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.
I still have clothes from my middle school days (late ‘70s!) in my wardrobe!
I still have clothes from my middle school days (late ‘70s!) in my wardrobe!
I saw you in the Prudential (recognized your loafers before I realized it was you haha) a few years ago! Hope as it gets safer outside, I’ll run into you again.
Thanks for the giveaway – my fun fact is that I am a new mom!
thanks for these recommendations!! i have 2 kiddos and my “fun” fact is that i’m addicted to podcasts.
Love your blogs and posts! Fun fact: welcoming baby #2 next month 😳😳😳
Great post! Fun fact: I got married at Disney!
I love the idea to shop the kids size for the spanx leggings, thank you!!! Fun fact – I have a twin! – Olivia M.
Love your blog and recommendations!
Fun fact: I was born in Taipei, Taiwan and came to the States (Houston) with my parents when I was 10.
Thanks for the great recommendations!
Fun Fact: I’ve worked with over 1000 babies in the past 10 years.
Thank you so much for doing such a thorough blog post to compare the items! Your content has been super helpful when I decided to start investing in higher quality, timeless, and basic pieces.
Fun fact: I dream and think in English, but I count and do math in Vietnamese. Not sure how my brain split like that since I don’t hardly use Vietnamese in my everyday life except when speaking to my parents.
Hi! So excited to be shopping the NSale for the second year in a row. Always look forward to your guides and advice for us petite ladies. 🙂
I love your blog 💕 Fun fact: I find diamond painting (my new hobby) really interesting and relaxing. Just finished one yesterday!
Been loving all of your home recs as well as style lately. Fun fact:. I work in a lab, rather than give up heels I keep galoshes in my desk drawer.
Love all your picks, Jean! Fun fact – My 1 year old calls me mama but also calls meal times “mama” while pointing at his mouth 🤣🤷
Love your classic style! Fun Fact: I am 5’1″ and I grew that 1″ in college.
Hi Jean! I started following you in 2019 randomly on IG and I think your posts are so genuine and helpful. I feel like I know you and your family so well haha. Fun fact: I’m 5’2” and also work in Finance! I left the corporate world to a start-up and life is much better. Please keep posting – love everything you do! ❤️
This year I’ve been trying new recipes and been making a lot of meatballs and tzatziki sauce.
Love this post. So informative. For someone who is your size, it saves me so much time finding the right piece from this sale. Fun Fact, I love running and had ran 5 marathons.
Love your Nordstrom recommendations! Every year I always end up with a few items from your list 🙂 I’ve been following you since the beginning and your professional style guides, as well as tips/tricks have helped me navigate the fashion corporate world as I advance in my career!
Fun fact: I used to be an editor at a newspaper!
Thanks for the recommendations! Fun fact: my cousins and I from my mom’s sidr all start with “Ch”
Always love your recommendations! Fun fact: my best friends and I all share the same last name!
I’m a long-time follower of your blog and always appreciate your recommendations and reviews. Fun fact: I’m starting a new job soon as I am leaving Deloitte after 5 years, excited for a new chapter in my professional career!
Anna P.
Fun fact? I’ve given birth in a kiddie pool in my living room. I’ve also moved 27 times in my life so far.
Got my eye on some cozy loungewear in the sale, also some gifts to set aside for Christmas
Thanks for the recs! Fun fact: I just got your favorite barefoot cardigan TODAY.
Thank you for these detailed posts! I always enjoying checking out your recommendations and doing some wishful window shopping. 😆 Fun fact – I’m a champion packer. Give me a piece of luggage (any size!) and everything you need to pack and I’ll find a way to get it all in there. It’s my one (useless) gift. 🤣
I always come to your blog if I need inspiration for what to wear and for baby related blogs. I just had a baby last winter and your baby blogs have been so helpful! Thank you!
