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 : my two toddlers drive me crazy
Fun fact : I buy anything you recommend !
Hi Jean,
Thanks for putting time into this blog. I find myself going back to your posts for nearly everything. Especially now that my husband and I are expecting a baby ourselves, your recommendations are a huge help!
-Linh L.
Love your style and am glad I stumbled upon your website! Fun fact: I hate shopping, but I love reading your posts.
Love your recommendations. Fun Fact: I can only wink my left eye.
I love to dance! I listen to music when I cook, clean, or when a song pops in my head. I have Alexa play, and I dance around the house, and often with my 5 months old daughter.
Love the blog! Fun fact: I’ve been told my handwriting is like computer font.
Hi Jean, so glad to found your social media platform. I am like you a petite woman, who likes to dress for comfort and add some style. Your dedication to the family and the daily updates is inspiring. Thank you for sharing your life with me. Sometime, I feel that you have the life I always want and by seeing you living it makes me happy.
I’ve been reading your blog for almost 10 years and have been following your advice from wedding to baby to everyday life!
Thank goodness for your blog and specific recommendations or I would never know where to purchase anything, especially when all the dressing rooms were closed! Thank you for taking the time to share with your community.
Fun fact: I’m 4’11” and always the smallest adult human in any room.
I have been a reader of your blog for many years. It has been a joy to see the evolution of your life. Fun fact: I am a hand spinner and fiber nut. My current project is dyeing wool fiber with koolaid in the sun to take advantage of all the crazy hot weather we are having.
Thanks for sharing NSALE content- I live for this sale and always struggle for petite options (especially in tall boots)! Fun fact: I can name every state in alphabetical order (but I have to sing it because that’s the only way I know how 🤣)
Fun fact about me: My little girls name is Emma, and I’ve been in love with her name since i was probably 8 or 9 years old. I always knew it would be my daughter’s name one day ☺️🤍
Fun fact: I learned to knit in college
Always love your recommendations for petite size. Fun fact: finally got off my booty and started working out again!
You have the cutest outfits and love watching your stories on instagram! Your two kids are adorable! Cant believe how much Nori has grown and how sweet she is 💜 you are an amazing momma and love watching how much you take care of your kids and all the food ideas you share with us. Keep it up mom you are doing an amazing job!
Fun fact: my two kids have the same first 4 letters in their names Gian—-Gianna and Giancaleb! 🤗🤗🤗
I’m an Ob/Gyn and loved reading about your IVF journey!
I’ve been following you for several years, and loved seeing you blossom into a mother and your little family grow. I also love your open posts about body image, and food posts on IG! Interesting fact: I’m an identical twin and so is my mom!
My husband and I joke about me for following a blogger named ExtraPetite when I’m not petite at all. I love your tips and your style. I bought some of my favorite items per your recommendations. And I also frequently use your recipes!! 😊
Fun fact is I met my husband on Facebook thinking he was someone else!
Loving all the NSale picks and the tips and tricks you share regarding raising 2 little ones. I’m not yet a parent but appreciate all these recommendations for the future.
Fun Fact: I ran my third NYC Marathon and the following year, the race chose to use my finisher’s photo on their advertisements…it was fun having friends spot me on subways, buses, and magazines around the city.
Jean, I absolutely love the work you do – your research, all your tips and tricks, and above all your dedication. I struggled with my dressing style after I moved to the US a few years ago. I had no western clothes in my wardrobe and didn’t know what to buy and where to buy for my petite stature. 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 fashion mentor😊 Your style and aesthetics are incredible!
Fun Fact: I’ve travelled to over 30 different cities around the world.
Thank you for always writing amazing posts!
Currently 38 weeks pregnant and have been frequenting your old blog posts during your pregnancies and found them super helpful! Fun fact: I’ve lived on 3-different islands (HI, Manhattan, Copenhagen).
I recently got married and had a covid wedding – we got so lucky that we were able to have most of our friends and family there and had such a great time! Love your blog and I’ve been following you for years. Thanks for all your helpful and real content! I have especially loved the Asian noodle recipe (fish sauce is great), it’s a staple in our house.
I love the knee high boots you’re posted but it’ll be a stretch for my since I have large calves. I am in dire need of that all saints leather jacket too, tried it on in store and it is sooooo buttery soft.
I am a new mom to an adorable baby girl! With things opening back up again, I can finally take her out for a stroll at the mall 🙂
I’m not petite but your style recommendations still work for me, and you’re actually the only fashion blogger I follow. I used to think putting an outfit together was harder than rocket science and have only started learning in my 40s!
Fun fact about myself: my sister and I share the same birthday ☺️
Fun fact about me. I married my college bf and am about to have a baby in a few weeks!
Hi! Fun fact about me–im scuba licensed!
You’re the first blogger I follow…and my favorite. 😀 I’m 5’2” and find a lot of your posts and style relevant!
Fun fact: I love gardening!
As another petite Asian, I really appreciate your blog! Been following for years and you never disappoint. Love your creativity and versatility in them.
Fun fact: I’m one of 20 cousins on my mom’s side of the family.
I really appreciate the details you put in your posts. Fun fact: I’m living a nomadic life!
Your Nordstrom guide is my favorite out of all the ones I’ve seen!
Fun fact – I love to read and can finish a novel in a day!
I’ve been a long time follower and appreciate your posts very much- travel, food and fashion. Thanks for sharing! Fun fact: I am a graduate nursing school student who hopes to have a mini farm someday 🙂
Thankful for your inspiring blogs as I’m also petite. My daughter helps put some fashion sense in me.
Love your site! Fun fact: I enjoy sharing your tips with my husband 🙂
I love your blog! So much inspiration!
Fun Fact: Partaked in the largest street dance number that ended up in the world guinness
You are the first blogger I have followed as I am 5’ 1” and was sick of clothes not fitting right on me. Hahah thank you for saving me from fashion disaster! I am a new mom with an 8 day old baby boy 🙂 can’t wait to try your recipes when he gets to the solid stage!!
Love you style and reviews. We used so many of your recommendations for our honeymoon in amalfi!
Love your reviews! Great idea on the girls’ Spanx leggings, I might have to try the XL. Fun fact: my fave Nsale item is Revitabrow which I swear by for lashes! I find the lipgloss style applicator much easier to apply than the lash serums with thin brushes.
My hubby, my son, and myself are all born in different cities starting with the letter W.
Hey, Jean! “I’m 5 foot 2, I wanna dance with you and I’m sophisticated fun!” Lol. In all seriousness, I Love your platform. I’ve been following your extra petite fashion for a long time and love your content. I have and almost 3-year-old daughter and about to have our second girl in September. I love following your journey as a mom as well.
Hi Jean!
Thank you so much for the great comparison guide and reviews–year after year they are always great! I’ve been a long time follower of yours.
Fun fact is that one of my childhood friends families and I share birthdays: her brother and I were born on the same day and my dad and her little girl share birthdays! 🙂
Thanks for sharing these petite sizes! Fun fact, I’m a first year science teacher!
I’m expecting my first baby this Oct!
So thankful for your blog! I’m 5’0” and love seeing your recommendations!!
I have twin toddlers! your recs make it so easy to get things done! thank you!
I started reading your blog during the pandemic. I am horrible at fashion and you’ve changed my life! Your posts and suggestions have led to me getting an entire wardrobe of stuff that makes me feel confident and cute. THANK YOU!!!