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.
Love your recommendations and been following you since 5 years ago. Fun fact: my husband, my son, my dad and my sister were born in the year of Rat.
Fun fact- My biological kids were born 17 days apart.
Hi Jean,
I have purchased nearly everything you have recommended for baby gear during Nsale and I am loving it. Always trust your suggestions and insight!
Fun fact: I had twin girls around the same time as you had Rio and I hope they will grow up to be as sassy as Nori. <3
You’re blog is amazing! Throughout high school, I struggled with feeling confident about my body. I had hyperthyroidism which led to being very underweight. I had a hard time finding clothes that fit and I didn’t feel confident or beautiful. I found your blog recently. It has helped me so much. I used to feel so insecure at work. Being short and petite made me feel like I wouldn’t be taken seriously. Your outfits, however, are so cute. They’ve helped me overcome these negative feelings associated with how I look, and they’ve allowed me to feel more confident in my own skin. I can’t be the only one you’ve done that for. So thanks for all you do. You truly are making a difference
Since not only do I love your style (timeless & chic), I am a petite lady. Interesting fun fact, I was never going to be a professional Volleyball or Basketball Player- so I chose a sport at the age of 4 where at least I had a fighting chance- Gymnastics. I ended up being a jr alternate on the women’s 1984 Olympic Team (in that yr you had to be 15 to compete; I was only 14) and in 1983 I played the younger “stunt double” for Nadia in the TV Movie” Nadia”, (you can still see it on YouTube) all because I was petite. There were many more years in my life I went on wishing, “if I was just a little bit taller”!!” Throughout college when I was a UCLA cheerleader-I still thought, ” if I could just be taller, I would be like everyone else”. It took me a long time to accept/enjoy the fact that I was petite. But it did allow me to share empathy with others, and all their gifts- no matter how big or small. And I finally stopped trying to date really tall guys, began to feel my toes again, fall in love with really cute tennies and mules, and meet my husband, who is 5’9″ with a smile that makes my world big and shiny. I love your blog because you embrace your “being”. After reading for a few years, I’m good. M next goal- I really want to become a “petite hack”. Now that to me to FUN!!! I’m terrible at sewing- should a take a class? I have tiny hips and 32C. And that “hook” think you do to your link purses? How do I get caught up? Ok, That’s me….fun Nicole. My husband got laid off during COVID and I could really use some new high waisted underwear:)
I love your blog. You provide such practical information… I bought some leather shoes as final sale because they were “damaged” from all the people trying them on. Your post on leather repair helped me restore them! Yay! They look like new! Fun fact: My husband and I dated 11 years before we married!
Hello! I have been a been a long time reader of your blog. I enjoy all the content, especially the baby/toddler posts! Thank for sharing all your personal stories, I can really relate to them.
Fun fact – I am a nurse and really enjoys all the challenges it brings.
I’m so happy that I found your blog since I’m petite also. Fun fact is that I have 2 sons and of course the dog we get is male also.
I am not petite in stature (5’8) but love your style and have always used your recommendations as a fashion guide! Fun fact: I used to be a teacher (HS band director to be exact) but am just finishing up nursing school!
Love your blog especially your style ideas and kids recommendations! Fun fact: my sister, cousin and I all had babies within 3 mos last fall!
I enjoy cooking but tasting as I cook.
I’ve been following you for years – I’m from Boston too and also petite so I’m a huge fan of your blog/IG! A fact about me: I ran the Boston Marathon in 2009!
Love your blog! Fun fact: I’m not petite at all (5’6″) but I love your style and get so many outfit ideas from your blog!
Fun fact: I also had IVF!
I am originally from the UK but spent the last 7 years living in Colorado and Texas. I discovered your brilliant blog while living in America. I moved to Australia in January and was stoked to discover that Nordstrom ships to the land Down Under 😉
I just became a dog mom! =) love your reviews!
Fun fact: I’ve followed your page for 10 years now! From marriage to motherhood, I have a similar journey as your except 1 year after
Thanks for the style inspiration and sale tips! I have been following you for years 🙂 Fun fact: Mom of 3 girls #girlmom
Just wanted to let you know I really appreciate how thorough you are when it comes to reviews! It’s so helpful, especially now that I’m doing a lot more online shopping.
Fun fact: I’m a size 4 in women’s shoes, size 2 in kid’s. Everyone thinks it’s a perk because I can save money on kid’s shoes, but it actually makes it so difficult to buy women’s shoes at a lower price!
