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.
Both my kids are basically the exact same ages as Nori and Rio. How you manage to get so many things done and look so amazing is beyond me.
Before retirement I was the CEO of a hospital and since retirement I now am a yoga instructor. From a high pressure job to a zen job!!
Love your blog and your IG! Fun fact: I love to drink pickle juice right out of the jar!!
Love your blog and social media posts! I highly value your baby posts because you do so much diligent research and comparisons! I’ve been looking back at your recommendations regarding pregnant attire and baby must-haves because I’m expecting #2 in a few months! Thanks so much Jean!
Love seeing your outfits and recommendations! You always look so good in your outfits.
Fun fact: 6.5 months pregnant and super thrilled it’s a Girl 👧🏻
Always love your N Sale posts! I’ve been following you for years, and I’m a mom to a little girl who’s Nori’s age + due with a baby boy later this year! I’m also a medical student in Dallas 🙂
Love how well-rounded you (and this blog) are! Fun fact: I can’t swim!
Love all of these recommendations! I’m a teacher and long cardigans are like my uniform! Fun fact: I’m doing baby led weaning and my thirteen month old loves to eat whole nectarines!! Love all your baby/toddler food tips!
Fun fact: I’m petite and the exact same height as you…except I have a HS daughter also the same height as I am now! Lots of Petites!
I found your blog while searching for some visually appealing, inspiring pages talking about pregnancy and motherhood! Thank you for this blog, it helps mamas like me!
Fun fact about me: I always thought that something is wrong with me because no clothing what wasn’t elastic didn’t fit me right, till I moved from Europe (Latvia) to USA and discovered – I’m a petite size! Here I could finally find some brands which makes petite size clothing!
Been following you since before you had kids! As a petite gal myself I love seeing your outfits and tips/tricks. Howdy from Houston, TX!
Hopefully by the time when it is my turn to shop, everything you shared that I want are still going to be in stock!! 🤣 Fun fact: I had two destination weddings (with same husband) because where our families are from 🙂
Thank you as always for your detailed and thoughtful posts! Long-time reader here and my fun fact is that l have visited 79 countries before – as you can imagine, COVID has been a real bummer…
Hello! I’ve been following because I’m petite and have a really hard time shopping! Love the posts and all your pregnancy related items too! Fun fact: we just did a huge move from NY to TX and I’m so excited to start fresh!!!
AL: I love your blog, thank you for doing all the work you do to find petite clothes.
Fun Fact: I read 100 books a year!
Looking forward to a much needed trip to Iceland to destress from our ivf journey. So I’m browsing all of your warm outfit recommendations to look comfortable while staying warm and being stylish!
Fun fact: I lived in 4 different countries in my 20s!
Love that you represent your Chinese heritage in so much of your social media. I’m mixed Asian American from Hawaii and it’s nice to see more of us owning our heritage. I love your super helpful posts on so many topics.
I love reading your blog and getting different tidbits and styling ideas. One fun fact about myself is that I love hiking with my dog and kids. 💕
Hello! I always look to your blog for recommendations for the Nordstrom Anniversary sale. Awesome recommendations this year as always!
Fun Fact: I am a huge stationary lover and have hundreds and hundreds of pens at home! 🙂
Love reading your blog! Fun fact: I once scaled a castle in Assisi, Italy
Fun fact: I’m about to pick up all these items to try on! Thanks for your recommendations!
I love style and your blog! Fun fact, I have moved to Hawaii 3 times in the past 10 years. Hoping this 3rd move is the final one lol.
❤️ I enjoy this blog.
Fun fact- I lived two years in Indonesia.
I’ve been following you for so many years. I swear, 90% of my wardrobe was recommended by you. I love your style and I’m so happy that we are the exact same size.
So thankful for your recommendations even though I never could get my hands on them going out of stock as the sizing info really helps me choose similar items.
Fun fact: I became an aunt last winter and I love sharing to everybody pics of my niece Camellia!
A fun fact about me… I bought a cabin in West Virginia during the pandemic! Shelly T
Thank you so much for all of the amazing recommendations with your blog! Fun fact: I’m an adoptee from China and I love seeing how you integrate your heritage in your children’s upbringing.