Thank you Jean! I had a career change that led me from a scientific lab to working in an office a few years back, and your blog has been a lifesaver because I had certainly never “dressed up” for work before! I especially love your all your makeup content and am so grateful for all the tutorials and honest product reviews. 🙂
Fun fact: I’m shorter than you (4’8 lol)! I super appreciate your style posts because I feel *seen* as a petite millennial who’s trying to dress more her age. Thank you for all the sale picks, style hacks, parenting tips, and everything in between.
Love all your Nsale recommendations and appreciate the overall review of the leggings since I need to update my collection.
Fun fact: My daughter and Nori are about 1 month apart!
I am an avid baker and even worked as a professional cake decorator! Your carrot cake recipe is still my #1 go to!
When I was in college, I had nothing but bubble bea everyday for 2 weeks and lost 5 lbs 🙂
I love your style! Your expertise and advice is always spot on — thank you!
Fun fact: I once dissected a cow’s eyeball.
Hi Jean,
Love your blog and Instagram. I’ve been following a while and have loved how you’ve evolved your posts as your family grows.
Fun fact about me: I don’t like chocolate!
Fun fact: I have a lifetime hunting and fishing license in Texas I’ve never used from winning a poetry contest in the 6th grade!
My fun fact is that I’m 30 years old and never got into art but am taking a sculpting class!!
I’m not one to wear joggers, but you make them look so chic that I think I’ll check them out this year.
Fun fact: I have a ridiculously high pain tolerance. So much so, that I break bones without realizing it, and I can carry cups/bowls with boiling water in them.
Your posts have been so helpful while I (finally) secondhand revamp my wardrobe into pieces I’m actually excited to wear! (It’s weird that I used to have more success thrifting when I lived outside of NYC, but here I can’t seem to ever find petite sizing that’s actually interesting or in colors I’d like.) Lots of great tips that helped me look for things on Thredup, etc. and actually end up with items I can wear even without tailoring.
Fun fact: I’ve been volunteering/ paddling (outrigger, kayak, SUP) at a community boathouse this summer, and it’s been awesome to have some fun summer clothes to throw on before and after. ALMOST counteracts the sweat and Hudson residue!
Look forward to your Nordstrom posts & recommendations every year!
Fun fact: I was raised on one of the smaller Hawaiian islands – Molokai. I grew up with no traffic lights or chain restaurants/stores.
I love your blog and instagram page because they are so versatile. Fun fact: Growing up I learned ballet, tap, salsa, waltz, and modern dancing.
Hi Jean – love your page! Thank you for another thorough breakdown – going to try some Zella leggings thanks to you! ❤️
Fun fact: I also love in Boston!
Thank you for your blog and Instagram account. I love the things you share.
Fun fact! I just found out I am pregnant with my 2nd. So some stretchy leggings are in my shopping cart.
Such cute looks! Fun fact: I am currently 38 weeks pregnant with my first child.
Love this post about my favorite sale of the year! Fun fact about me is I worked really hard during the 2020 pandemic to get back into shape and lost 20lbs. I’m proud of myself 😃
Excited to shop the sale after going through your comparisons!! They’re always so helpful and I rely on your blog very heavily when figuring out what to buy~ 😊
Fun fact: my parents live in Taipei and I got to spend 2 whole months with them over the holidays. It’s the longest I’ve been home since high school, and I got a temporary reprieve from the covid quarantine life in the States.
I’ve been following you since before your children were born. Thank you for all your great recommendations. I just got married this year!
Thank you for the comprehensive overview on all the BFD options! My fun fact – I never learned how to ride a bicycle when I was younger but plan on doing so in the future.
Thanks so much- these N picks look awesome and I can’t wait to check out the sale!
Fun fact- I just had daughter three months ago! She wonderful and sweet and is the first granddaughter in the family (she has a big brother and four boy cousins)!
Thank you for your posts! I am 5’1″ so your details and photos are extra helpful. Fun fact: Tomorrow I will be 31 weeks pregnant!