Fun fact: I started watching you on youtube in high school, now its almost 10 years! I love how your style still matches mine and I always go to your posts for ideas.
Love your thorough posts!
Fun fact: I sneeze when I’m full
Thanks for always having great recs!
Fun fact: I am about the same coloring as you and love your beauty recs! One of my all time favorite powders (that’s a really good match) was one that I found from your blog many many years ago.
I so appreciate your thoughtful reviews and recommendations! Fun fact about me – I love reading the New York Times Sunday Routine column.
Long time follower of your blog. Fun fact – I used to work for Deloitte and when I saw a work picture you posted on your blog of you and your friend at one of the offices, I instantly knew you worked there, too!
Love all your NSaLe recommend actions!! Fun fact: I come from a family of ten.
Always look at your recommendations for the NSale!! ☺️
Fun fact: even though I grew up in America, I never had peanut butter until I went to college bc I grew up in a highly Chinese neighborhood and none of my friends (or my Chinese immigrant parents) ever had it!
Fun fact: my kid’s names unintentionally rhyme and it secretly drives me crazy
Hi Jean – thanks for a great post! I’ve been following your blog for years and the Nsale posts are amongst some of my favorite.
Fun fact: My husband and I are expecting a baby girl this Fall! As a fellow petite gal, I’ve gotten so much inspiration from your maternity style and it’s really saved me from looking like a circle with eyelashes <3
I love your posts! I would love to see your day of eating and your workout plans.
Fun fact: I love to gift cross stitch projects to friends and family.
Fun fact: If I had to eat one food everyday, it would be pasta! I also would love to visit Italy 🙂
Fun fact: I work in a male dominated industry
Massachusetts lady who loves your petite style! Browsing Your outfits with my new puppy!
Hi, The leggings comparison is helpful and I’ll be trying the Zella 7/8. The one thing I hate about leggings is the lack of pockets.
Fun fact – My vet gave me my dog’s testicles in a jar after his getting neutered. 😳
Jean, you’re amazing! My wife and I are moving to Boston and are grateful for all of your posts showing us the city and the food!
-Richard F.
We’re moving to Boston in two weeks and went there on our honeymoon
I always look forward to your NSale guides every year! Thank you for the time and effort it takes to put these together – they are so helpful! Fun fact: I found both my cats on the street, at separate times (3 years apart), in the same small town I was visiting for a business trip. When I found them I said I would just bring them to a vet/shelter and be on my way but I ended up keeping them both! (KD)
Aw shucks, thanks for the giveaway. Fun fact: I have about 60 houseplants in my little studio apartment!
Fun fact: I just did cross country move with two under two!
I have been following you since when I was single and now we both are mom of two little ones! Now I get to look at petite clothing options along with useful baby hacks. Thank you, Jean, for your dedicated posts.
Love your Nordstrom sale posts! Fun fact: my younger brothers are over a foot taller than me. This was especially weird when they were 14-15 and I was in my late 20s 😀
love your style and taste!
fun fact: my hubbie doesn’t like chocolate but loves your choco zucchini muffin recipe :9
Hi! Thanks for your blog. It makes shopping for petites easier. Fun fact: I am the youngest and shortest in my family.
Fun fact: I just received two new job offers this week and super excited for all the potential growth! Actually came on your blog to see what items you are recommending from the Nordstrom Anniversary sale as it is time for a little treat myself gift 🙂
Hi there! I’m Kayley F. A fun fact about me is that I have fostered kittens in the past. I really miss it, but now I am in a smaller apartment and do not have enough space. I hope to start again someday. 🙂
Your blogs have been my inspiration for several years and your style and grace continue to motivate me to be my best me. Fun fact about me: I’m a working mom who fills her soul by playing piano for hours, without having ever taken a piano lesson.
Love your blog! So hard to find shoes for size 5! I’ve made many purchases based on your recommendations.
Love how you style your profits! Fun fact: I started following you after that episode where you went to eat at Ga Ga seafood restaurant in Chinatown with Mikey Chen
Fun fact: I have a scar on the right side of my forehead from a childhood injury and now my husband is convinced I’m related to Harry Potter 😂
Long time follower!! I finally got the OTK boots you’ve been recommending for years. Fun fact: I’m training for a marathon!
Been following u for yrs!!! Interesting fact, I’m a chiropractor & when I started school 16yrs ago -there were just a few of us females, now we make up 50% of the schools. It’s a big deal, things are moving forward for females in all realms of health!