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.
Hi Jean! Long time follower – always love and appreciate your recommendations! Fun fact: my dad was born in South Africa and I always get weird looks when I say that because our family is 100% Chinese! I grew up hearing not only Cantonese Chinese but also Afrikaans from my Chinese grandmas and aunts.
I’m not petite but I have been following you for a long time now because I love your thoroughness. Definitely have several items I’ve purchased and used well because of you! Thank you!!
Forgot the fun fact part! I have scoliosis so I am 5’6” when I stand on my right leg, and 5’4.5” when I stand on my left!
I love making and eating chocolate chip cookies!
I love your blog and read it often for guidance with my LO and for fashion! I’d love to enter the Nordstrom giveaway!
I love making chocolate chip cookies!
Love all the recs! The baby/toddler ones are always helpful and we love getting honest opinions.
Fun Fact: Between my husbands family and mine we have 7 generations of dragons, ages 33-105.
I got a PhD without nerdy looking. People always surprise when I told them that I am a Dr. 😂 Dont judge the book by its cover. 🙂
Fun fact: i wouldnt consider myself petite at 5’5” but love following you
I love following your thoughtful posts and recommendations! Fun fact, I am a nurse at the student health clinic of the university where I finished my undergrad degree!
I just got my first manicure today!
Keep up the great work! Fun fact: I once are 11 whole lobsters in one sitting at an all you can eat buffet!
Love all your NAS recs. Saves me from scrolling through pages and pages of items.
Fun fact: I can’t wink. My parents both can but my grandma is the same as me!
I love all your recommendations! 5’0″ and rediscovering my style.
Fun fact: I’m a lefty with green eyes and thus a part of a rare .2% of the world. But, even more rare, I married a lefty with green eyes!
I’ve been following you for years and I love your recs and have tried many of your recipes!
Fun fact: I don’t like chocolate!
My fun fact is I am a pelvic floor physical therapy, specializing in the care of prenatal and postpartum mamas! I am a mama myself of 2 🙂
Thank you for making me feel seen as a fellow petite Asian-American woman, and making shopping easier/ less frustrating!
Fun fact: the first post I read of yours is when Nick proposed 🙂 have been hooked ever since!
Jean, I absolutely love the work you do. I was struggling with my dressing style after I moved here from my home country a few years ago. I had hardly ever worn western clothes before moving to the US and didn’t know what to wear, how to mix and match, and where to buy petite clothing. Finding you on this platform has been a huge blessing. Thank you so much! I truly appreciate all that you do for us.
Fun fact: You are literally my style mentor😊 Your style and aesthetics are incredible!
Thank you for the post! Fun fact: i like to skydive
Love your blog! Love your hacks and recs. You’re so relatable. Fun fact: I have one sister and we share the same exact bday
Expecting my first child later this year and loving all your past posts about motherhood!
Love following you! Fun fact I am a transracial adoptee that grew up not far from my biological parents.. Being able to see clothes styled on someone similar in size and shape to me has been invaluable!
Thanks for doing these fit reviews and giveaway! Fun fact: Rio and my daughter are a few days apart, I had her via IVF and also hope my second can be naturally conceived!
Thanks for the thorough reviews! Fun fact: I’ve travelled to 7 countries
Thank you so much for your recommendations! From one petite gal to another, I can always trust your judgment! I got a few things from your list like Brow Wiz, BFD long cardigan, and Commando leggings 😀 Can’t wait to try them out!
Thanks for always having such great recommendations!! I only buy shoes at Nordstrom since my size (5) is so hard to find everywhere else!
Patricia W
Fun fact : my family first name initials spell out SPAM and all our bdays are next week in July:)
Thanks for taking the time to blog. Love ur recs. I don’t get to go out to try on clothes with 2under2 inthe house.
Love your recommendations! Fun fact about me is that I used to dance competitively!
Hi Jean!
I shop the NSale every year strictly for AllSaints! Love seeing your picks!
Love all your fashion tips and tricks for us short girls! Fun fact – I’m Thai!