🙂 Kathryn T
Thank you, Jean, for your Nordstrom Anniversary Sale recommendations! I look forward to them every year. I have been a reader of your blog for more than 7 years and have enjoyed reading all your posts over the years.
Fun fact: I have never been to the East coast of the U.S.
I’m half asian, half white. I’m raising two kids that are close in age to yours, and I’m trying to impart on them the cultural richness of their Chinese heritage, while still living with the reality of American life. My grandmother grew up in a shack in China – we are so blessed to have the life we live now! Thank you for always sharing mom-friendly content, and also sharing so much about raising Asian kids. It’s SO important!
Thank you for all the lingerie reviews, picking up quite a few of your suggestions! Fun fact, I do not swim, but love being near and surrounded by the water!
I am so excited about this giveaway!
Fun fact: I’m a pro plant consultant! Basically I grow and sell plants, but also advise on them and go into homes and fill them with plants in appropriate places – like an interior designer but for indoor foliage!
Hey Jean! I’m 7 months pregnant, a brown girl and I’m grateful for all the fashion advice I’ve gotten from you over the years! Thanks!!
So happy I found your site! I always obsess over reading all the reviews on shopping sites to see if it will work for someone short- now I just check your site and go with what you recommend – especially for the Nsale!
I’ve been following your blog now for over a 10 years. Wow.
I love the Barefoot Dreams cardigans. Might have to get one; hope they won’t be sold out!
Thanks for doing this generous giveaway! I’ve been loving all your posts on fashion, family and food😍 I am also a working mother of 2… a toddler girl and younger boy.
Love all of your recommendations!
Fun fact: I’ve been following your blog since I was in high school and am now 26!
Fun fact, I love to bake, it’s a side passion of mines but I don’t like to eat my baked goods.
We are completely different body shapes & sizes but reading your blog for years I’ve learned that classic styles are classic for a reason – they generally look good on everyone!
Love your thorough leggings review!
Fun fact: I was baking bread and added too much yeast by accident (like double the amount). luckily it still came out ok!
Your recommendation on Barefoot Dreams changed my life! I love my new cardigan!! 😆
Thanks for the thorough reviews and pictures as always! I really appreciate that you post photos and share information that really helps with fit, rather than just the standard influencer pretty pictures.
Fun Fact: I feel like I’ve been able to settle into a style that works for me over the last year!
Hey I’m in training to become a child and adolescent psychiatrist. I love all your clothes! Looking for ways to dress in a professional way that’s still trendy so I can be taken seriously despite being so petite! Would love to submit myself for the giveaway 🙂
Love your blog and your fashion!
Fun fact: Im a neurology resident 🧠
Hi Jean, I love your blog and always look forward to seeing how you style yourself or pics of your gorgeous kids x
Fun fact: I am a new cat parent!
Hi Jean!
I think I’ve been following you forever – at least definitely before you & Nick were engaged! You were still working at your company at the time and even though we were different fields (& I’m not petite 😅), I loved following you for styling and makeup advice! So happy to still follow and watch you and Nick’s family grow, from wedding planning to getting married to anticipating babies and pregnancy journey. Fun fact: you and I both have an older little girl with a younger baby brother! Can’t wait to see how the next few years of transitioning with toddlerhood to schools to everything else will bring! I love that your fashion page turned into lifestyle page that I can resonate with (breastfeeding, pumping, getting babies to eat, etc). Wishing you all the best! 😊🤗
I’ve been shopping the Anniversary for a few years now, but this year’s selection doesn’t excite me as much.
Fun Fact: my best friend and I have the dame birth birthday 1 year apart.
I have been following you for years and always love all your recommendations. Thank you! 💕Fun fact: My mother named my after Wonder Woman 😊
So glad to see NSale Try Ons on a petite frame! I’m petite as well and the taller bloggers don’t provide a good comparison. I also have a young toddler so props for getting this all done with two!
Love your style! And thank you for helping us petite women!
Oops forgot my fun fact. I’m a pretty good poker player!