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: I have 2 cats and am losing the battle of keeping their hair off my clothes!
I’ve followed you since I was in medical school and still love your style even a decade later ☺️
I’ve been a huge fan for many years and am so appreciative of your style tips! Although I work in finance, I have enjoyed wedding planning for friends in my free time and I absolutely adored the wedding anniversary celebration you planned for your grandparents – how sweet and thoughtful of you to do that for them 🙂
Thank you for the effort and detail you put into every post. Fun fact: My kids will ask me if what i am wearing was recommended by you.
Fun fact: I’m a rock climber in my spare time. That said, I have a lot of “outdoor clothes” that fit me but not really sure how to dress myself for more professional settings (or settings where there are flushing toilets) in a way that is also comfortable. I appreciate your blog for inspiration!
I’ve been following you for awhile now and love your parenting and petite fashion recommendations! Fun fact: I climbed the Great Wall of China while pregnant (pre-COVID)
Currently have a baby of my own and have been going through your motherhood blog posts for product recommendations! My fun fact is that I cannot go to sleep without flossing.
I’ve been following your blog for a few years now and enjoy your in-depth reviews! Fun fact: I’ve been shopping the NSale for over 20 years.
Love your style and recommendations! Shopping a lot of your recs for my SAHM wardrobe. Fun Fact: I am obsessed with all things pandas!
Thank you for hosting this giveaway, and for always posting such thoughtful and beautiful content 🙂 A fun fact: I love your mini apple pie triangles recipe!
Love all your recs! Plus, all the Boston posts make me nostalgic as I loved there for a bit before moving to New York! Fun fact: I’ve never lost a Harry Potter trivia contest lol
Thanks for all your recommendations!! I just bought the Levi’s in your last post after trying (and failing) to find a similar pair in my size while out shopping today. It’s so hard to find jeans that aren’t too long!! Fun fact: I have a pet cat named Mango. 🐱
Fun fact: I have a black belt in taekwondo! (But stopped practicing after high school lol).
Your detailed reviews with sizing notes are the best! It makes shopping easier, which can be good or bad!
Fun fact: I play ukulele
Loved this post, thanks Jean. Fun fact: I have a son with dairy allergy the same age as Nori.
I’m the opposite of petite but I love your style and have been following you for years. I always look forward to your Nsale picks!
I’ve been following for 10 years already! Can’t believe it!
Fun fact: inspired by the Nathans hot dog contest this year I’ve decided I want to take up competitive eating as a hobby! 🙂
My fun fact is that I climbed a mountain yesterday.
Loving all of your Nsale recs!! Fun fact about me: I love a bacon, egg, and cheese on a cinnamon raisin bagel. People visibly recoil when I say this but the sweet/savory combo simply can’t be beat. 🤷🏻♀️
You always have the best recommendations! Thank you!
Fun fact: One of the jobs I worked in college was piercing ears!
Just finished a 38.5 mile 4 day backpacking trip with my family (hubby & 2 kids (11 & 13yo)), and then we vacationed on the island for an additional 5 days!!! I thought I missed the Nordy sale, but so glad to find out when we got back that it hadn’t started for “the normal people” yet!
Fun fact about me… I accidentally ate lizard poop when I was young!
Love all your recommendations as a fellow petite 🙂
Fun fact: I’ve been a pediatric nurse practitioner now for six years and loving it 🙂
Love all the recs! Fun fact, I never ate vegetables until college! LOL 🙂
Hi! I always skim my IG feed for your posts, they make me so happy and are full of awesome style guides, tips and recipes. Fun fact, I made your lentil soup during COVID and my whole family raved and are now following you too. Keep posting all the goods…!
Fun fact about me… I love to make fancy decorated cookies and randomly deliver them to family, friends, neighbors, Dr. offices etc. just to see them smile
I am a HUGE RuPaul’s Drag Race fan. I’m so obsessed, I take photos of Ru’s outfits every week and my kids and I critique them and vote for our favorite looks!
I always look forward to your Nsale picks and it’s because of you I purchased my first Barefoot Dreams cardi. Thank you!
Love your petite style, hair/beauty tips, and recipes! Fun fact: Lived on West Coast and the East Coast-moving 8 times.
Love and appreciate your blog! Waiting to purchase the zella joggers and eyelash serum!
Fun fact: the week I stopped nursing my oldest who refused a bottle (after 16 months) I felt so much freedom I immediately booked a flight to Chicago and got 2 tattoos that I instantly regretted. 😛
Thanks for your Nordstrom recommendations! Looking forward to shopping once it opens to general public!
Fun fact: I once threaded my eyebrows with floss when I wasn’t able to carry beauty products in military training.
As a petite woman, I love your reviews and recommendations! Fun fact: I’ve never worn jeans in my life :).
As a fellow petite, I am grateful for the amount of time you take to curate picks and for the sizing information you include on each one.
Fun fact: my husband and I are 15 inches apart in height. I’m 5’ and he’s 6’3” – I like to think we make a memorable couple!
Love your style! Im finally in the process of selling the first home I bought and lived in with friends! Most of my 20s spent there. But its been such a hassle/so much work/not fun process 🙁
I am a petite as well and love your food recommendations and clothing reccomendations. Two of my favorite things!
Thank you for always being so thorough in your reviews and blog posts! Fun fact: I eat salmon at least 5 times a week – I just love it so much
Thank you for sharing you top picks – very helpful for me (I’m 5ft)! Fun fact- I’ve never broken a bone!
Love your mix of casual and dressier clothes!! Fun fact: I was once in a helicopter that made an emergency landing at the Jurassic Park waterfall in Kauai 😂
Long time follower and enjoy the variety of retailers you choose from. Fun fact: I’ve tried and love all your posted (non-kid) recipes.
Loving all these recommendations! Fun fact: expecting my first baby this fall (a boy). We’ve bought some items that you’ve previously recommended 🙂
Hi! Love all your recommendations and recipes! Especially your garlic noodle recipe 😋
Fun fact: I just found out I’m pregnant with our rainbow 😊
I love your petite friendly recommendations! Fun fact my twin sister shared your blog with me!
It is hard to find petite fits! Love what you do and all the recommendations. Fun fact: obsessed with trying new desserts (I have super unusual choices in food) 😜
I’m a new mom (baby just turned 1) and I’ve been following your blog since past five years! I love your recommendations specially the baby related items/hacks.
Fun fact: I love bargain shopping and your blog hits all the highlights of current sales while remaining fashionable!
Thanks so much for this valuable information!! 😀
Fun fact – I can speak 6 languages! :))
Fun fact: my husband found your blog before me looking for sewing tutorials!
Thank you for sharing! Fun fact – I’m a scientist by day, salsa dancer by night
Fun fact about myself is I am currently pregnant with my first and have been following your recommendations for Nori and Rio! You pretty much made my baby registry! I also ordered the zella maternity leggings from the Nsale to try! Otherwise would’ve gone for the faux leather ones 😉 thank you for always sharing your honest reviews and recommendations! Such a life saver!
Love your site! Fun fact: pregnant with my first! Having a baby girl. Have checked out your maternity selection multiple times for purchases!