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.
I love seeing how you style your mom! Fun fact: I love Chinese soup!
I used to compete in Chinese calligraphy contests!
I love your blog and IG. I’ve been following for baby gear reviews and starting solids!
Been following for years and love your content.
Fun fact: I completed seven full marathons.
I’ve been a long-time follower and a fellow petite gal who loves your Nordy sale recs!
Fun fact: My boyfriend and I were in a LDR for 3 years (He was in Boston and I am in Los Angeles) While he was in Boston, we went through your Boston travel recs and created so many lovely memories 🙂
Thank you for all the recs & the fit photos too!
Fun fact: I played flag football as a linebacker even though I’m <5 feet 🙂
I visit your blog often for some petite fashion guides. Fun fact: I like doing hand embroidery!
I bought a few of your recommendations from the Nsale! I can’t wait to try them on!
Fun Fact: Because of the pandemic, I invest more time on my Instagram to create content. I’ve really been enjoying it!
I love the Steve Madden OTK boots on you. The cognac color is gorgeous. Fun fact: I love fashion but my latest obsession over the pandemic has been personal finance. Two totally different topics that don’t always go hand in hand!
Fun Fact: I am the only lefty in my family, extended family included!
Fun fact: I also have a toddler and an infant currently and enjoy your posts about navigating life with little ones!
Hi! I’ve been following you for a long time and you are my fashion inspiration. I’ve bought so many items that you’ve recommended! Fun fact: I’m a family medicine doctor and your post on IVF led me to look up more information about it and provided valuable insight into the process.
Thank you for the helpful leggings review! Fun fact: I still have a baby tooth that never fell out since there was no adult tooth underneath to replace it!
I am currently obsessed with the show Never Have I Ever! Such hilarious good fun!!
I’ve been following you for so long and love that you share so much more than just petite styling tips!!! Fun fact: I’m an immigrant from Hong Kong with a California valley girl accent because I grew up in LA.
Have followed your blog since 2014! Love your content especially as a fellow shorty. Fun fact: my closet by now is pretty much 100% inspired by your outfits/recommendations 😂
I’ve been a long time follower of yours Jean and I appreciate all the recs you have for us fellow petite ladies. Fun fact: I wear scrubs at work but still like to buy ‘ work’ attire, you got me into shopping at Loft and Ann Taylor 🙂
Fun fact is that I am a Chinese Canadian. My parents immigrated from Singapore before I was born. But then funny part is when I am with my Singaporean relatives my singlish accent comes out. Think Peik Lin’s mom in crazy rich Asians.
So thankful for your blog and anniversary picks! I’m 5 ft. and it’s nice to see how things fit and if they are worth getting altered. Thanks for the tip on the 7/8 length on the Zella leggings!
Fun fact about me: I once took first place in a hula hoop contest 😊
Love all your petite recommendations & recipes!
Fun fact: I raised a pig for 4H & he got expelled for fighting with another pig intheshowring!
Love your content and style. Nori and Rio are the cutest. Fun fact: I still cannot believe I’m a mother to the cutest 9mos old baby girl.
Legging are officially pants!!
Fun fact about me, I have a black belt in karate ✌🏻
– Juhi P
I look forward to your NSale reviews every year!
Fun fact: I have been in a tornado.
I love looking at your Nordstrom anniversary sale updates. I’m 5.2’ and it’s hard to find petite clothes/shoes that look good on me. Thank you always for your recommendation! Fun fact: All my heels/booties are from Nordstrom. I can’t find any good quality size 5 shoes anywhere else.
Enjoy your blog and recommendations! ❤️
Fun fact: I’ve followed ExtraPetite for business casual inspo since I was in high school and now I’m 5+ years into my career
Was just in Boston during the crazy heat wave/cold and rainy week before 4th of July and used your Boston guide! Never enough time to do (or eat) it all!
Thank you for the recommendations! Fun fact about me: I attended the Jimmy Kimmel show, say in the very front row, and got a chance to chat with him!
Love following your blog! I have a one year old daughter and we live in the suburbs of Boston so I love all your styling tips through the seasons 💕
Love your blog… I’m about the same size as you and it’s super helpful! Also my fun fact: I just started grad school this year, pursuing a Masters in Early Childhood inclusive education with a focus on infant and toddler mental health!
Hello! I’ve been a long time follower and am a mommy of three littles. I absolutely love your fashion/beauty/cooking content but especially love your baby content too!
love your posts as i’m the same size as you!
fun fact: i bought and live in my childhood house when my parents decided to move!
I’ve been a big fan of yours for over 8 years!
Thank you for sharing all your helpful hacks and tips with food, fashion, and home.
Fun fact: I started a business at 18 years old and dressed terribly for a while until I came across your content!
I’ve been a big fan of yours for over 8 years!
Thank you for sharing all your helpful hacks and tips with food, fashion, and home.
Fun fact: I started a business at 18 years old and dressed terribly for a while until I came across your content!
Love your style and recommendations! Fun fact: I discovered your page through @thedadview.
I love your lifestyle and fashion tips! I have an allergy baby as well and love your food ideas.
I’ve been following your blog for almost 10 years! Wow time flies when you enjoy the blogger.
Fun fact: I’m obsessed with eating chewy food… boba, mocha, tendon, etc.
Ever since I’ve started investing in good quality staples, I’ve appreciated your sale roundups – thank you!
Fun fact – I like fighting people for fun – it’s not what it sounds like…I am a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner 😉
Hi 👋 I am a long time follower ever since you started your IVF journey. Love your little beautiful family. I love how honest you are when recommending a product. I have bought so many things that you’ve recommended and never get disappointed. Fun fact about me, I’m petite like you, and when I don’t know what size I wear I go back to your page and look for the blog to see what size you wear so I won’t buy the wrong size. 😅
I’m definitely not petite, but I love your blog because I love your style! Fun fact: my mom thought I was going to be a boy because there were no
girls in the family so I didn’t have a name when I was born!
I’m currently in the middle of a career change and the process can be really scary but watching snippets of nori and didi really brighten my day 🙂
Hello from a fellow Bay Stater! Fun fact about me: I was accidentally born at home and delivered by a police officer.
I’ve been following your blog for so long — we had our first babies around the same time too so it’s been fun to follow along as we each evolve in our own ways.
I’ve been following your blog from the very beginning! Fun fact – my husband and I moved from San Diego to Denver for work and now 9 years later we’re moving from Denver back to San Diego for work but this time with 2 toddlers and 3 cats in tow. God help us!
I’ve been wanting otk boots, but the weather doesn’t permit where we live (so cal)
Thanks for the Zella pants recommendation, they look super comfy!
Fun fact: I’m currently pregnant and went via IVF as well and I love all of your pregnancy and post partum tips!
Thank you for all your wonderful, detailed recommendations! I’ve been following you for almost a decade and it’s been great seeing your family grow. I’m a CFA charterholder – I believe you are too?
– Salima J.
Love your blog and your honesty about motherhood. I have a 4 year old and a 10 week old baby. Love referring to your blog for fashion inspo as I look for nursing friendly pieces to add to my back to work wardrobe. Thanks!
Your info on what to purchase as a new mom has been SO valuable. I had my son in February and I pretty much bought everything you recommended! 😂 Fun fact about me: My friends think I’m psychic
Thanks for all the great recommendations!
About me:
I have a 14 month old, a 3-year-old, and a 9-year-old.
And I can’t believe it, but… I turn 40 in about two weeks!