’t a Nordstrom near me anymore so it’s super helpful as a 5ft person. Fun fact about me: I have aphantasia which means I can’t visualize the way most people do!
I’m proud to say I’ve been on a shopping ban for over a year, but I know I could really make good use of the gift card if I win it.
Thanks for all of your tips on fashion for Asian women like me. 🙂
Thanks for the Nordstrom recs! It really helps me to figure out what to get at Nordstrom.
Fun fact: I used to be on an all girl’s flag football team where we would train/practice/compete
I`m a native of the Boston area, and my daughter was born near Guangzhou. I love seeing pictures of my former, South End neighborhood and your blog has been such a useful source of clothes and style tips for her, since you`re the same height and weight – and because in a world where unusually tall and skinny white women are the beauty standard, we`re both grateful for your representation and your practical tips. You`ve been the source for her first young-adult interview outfit and her white high school graduation dress.
Thanks for keeping the blog going! I have been reading for years. Fun fact: I live in Phoenix but want to buy all of the jackets and sweaters you post about!
Thank you for posting such helpful reviews! I have been following you since my early college days (over 10 years ago lol)! Fun fact: my older brother’s birthday is a day before mine and his wife’s birthday is a day before my sister’s.
I’m proud to say that I was able to stick to my shopping ban for over a year now, but I would make really good use of the gift card if I win it!!!
Hi Jean! I love your blog and how you’ve included all the lovely tips for dressing for pregnancy and nursing in many of them, as I’m pregnant with my second! I guess that’s a fun fact? Love your Nord sale posts to help navigate through all the cardis and shoes since that’s about all I can fit right now!
Fun Fact: I am a West Indian – my ancestors migrated to the Caribbean over 150 yrs ago and now there is a huge Indian population here. I recently found the petite community and I’m finally feeling happy with my size.
Always look forward to your yearly nsale reviews! Thanks!
I love the look of the commando leather leggings. Hopefully I can score a pair. Fun fact: I am a teacher and I have an identical twin sister.
I love this post! So many cute outfit inspirations 🙂
“Fun” fact about me- I married my husband almost 10 years ago in the building where I go to class every day for grad school (1/2 way through a counseling program) 🙂
Always appreciate your Nsale posts! Fun fact: I have triplet baby girls! An identical set and a fraternal! 🙂
I always love reading your posts about the Nordstrom sale! Fun fact – I discovered your blog when we first moved to Boston. Although we’re back in the Midwest now, I still loving seeing your style posts!
Love your blog!
Fun fact: I’m a self-taught baker and sewer 🙂
Hi Jean! Thanks for all the great recommendations for the NSALE! Love following you for fashion and toddler fun (our daughters are close in age). Fun fact: I’ve lived in 3 different countries.
Thank you so much for writing this post! I’ve been following you for years and as a fellow petite woman, I love all of your recommendations. I even bought one of Nick’s recommendations for a pair of Paige jeans for my husband and he wears it all the time!
Love your blog! Its not easy as petite person to find the right clothes that fit and look good but you have been a great help :).
Also love your pics for Nordstrom Anniversary sale
Love how thorough your reviews are! Fun fact – I love to read!
Hope these comments bring you the same joy you bring us!
Fun fact: I’m a third grade teacher and hot yoga instructor. This summer I chose to be a mindfulness/yoga instructor to kids who suffered during covid.
Hi Jean!
I love all your recommendations and your blog! I have been following you since college and have been building my wardrobe from your recommendations! Fun fact: I’ll be starting my first job in October and I am currently studying for the bar exam.
I live in Portland, ME and have been following your blog since its beginning. You have been my essential source to help build my wardrobe working as a v. petite nurse practitioner. I always buy at least two of your picks from the nordstrom sales for myself or family. Its been amazing to watch your blog and family grow. Fun Fact: 5 years ago I saw you and Nick rushing through Logan but was too shy to say anything! My son is just 3 and I am doing a dermatology fellowship in Boston. When I make it on a plane again and spot you maybe I’ll say hi!
Love your honest and thorough reviews of the nsale!
Fun fact: I’ve seen Beyonce perform 3 times!
Great post Jean! Fun Fact about me: I learned to play the harp over quarantine!! It was one of the only things that kept me sane LOL.
Long time follower and fan of yours! Always love these guides.
Fun fact: I unknowingly went swimming with tiger sharks in Hawaii. Fortunately, no one told me until AFTER I made it back to the ship!
Long time follower and big fan! Petite clothing is difficult to find in my area, so I appreciate places like Nordstrom that offer free shipping and returns!
Hi Jean! I am starting law school in 3 weeks. I always look forward to your posts. You’ve been helping me find staple pieces for my classes! Thank you for all that you do.
Love your blog! Fun fact: I think we might be neighbors in Boston :-). So fun to recognize the spots from your photos!
Love all your reds! Fun fact: On my dad’s side, the cousins who are the eldest sibling are the shortest kid in their immediate family including me!
I wait all year for your Nordstrom Anniversary Sale posts!
Fun fact: Growing up, I never wanted a career in healthcare and now I find myself working in a children’s hospital as a pediatric psychologist.
I was waiting and hoping the Nuna Rava was going to be on the anniversary sale. Thanks for the reminder.
Fun Fact: Your blog got me through my pregnancy. I would have been clueless without your post. I bought all the stuff you recommended.
Thanks for all the petite help (5 ft tall/100lbs/size 5 shoe…when not pregnant)! Fun fact: I’m due to have my second rainbow baby (girl) in about 7 weeks!