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.
Always enjoy your in depth nsale posts! Fun fact: I’ve yet to learn to ride a bike. Maybe this summer?
Amazing! Love getting recs from you because you’re also tiny and Asian! It’s sometimes so hard to figure out what to wear. About me – physician mom with two littles 3 and 5, living and working in the city of Chicago. Fun fact is that when I was in residency, on one of my vacation weeks, we surprised my now mother-in-law on her 60th birthday in Malaysia, which was also the first day of Lunar New Year. flying from Portland to a remote town in Malaysia without her knowing we were coming! Between all the transfers, it took like 10 legs of transportation to get there, but the look on her face and the whole extended family’s faces was priceless.
Fun fact: it was my birthday yesterday! 🙂
A fun fact about myself is Heather Locklear is my third cousin on my dad’s side, 🙂
Love all the recommendations! I’m looking for some cardigans for work so thank you 🙂
Fun fact about myself: I played ping pong competitively in college
Your reviews are always so helpful, Jean, and I’m following you since before you and I both had babies! A fun fact about me is my household is basically the United Nations: we have a Filipino, Spanish German, Irish, and Palestinian going on, and love making all the foods! – Catie M
Thanks for the great tips. Learning which BFD styles don’t overwhelm.
Great post about the barefoot dreams cardigans. I’ve been eyeing those!
Fun Fact – I’ve been to 3 of the 7 ancient wonders of the world all in one trip!
I am 72 and 4’11 and am still trying to learn how to dress! Your blog helps me tremendously with basic items that older folks can wear and will fit correctly. Thank you
Fun fact(s): I have been following your blog for years and have always admired your style! I love seeing how your blog has evolved from fashion to lifestyle. Thank you for representing petite girls and moms!
Bought my first barefoot dreams item during last year’s sale and it’s a favorite!
Hi Jean!
I have been following your blog posts for awhile now when I moved out to Connecticut from California. Thanks for all the tips and tricks! As a mommy of a kid with Eczema, I really appreciate you sharing your experience. 😊
Something about me: I’m a basic science and clinical researcher 👩🏻🔬 I love wearing comfortable, functional, and pretty/fun clothes in the hospital to brighten up staff’s or patients’ day! 😎
Always love your recommendations as a fellow petite gal. My fun fact is my husband and I closed on a house, got engaged and got married (civil ceremony) all in a span of a month. Wild!!
My fun fact…my children and I all share the same birthday! My husband is delighted to remember just one date! 😉
Love your outfits!
About me : Shopping makes me happy and relaxes me!
Hi Jean! Thank you so much for the consistent blog content and for doing a giveaway 🙂
I’m a fellow mom of 2 living in sunny SoCal!
I’m so happy to have found your blog. I’ll take all the help I can get being a petite girl! Love your recommendations and have enjoyed your recipes.
Fun Fact: My mom named me after the Filipina beauty queen that won the pageant, when she was going through labor.
Thanks for sharing so much detail – looking to rebuild my wardrobe because it is all over the place near the end of pregnancy with baby #2, a year and a half of telework, and living in three different climates over the past six years!
Thanks for all the great petite tips! I am 5’2” and Nordstrom is my favorite store.
Really great finds! I’m from Malaysia but people always think I’m from China. And I’m not petite at all but love your style a lot!
Fellow Bostonian, fave place in town is Hall’s Pond in Brookline!
Today is my 31st birthday! And my first birthday since I got married. This year hits different because my family has doubled in size (in-laws :))
My daughter loves to take selfies of us together. It is probably the cutest thing ever.
I’m 4’11” and have been the same height and weight for over 10 years.
I know you and I the same size so it really helps reading through every blog on the details that you point out (when sleeves are too long or the fit around the tummy is different between the same dress in different color). I cant wait to have a baby in the future so I can refer back to all your blog post on pregnancy/postpartum:)
Always love all your recommendations especially the baby ones and how you keep your home organized. I have two babies (5 yo girl & almost 2 yo boy) and your postpartum posts really help me emotionally and mentally knowing I’m not alone. You’ve responded to one of my comments on Instagram before and it really made a difference. So just want to say thank you!
