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.
Thank you for always weeding out the best of many sales!
Fun fact : I am 5 feet and am the tallest female in my family! (I have 2 sisters.)
Hi Jean,
I’m from the UK. and met my husband while studying in San Francisco. We married three months after meeting, we just celebrated our 30 year anniversary and I finally became a US citizen😊
I was browsing the sale last night and was a little confused by all the options – this post is exactly what I needed. Thank you!!!
My fun fact: I’ve been in a book club for 9 years and this month is our anniversary!
Love your blog and style!
I’m a mama of a 3 year old boy and a 9 month old girl. They were born a couple months apart from both of your cuties! 🙂
Fun fact: I like the smell of skunk (smells like coffee)! Haha. Love your recommendations!
Thanks so much for doing the leggings comparison ~ I’ve always hesitated to order, so this is helpful! I’m a fellow petite mama and have been following you for years.
Thank you for all the helpful comparisons! Fun(ish) fact: I’ve followed you since your personal finance blog.
Love this review! Especially your thoughts on the cardigans. Recently got a shorter, slightly boxier one and noticed it fell a bit differently. Didn’t quite know how to describe it so seeing your descriptions was helpful!
Fun fact: bought my first trench coat many years back because of your reviews! Have continued to buy them ever since! 🙂
I’ll be visiting Boston with my daughter next week to look at schools. And I’ll be using your Boston visitor’s guide!
Thank you for posting N sale recommendations!
Loved reading your recommendations for the BFD cardigans. I’m expecting my first baby in just 5 weeks and have been looking for something to spoil myself with postpartum!
Fun fact about me: I am right handed but can write left handed, in cursive, and backwards. Now there’s a useless skill if I’ve ever seen one😜
I love your blog and look forward to your sale suggestions every year for petite gals!
Such a great blog post to compare popular items! It will definitely help me make a more informed decision on what to purchase. Fun fact: I’m going to be an aunt for the first time in October!
Fun Fact: My first and only pet was a baby turtle that I had as a child named Sammy.
Ah, being petite I love your recommendations! The nearest Nordstrom store closed near me so it’s nice to read the fit before ordering online. Fun fact- I recently quit my job of 15 years to focus on me and my family- and I don’t regret it one bit!
Loving all your posts!
Fun fact: I love baking and created an IG just for my baked goods:)
Thank you for all the detailed notes on the petite sizing! Very helpful in deciding what’s worth it. As someone who is 5’1 on a good day, regular sizing just doesn’t work 🙂
Thanks for sharing these reviews! I’ve been curious about the different BFD styles so this is helpful.
Fun fact: I’ve made your addictive garlic noodles so many times that it’s one of the few recipes I can make from memory! 🙂 My toddler loves it too!
I’m about to move back to California
Ps I’ve been following you since 20212- still so impressed with your blog and outfit recs!
Hi Jean!
I absolutely love your site! It is such a great guide for picking out and styling outfits for every occasion. I feel so much more confident now!
Fun fact: I am working on altering some of my grandmother’s vintage clothes. It is so much fun and Extra Petite gives me tons of help with styling these older pieces to make them look great again. Thanks so much!
Hi! Really like your blog-not just the fashion, but also the kids stuff recommendations! Fun fact: started prematurely graying in my 20’s!
Hey Jean, I love your style and I have been following you for 2-3 years. Your petite recommendations are always so helpful ! Thank you so much !!!
Just the comparison info I was looking for!! My fun fact is that I have perfect pitch – I can listen to music and tell you what the notes are 🙂
I’ve been dying to get a BFD cardigan for the past two years but I never bit the bullet. Your guide is super helpful in narrowing down the choices! I might go for the long one this year. Thank you for sharing! You always have the best insights.
Currently 5am and breastfeeding (first time mom) while going through all of your Nordstrom recommendations so I can start shopping today!
I love the comparison between the barefoot cardigans.
