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.
Huge fan of your blog and have made many purchases thanks to your recommendations!
Fun fact: my husband and I lived in the same small town for the bulk of our lives 20+ years each, his best friend lived directly behind my parents for the last 23 years, and somehow didn’t meet each other until matching on TINDER hahaha
Love the petite focus of your blog. Thank you!!
Fun fact:
Hello! I’m a long time follower, and fun fact: my parents’ wedding anniversary and mine are only 3 days apart!
Hello from Washington state! I love following along with your kid-lunches on Instagram stories even though I don’t plan on having any. 😂
Also love hearing Nori’s Chinese!
Fun fact: I never thought I would move away from Kansas, but here I am, a small town girl living in the big city on the west coast.
Thank you for such a detailed post on the N sale (as always)! Your picks are always so good.
Fun fact: I was locked in a train station overnight in Europe when I was in college. It wasn’t fun then 🥴 but looking back is funny to think about.
Fun fact: I got pregnant with a boy after my first IVF embryo transfer. FTM and am currently nap trapped as I type this 😅
I can always trust your recs and bought the cocoon cardigan last year based on your reviews and love it! Fun fact: I enjoy cooking and your garlic noodles recipe is the first meal I cooked for my now boyfriend when we first started dating, and we’ve made several of your other recipes together now!
I love coming to your blog for lifestyle updates, fashion and beauty recs, and the Trader Joe’s reviews! Fun fact: I only watch videos at 2x speed 😅
I’ve followed you for years for your solid reviews and recommendations!
Fun fact: I’ve been in several movies as an extra
Hi Jean,
I was looking for petite fashion ideas and stumbled across Wendy’s page and found you. Love you both! I now have a 20 month old son. Your blog has helped us pick our car seat. I always look forward to your tips and recipes as well! Fun fact: My husband and I got engaged during our 10 year anniversary at the same place we celebrated our first. We now have a 20 month old Thai-Filipino baby!
Thanks for all the great recommendations over the years! Fun fact, I won an armadillo race in elementary school.
Thanks for the reviews Jean! I’m hoping to snag the Nuna Rava for my girl! Her and Rio are a few weeks apart. Fun fact about me is that I can lick my elbow!
Thank you for all the reviews. I’m excited to try the Zelle joggers!
Fun fact: I was in a Sony Discman commercial but ended up on the cutting room floor. Still an experience I’ll never forget. 😁
I love your honest reviews as they Hael me be better dressed for workdays even on WFH schedule, thank you Jean! Fun fact: I speak three languages fluently and 4 others to a good level, I’ve learned that understanding others in their own language teaches you more about where they came from.
Hi Jean, I’ve been following your blog for forever. It’s the best petite blog. Not sure how “fun” this fact is, but I am a medical laboratory scientist and one of the tests I perform is PCR to test for COVID-19.
Love your posts and your outfits!
Fun fact about me: I am a dental student!
I love all your outfits from the Nsale! Fun fact about me: I just gave birth to my 2nd daughter 7 weeks ago and all of our (me and the girls) birthdays are a week apart! 🙂 good luck to my husband lol.
I love your recipes! I have a girl and baby boy both same age as yours! 🙂
Thanks for compiling all these recs! Fun Fact: Our babies are very similar in age, so it’s fun seeing their similarities and growth!
Thank you for all your helpful fashion, lifestyle and parenting tips. Fun fact: our life journeys are quite similar. Engaged/married around the same time to a “Nick” and now mom of 2!
From a fellow shorter gal, I love your petite friendly recs:)
I was introduced to your website about 4 years ago. I really started to think how wild it is on the things we had in common as the years past by…
– my maiden name is Jean but changed it to Jeana after I got married
– worked in the financial industry (which is why I initially was interested in your website, for petite work outfits)
– married a Filipino (I know your husband is half)
– gone through IVF to get pregnant
– have 2 babies around the same time: girl (born July 2018) and boy (born October 2020)
The long cardigan looks so good!!