I always look forward to the NAS blog posts! 😄 Fun fact: I love clothes shopping, but I hate trying them on 😅🥲
Hi Jean, I’ve kept up with your blog and Instagram for years, and I get so much inspo from you. Fun fact: I’m originally from the UK and I moved to the US 2 years ago. I’ve been able to buy so many more of your recommended items since moving here – which is awesome 😂
I used to work at Loft, Ann Taylor and loved seeing you style their looks. My eye is on the Dakota dress here. Thanks for all you do!
Fun fact: Covid turned me into an online shopaholic.
Your content is pure joy to me. I’m very petite and for most of my life have been body shamed for being small! You have helped me dress for my body type and feel confident in my own skin. Fun fact – I’ve always loved the name Jean. my Grandma’s name was Jean and I hope to name my little girl after her someday 🙂
I have been eyeing the over the knee boots since last year, so I plan to finally get them this year!
Fun Fact: I bake brownies for my kids so I can lick the bowl 🙂
Your sale recommendations are always greatly appreciated! Fun fact: I’ve studied and can speak several different languages.
Love your blog! Fun Fact: I live in NYC but hate riding the subway.
Would love to enter the giveaway. I’m getting married in a couple weeks!
I’ve been following you for years and love all your travel recommendations, especially the Amalfi coast one. I ended up using that as a guide for my honeymoon.
Fun fact: my 18 month old daughter was due on my birthday, however she didn’t come out until 2 days later!
Love your recommendations! Fun fact about me: I’m the youngest of 3 children, but the first to graduate from college.
Hi Jean, I have been following you for close to a decade and am always looking for ways to look more put together. I love how you style looks for the petite frame. Fun fact… We will be welcoming baby girl #2 in the winter time!
Hi Jean,
I really enjoy your blog and Instagram posts! I love your styles as well as your adorable kids 💕
I have a kid almost same age as your Nori !
I normally don’t post on social media but I enjoy your contents very much ☺️
Fan fact: I love playing the piano and I used to practice at least 4 hours a day for my performance! Now I don’t have time to do it 😉
Have a wonderful weekend 🥰
I’m a teacher-turned-children’s-librarian and I once soloed an airplane!
Thank you so much for your detailed comparison of the fit and style of the different brands of leggings. It helps immensely much when shopping online. I too have a 3 year old and a 10 month old and can appreciate all the time you put into your work!
I have been eyeing the circle cardigan for the longest time. I think I might pull the trigger this year
Fun fact: I have moved twice in a span of 1 year
Fashion, food, motherhood, I love all your posts and I trust your reviews! It makes online shopping a lot easier. Fun fact: 3rd baby on the way!
Thank you so much for narrowing these petite friendly finds for us!!!!
Also interested in your workout routines/nutrition tips if you can share!
I love all the in depth reviews you do! So excited to purchase a few goodies this season from the Nsale.
Fun fact: I’m due with Baby #1 at the end of this month, so any day now! 🙂
Fun fact: Your reviews on the Burberry trench is what inspired me to make it my first designer purchase. All these years later and it is still my favorite!
Hi Jean!
We have such similar tastes and I so appreciate your thorough reviews on everything. My 2 kiddos are just a few months older than yours and I seriously used to wish I had my kids a few months AFTER yours so I could have just leaned on all your reccos. I ended up with the same stuff but would have loved to save the time and jumped right to yours LOL.
I grew up in Lexington and Sudbury so whenever we’re back in the Boston area I always wonder if I’ll one day catch you, I think I’d be star struck!
-Lucy Yao
Thanks for sharing, Jean! Many of my go-tos are from your recommendations! Fun fact: I’ve moved at least once every year for the past 6 years (largely due to being a student!)
Thank you for all the recommendations! Fun fact: Skydiving is what brought my husband and I together!
Thanks for your awesome post. I always look forward to your recommendations (and LOVE your how-to videos!)
Fun fact: I was sneezed on by a camel once during a trip to the pyramids in Egypt. Yes, it was as gross as you’d imagine.
Fun fact: You were the first Influencer I followed that was open about infertility and IVF. And it comforted me that I was not so different. Still not pregnant, but your journey at least gives me a bit of hope.