Fun fact – You had a DYI skirt tutorial that helped give me confidence to start sewing. I’ve been doing it for at least 3 years as a hobby. Last year I sewed hundreds of face masks and donated them to shelters, food banks and other community organizations.
Appreciate this super helpful post!
Fun fact: I just had my first non IVF baby after 3 kids via IVF.
Your blog posts help save me time with making choices! Thanks again!
Love following you! Fun fact: just gave birth to our 4th and first boy! New adventures! — Catarina W
I’m just trying to pull myself together because my youngest is starting kindergarten this year. I feel like a part time empty nester
Love the cardigan, I have been looking to get one like this! Fun fact: I just started a new job 5mo pregnant with my rainbow baby, so excited to get to hold him in a month!
Love your blog- the first fashion blog I started following years and years ago! Fun fact: I’m getting married on 10/10 this year 🙂
Hi Jean! Love the Nordstrom picks and would love to pick up some items!
Fun fact: I finally had my postponed pandemic wedding this past weekend!! Yay! Finally married, nearly 10 years in the making.
Your blog posts with photos and reviews are so helpful to me as I am also 5 feet tall! Fun fact about me: I still remember how to play my piano recital piece from when I was 10 (I am now 35!).
From Houston, TX
Hello 😊 I’m in the financial industry but I am into baking (not necessarily eating what I bake) more so I enjoy sharing what I bake and seeing everyone’s excitement.
Thanks for the reviews. We’re very similar sizing-wise and it’s been super helpful to get the reviews particularly during our year-long lockdown where I couldn’t try stuff on.
Fun fact – I started running during the pandemic and plan to run my first marathon distance in August.
Thank you for all your detailed posts! Even though I’m not petite, I really appreciate the advice you give about products and styling.
Fun fact: my boyfriend and i are planning to get engaged soon! 😄
First time reading your blog and I love it! you got great style ! 🙂
Fun fact I love croissants! 😂
I’ve been following your blog for years now. As a fellow petite, you by far have the best tips and posts like this one! It’s always so helpful to see things styled on someone my size. I never would’ve considered the BFD long cardigan but looks great on you! Fun fact: I work with babies and toddlers and love it! Also, my son and I are huge fans of your salmon and garlic noodles recipes, it’s in our regular rotation! I don’t make salmon any other way anymore 😊
Fun fact- I’ve visited 56 countries!
Thanks for your reviews! I’m a new follower and I am so happy I found you! Adding some of your picks to my wish list!
Thank you for all your wonderful recommendations! Been following you for almost a decade and enjoying seeing your family grow. I’m a CFA charterholder – I think you are too? 🙂
– Salima J.
Thank you for all your recommendations! Fact about myself is I am pregnant with my rainbow baby boy.
Mama of 3 little one who rarely has the time to shop in person anymore so your posts helps me stay on top of fashionable wear from the comfort of my home and ordering online ease #orderinghacks 😆
I don’t see a lot of petite bloggers so I appreciate your posts!! I love how honest you are with your reviews and I know I can count on you to suggest great work wear!! Thanks for all you do!!
Actually came to your blog for your Nordstrom anniversary sale picks as yours are always so good! A fun fact about myself: I’m currently 7 months pregnant with my first and I’ve loved following your motherhood journey and feel better prepared due to your recommendations.
-Krislyn A.
I look forward to the anniversary sale every year. Thank you for your recommendations. I also live in Mass!
I left my life in LA to open a cafe for refugees in France, fell in love with an Afghan refugee and now we run the nonprofit together to help his people find a better life here!
Love your blog! It was the first step for me to finding clothes that actually fit. Thanks!!
Started following you on Instagram because I loved your fashion sense and now I’m pregnant I’m legit obsessed with your style guide through your pregnancy and mummy journey! Have actually used you as style inspo for maternity clothes, and am definitely popping the Spanx leggings into my cart (thank for international shipping)!
I gifted a BFD cardigan to my mom, and she loved it! Thank you for the recommendation.
Fun fact: I can play the accordion!