Hello 🙂 I love this post. Thanks for always sharing amazing style tips! My fun fact: I learnt woodworking with my spare time during the pandemic, bought a miter saw and built my own fence and planter boxes! I didn’t think I could do it as the task seems daunting, but seeing the finished product has been so worth it.
I love reading your Nordstrom reviews each year! Fun fact: I have an 18 month girl and a baby boy on the way!
Thank you for another helpful post Jean! Fun fact: My friend and I have been following you for years and between the two of us, we own most of what you’ve posted over the years 😂
I’m a petite German Mama living in the South (Georgia) and have loved your fashion and family content for years!
I always look forward to your baby/toddler posts and recommendations.
Love your style and it’s so helpful to those of us with a little less verticality!
Fun fact: I went back to school in my 40s to change careers to become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer.
Thanks for the giveaway! I love the Nsale and was able to score the uppababy vista and nuna pipa lite lx at great prices after reading your thoughts and reviews over the years! I still have so many things on my wishlist like the tripp trapp chair! I love all your styling picks and baby recommendations!
Fun fact: I also have a baby girl, but she is a bit younger (she is 1.5 years), and I have a second on the way!
-Esther S.
I love that we’re around the same height and size so I know that I can trust you to review sizing on items before I spend shipping and duties on an item (I live in Canada).
Fun fact: I learned to knit at a very young age and have made scarves, hats, and mitts!
Love your blog!
My fun fact is I use to dance competitively growing up.
Hey Jean, thanks for all the stylish posts you do. I always like to look up to you for inspiration whenever I need an outfit! A fun fact about myself is that if I can have any super power I would pick the power of magic the kind where I can just point to myself and *ping* to change my outfits. Imagine how much time it will help me save! Not sure if you know the show but kind of like Sabrina the teenage witch where she just points and her outfit instantly changes 🙂
Hi, I love your blog and petite style! It’s super helpful for finding things that fit us shorties well!
Fun fact: both times I’ve been pregnant has been with twins, sadly one twin didn’t make it but I have 3 boys… a 6 year old and 4 year old twins 🙂
Thanks for breaking down the difference between the Zella joggers! I bought both since I’ve never tried either before. 🙂
Fun fact about me: I married my high school sweetheart on our 11 year dating anniversary. Our first date was his senior prom.
I love your style and your blog! Thank you!
Fun fact: I’m a retail pharmacist in SF. I gave my daughter her flu shot on her 3rd bday. She didn’t cry.
Hi Jean, I love your blog, your style, and how very down to earth you are. You keep it real and seem so genuine & relatable — which I find incredibly refreshing these days. Fun fact about me…my name is Karen but I’m most definitely NOT one of “those” Karens 🙂
Hi Jean! Just wanted to thank you so much for your awesome blog! Growing up with 2 brothers I was a huge tomboy and didn’t know I was petite until I was trying to dress for an interview and came across one of your early posts on how to dress to look more your age. I’ve been a huge fan ever since! Thank you for sharing your styling tips, representing Asian women, and also opening up about raising a family (the fun and tough subjects). We welcomed our first baby last year and have had a really tough time with postpartum, severe eczema, and feeding tubes. I always find your posts helpful and inspiring ❤️ Blessings to you and your lovely family!
I’m due in December! FTM 🙂
Hi Jean–I’ve been following your blog for years and have benefitted greatly from your thorough reviews of petite-friendly clothing, such as your comparison of how different leggings fit in this post. Thanks for your great advice! My fun fact is that I look like an unassuming bookworm, but I’m actually an avid sports fan obsessed with basketball. I’m a teacher, and my students are always surprised that I know just as much about sports as they do. 😉
Hi Jean! love how you make basic clothing pieces so fashionable. I also follow you for Nori’s fashion! Fun fact about me: I went skydiving in New Zealand and had a bloody nose in mid air :(. Haha
Fun fact: Even though English is my second language, I went back to my country where I was born (Korea) to teach English as a native speaker for 3 years! No one had the slightest clue! It was the best 3 years of my life.
I really enjoy reading your blog about fashion, motherhood and baby. I’m expecting baby #2 in December!