A fun fact about myself is I love everything bagel with scallion cream cheese
Hi Jean! I have been following your blog and insta for years. Not sure I will be purchasing anything from the N-Sale this year, but I bought those Zella joggers at full price last year per one of your blogposts and it was worth every penny!
Fun fact: I enjoy baking and coming up with “Asian-American” desserts that combine Asian flavors and American baked goods, like black sesame cookie cake.
Your picks are always spot on for me!
Fun Fact: I am getting very close to launching my own business! Taking the leap and getting excited more and more each day I get closer!
Your Nsale suggestions are helpful! Fun fact about me is that I have 6 sisters and no brothers but I ended up having all boys of my own! 🤷♀️
Thank you for all your recommendations! Fun fact: our daughters are a month apart and we used to work together! 😃
Fun fact: I am a hapa who used to live in Boston and also have a girl and boy about the same age as your two!!
Love how real your posts are! Fun fact I am a cat lady and wake up at 4:30 to feed the cat and check IG always!
I’m entering my 15th year of teaching! I love the feedback you gave on the BfD cardigan. I have a BfD and a Carlson cardi on from the NSale on my wishlist and have been debating which to get! -Bernadine S.
Hi Jean! I’m a keen follower of yours! Not only do I love your input on petite outfits but I also really admire the way you are bringing up your kids! I have a two and a half year old and I try to use you as an example of wonderful parenting skills! 🙂
I love following your page for work wear recs!
I love all of your recommendations. Thank you for making shopping so fun for petite women! I always receive so many compliments on outfits I purchase from your links.
Fun Fact: I live in Florida and love to paddle board ☀️
Love all the recommendations and seeing your family grow! Fun fact is that I recently started a patio pepper garden this year and they’re all almost ready to harvest!
My fun fact is that bees are my favorite animal!
I ran a half marathon without training before and highly do not recommend it. I could not walk for a week.
I love your content and have kids similar ages to yours! Fun fact: I studied abroad, had a fling, fast forward 14 years we live in London (with those 2 kids)! But I’m in the states often and love a trip to Nordstrom’s!
Thanks for always putting together such great recs for us petite gals 🙂
Fun fact: the pandemic has turned me into a sports fan that I never thought I would be 😅
I always check your blog for the best petite recs! Your N-Sale recs are always honest. I’ve been following you since Instagram even existed!
Bought the recycled cashmere and barefoot dreams cardigan! Thanks! I’m 4’11 and your recommendations have never steered me wrong! Fun fact: I’m getting married in September!
I always look out for your recommendations. Fun fact: I used to be on a swim team in elementary and high school and I miss swimming competitively after many years.
Absolutely love your posts, so thank you!
Fun fact: we named our little girl Nori too! We had no idea who you were and my friend referred me to your Instagram after she heard we named our daughter Nori.
Always enjoy your recommendations, as they are always insightful and genuine. Not sure if this is a fun fact, but I actually cried when I got my vaccine since I’m scare to death of needles.
I can’t even begin to tell you how much I appreciate your blog. I may be older (64), but your classic styling tips are timeless. Through your blog I have found many things I love, and that includes your recipes, which have become weekly dishes. And your baby items helped me choose the right stroller for my first grandson!
I have a mini golden doodle puppy named Callie, named after my three adult kids who all live in California!
Thank you for always being so detailed in thorough in your reviews! It really helps those who are indecisive (i.e. me).
Fun fact: When I was little, I wanted to be an artist. Now that I’m an adult, I can’t draw for the life of me. 😂
I’m also a proud and petite mother of two (son born about 3 months ago). I love pickles, coffee and the halogen cardigans you’ve posted since its first appearance on your blog 🙂
Love your blog! I’ve purchased many of your recommendations over the years. Fun Fact: my daughter was born on the Fourth of July and I saw fireworks out the hospital window that night.
Love your n sale picks for the past several years and thankful to have found a petite fashion blogger with great style! fun fact about me—I was adopted from Korea and my son and I have been having a great time lately learning more about Korean culture, cooking and language!