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.
Hello! I have enjoyed following all your fashion recommendations. Funny story – I tried on the pasties you recommended for the first time this weekend. They were so comfy and effective I didn’t realize I accidentally showered in them! They are still good! Thanks for the great recommendations!
Fun fact: I only had the courage to pursue IVF after you opened up about your fertility struggles and now I have a little daughter too!
I’m 4’11, thanks for your recommendations!!
I’ve follows your blog along with a few others for years but didn’t know about the Instagram/influencer world until the pandemic. Not sure if that’s a fun fact or sad 😛
Jean! Thanks for this post! I always look forward to see your Nordies anniversary picks every year!
Fun fact: when I was young kid my mom caught me flipping through the papers and when she asked me what I was doing I said “looking for sales!” LOL! I got it from my mama.
You always have great recs on clothes, baby items, and food! Thank you for taking the time to share with all of us!
Fun Fact: I am going back to teaching after being home with my daughter for 3 magical years 😊
I love your style! Thanks for the recommendations!!
Love your outfits!! Fun fact: i met my husband studying abroad in italy!
Some how I don’t see my last comment since I forgot to include my last name. I’m sorry about that. Anyways this was my fun fact: I can’t sit up without using my hands from the laying down position
Love your picks! Fun fact: during quarantine, I read a book a day.
Alice
IG: @a_stylish_bookworm
Love your NSale content every year! My fun fact is that I’m a therapist and one of my specialties is sex therapy!
This was so helpful!! I’ve been wanting to get a BFD cardigan and this helped me narrow things down!
A fun fact: I’ve danced most of my life and a few years ago I got to compete at Dance Worlds (basically the Olympics of competitive)…in hip hop!
I love all your reviews, it’s so helpful! Fun fact: I can’t sit up without using my hands from the laying down position. I swear I’m not that weak I just can’t do it😅
Thank you so much for style tips as always. It really helps me shop since I’m 4’11. Fun fact: I never watch any episode of Game of Thrones and I’m allergic to crabs.
Love seeing all your petite styles! A fun fact, I work as a primary school librarian, where I see over 600 kids a week. This past year with the craziness of teaching (and quarantining books) in a pandemic, I definitely got in a style rut of just leggings and baggy tops. Could definitely use some styles in my wardrobe.
Fun fact: I love the idea of being a housewife but know that I will hate it at the same time.
Hi Jean, been following for years and really appreciate your recommendations. You’ve inspired me to wear more professional clothing and up my wardrobe game. I also appreciate your authenticity when posting about post partum and other more serious topics. Fun fact: finally in my 30’s and a lot of friends are getting married this year! Currently looking to buy my first pair of Spanx. Guess I’m finally old now 😂
Love your blog Jean, always look forward to your recs of Nsale.
Fun fact: I had a baby boy (#2) a couple of months after you had Rio. And now I too am fighting the pooch… LOL
Love the recommendations and thorough reviews!
Fun fact: my son was due on my birthday!
I love to travel and have to over 75+ countries
Always love your recommendations! Fun fact: Even though I’m only 4’11, I coach a girls volleyball team 🙂
Love your blog Jean, always look forward to your recs of Nsale.
Fun fact: I had a baby boy (#2) a couple of months after you had Rio. And now I too am fighting the pooch… LOL
I just moved away from Boston & you & your blog are my favorite for giving me a little piece of home! 💕
I love that you provide a space for petite friendly clothing and style!
Fun fact: my closet is full of new clothes and shoes I bought during the pandemic that I haven’t worn yet. I even have a ball gown!
Been following you since before kids and love the evolution of your blog from fashion to motherhood. Fun fact: our daughters are a few months apart. (:
Hello! I adore following you. Your content is so thoughtful and helpful 😊 Fun Fact: I have been dating my bf for 21 years, it bothers ppl so much that we are not married and have no kids, but we both have no regrets and are always open to our relationship changing when the time is right.
Love zella leggings from Nordstrom!
Fun fact: My second daughter was born on my birthday this year!
Fun fact: I got a karaoke system to sing by myself to destress after a crazy day at work. I get to let it all out! lol
Long time follower of the blog and have so many of your recommended pieces. I have three fall weddings to attend and would love some suggestions!
Thank you for your thorough quality blogging!
Fun fact: I am exactly your size lol
Hi Jean! I love the blog – especially all of the work wear through the years.
Fun fact: I married my first BF. Who I met on my first day of college!
Hi Jean! I’m 5’1” and have been loving your fashion recommendations for the past couple years!! I don’t know what I’d do without you! 🙂
Fun fact: I love doing origami with my 7 year old son!
Been a long time follower of your blog. Fun fact: I’m extra extra petite at 4′ 10″ and sub 95lbs.
Hi Jean! I love, love, love when you post hacks, recipes and discounts.
Fun fact: I have a really hard time getting sleep during the day, but as soon as I lay down at night, it’s like turning off a light, I’m out.
Hello, Jean! Fun fact is that I have been following your blog for about 10 years! One of my favorite posts from back in the day was “How to Look Older in Casual Outfits.” Love all of your content and how it has evolved over time.
Love the thorough review as always! I’m honestly not looking at shopping this Sale because I get so disappointed that things are always out of stock. To save myself the trouble, I never look. But I might watch out for those joggers! Fun fact about me: I am Filipino and I always love seeing Filipino cooking and culture in your posts.
38 weeks pregnant and still getting jogs in twice a week. Excited to get acquainted with my postpartum body and possibly treat myself to some pieces during this N sale 🙂
I really enjoy reading your blog and love your posts. Fun fact about me: my kids were born on the same day but two years apart.
Your NSale blog posts are definitely at the top of the things I look forward to the most from your blog every year. Always super helpful and greatly appreciated!❤️
Fun fact: I’m super petite and look a lot younger than my age. Never fails to blow people’s minds when they learn I’m in my 30s!😅#perksofbeingAsian
Fun fact: I’m a newlywed who just got back from our amazing honeymoon in Maui! Our one souvenir was matching tattoos of the title of our song with an ocean wave. 🙂
Love your blog Jean! Been a long time follower and your reviews for petite friendly clothes have definitely helped me a ton. Fun fact: My sister and my husband’s sister have the exact same birthday.
I originally fell in love with your blog because of your style! Still in love with it because of your clothing recommendations, but also because of your mom tips!
Fun fact: I love to read.. I try to read ~100 books a year!
Hi Jean! I love all your recommendations since I’m just 4’11! Fun fact, I have 2 girls both just a few months older than yours so I’ve followed along and used a lot of your recommendations. If you hadn’t pointed out the issue with the munchkin 360 cups, we’d still be using those! We swapped over to the lid and straw now and it’s great!
Love your blog, Jean! Fun fact: I love dogs and have become an expert at performing therapeutic dog massages!
Fun fact: I’ve played the clarinet for 11 years!
Thank you for all your content. I try to thrift when possible but when I can’t, you’re my go-to resource! Also, I had to visit the BPL because of all your gorgeous pictures! Thanks for all the inspo!
Mom of one with one on the way. Nurse practitioner and love fashion, especially yours!
Your NSale blog posts are definitely at the top of the things I look forward to the most from your blog every year. Always super helpful and greatly appreciated!❤️
I’ve been following along for years now and have used to many of your petite tips and tricks!
Fun fact: For a couples cooking date night recently, I used your garlic noodles recipe paired with salmon!
Thanks for the great info! Pregnant right now so love the tips on postpartum leggings