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 your NSale posts. I brought the Steve Madden booties last time from your recommendation. 🙂
Fun Fact: I have moved 4 times within the past 3 years! (SF to Boston, Boston to another apt in Boston, and then Boston to Iowa)
Hello! Love all your content! Fun fact: I enjoy spin classes but don’t know how to ride a bike.
As a new mom to a 4 month old, I love your baby gear recs. I’m hoping to snag the high chair from the sale this year. I already got the Nuna pipa car seat and UB stroller from your previous sale rec. so thank you!!
Fun fact: I have been married thrice (to the same guy!) – we come from different countries and cultures and got married in our own countries and a civil ceremony 🙂
Hi Jean,I’ve been following you for a while now.Fun fact about me..I have a 12 week old baby and ive been reading your blogs from when Nori was still a baby,it is such a big help 😀
Hi Jean! I adore Judge Judy … that’s my fun fact. I like your neutral look.
Hi Jean! I love your blog and have been following since before you had kids 🙂 I’m always appreciative of your recs for petite girls like me.
Fun fact: I’ve played the flute, piano, violin, and guitar, but didn’t stick with any of them. I love to sing but I’m way too shy to sing in front of anyone but my husband.
Fun fact: I didn’t get my driver’s license until I was 24 🙈.
PS: hello from a fellow under 5 footer!
Thanks for simplifying the overwhelming world of shopping for me! Fun fact: I like cheddar cheese with my pancakes.
Look forward to your blog posts as they are to practical and useful!
Fun fact: Pre-covid, I was traveling quite a bit for work. I spent 200+ hours in the sky in one calendar year so quarantining at home was a nice change for me : )
Ty for all your content for petite styling! Fun fact! I’m from Alaska and one time I opened the front door to go to school and there was a moose on the porch, I had to wait til it left to leave so was late to school 🙂
I enjoy reading your posts. I’m also a petite person and up until recently was a size 0OP, 5ft and always had trouble finding clothes that fit when I was in my twenties and thirties (now mid fifties) . I love your style.
I’ve loooooved your blog ever since I started looking for work inspo for my 5’11 Asian frame.
Fun fact: I’m in a relationship where my boyfriend is 11 years older than me. The age gap is a bit challenging at times but in this case our similarities trump our age (and differences)!
Oops, I meant 5″1 (1.55m). I’m only 5″11 in my dreams. 🙂
I love your posts on how to fix random things with your wardrobe!
Fun fact: My husband and I were phone pals before we met in person! =)
Silent reader for many years. I look forward to your Nordstrom recommendations every year! Thank you for all the tips, I’m 5’1 and it helps so much!
Fun fact: I can sleep almost anywhere, which I guess helps since I am a nurse who works long hours, especially since last year
Love your blog! Fun fact; I am 1.50 cm myself (4 ft 9) and based in the Netherlands – I think I completely missed the growth spurt during puberty, and all of my Dutch classmates were going through some kind of joint or muscle pain.. to fit in as a short 13 year old I just faked having knee pains as well, but we all know now I sure wasn’t growing 😂
I love your blog! It has given me so many ideas as a petite woman on how to upgrade my closet.
Fun fact: I used to sing opera – not so much anymore. But am classically trained and sang/trained for 12 years!
Hands down, favorite blogger. Fun fact: I started doing the husband of saying I need to poop right when he asks me to do something.
Lol jk but maybe I should 🤔
I love reading your posts and finding out some great petite clothing options/styling and fitting hacks. A fun fact about me is I have had 9 addresses in a decade.
Loving your style we blog post.
Fun fact: I only buy kid size shoes since I have such small feet.
Fun fact: I did ballroom dancing in college and I recently took up pole dancing! (But I’m a doctor so I keep it quiet at work 😘)
Fun fact: my legs are petite sizing but my torso is not so I jump at any posts with pants/jeans recommendations.
Also I do research on pregnancy and I found your journey to Nori very touching and motivating. Thanks for sharing!
Love the details in this post!! I love everything about your blog!!
Part-time working mom of 5, here!! Lived a tiger-mom-esque childhood, work in the space industry and love my hub and kids fiercely!
Hi Jean!
Fun fact for me is that I am in finance and have loved your blog for about FIVE YEARS now!! Thanks so much for all of your tips for many many years. It has helped me navigate business professional business wear and made me feel confident!
Bethany G
Hi Jean, I love that you cater to petite gals — being 5’1”, it’s difficult to style myself sometimes! My husband and I have started saying “what would Jean wear?” before I refer to your blog, when looking for a new outfit or piece for my wardrobe — you’ve become a household name, ha!
I’m a mother of 3 and a gifted education teacher with 25 years of experience!
I love dressing up, even if it’s just to take my dog on a walk or a quick grocery store run, I love love love pulling out my nicest outfits together and feeling myself 😌
Fun fact: I’ve been following your sale posts for a couple months now and love them so much!
A fun fact about me is that I can use my toes like my hands. Pick things up and even eat with a fork LOL.
Love your blog and have been following you for years, now. As a first generation Chinese canadian so much of your content resonates with me❤️
Fun fact: I’ve rediscovered knitting after learning when I was a kid, and have knit 2 tops in the last month ! Thank you, covid lockdowns!
Really enjoy your blog and recommendations – super thorough and on point!
Fun fact about me I live in the blue ridge mountains of NC
This post is super helpful when it comes to buying leggings from the NSale (especially for us petite gals). Fun fact: you are the first influencer that I followed!
Hi! Long time follower. It just so happens that you always post clothing advice based on my phase of life at the time so you made figuring out apparel when I started my career and was pregnant with my son that much easier. Thank you! —Reema G.
Hi Jean! I always love your recommendations. Fun fact about me — I recently got my first promotion!
Thank you for your blog as always Jean!! Your recommendations always are #1 in my book. Fun fact: I just graduated optometry school
I’m not a petite but I love your style and recommendations! My fun fact is that I don’t mind splurging for my kiddos but I’m cheap when it comes to spending on myself. Hoping to pick up a few items during the Nordstrom sale.
5’2” and appreciate the fashion recommendations so much. Fun fact: I have a ridiculous fear of birds. 🤷♀️
Loved this post! A fun fact about me is I absolutely love glittery things! those Kate Spade glitter Keds shoes are sooo fun!
I started following you years ago when I was looking for fashion inspo for petites (I’m about 5’1″!). I love your style! Fun fact: I used to be an assistant wardrobe stylist on a reality TV show 🙂
Fun comment about myself.. I have been a long time follower and I have a sweet little girl just a little younger than Nori!! ❤️
Love your fashion and recommendations! 🙂
Fun fact: I hate the taste of cheese (I know, people can’t be friends with me once they hear that) but I don’t mind it on pizza for some reason!
I LOVE shopping, and you’re my enabler, Jean.
Love your detail oriented approach for the N-Sale! Fun fact about me is I’m petite but muscular, so have extra trouble finding clothes that fit. Thanks for making things a little easier with your blogs! <3
Many years later…still religiously following your blog & IG (yours is the only fashion blog I follow—rest are food-related 😂)! Fun fact: my DH says that our baby and I sleep exactly the same way….with both arms up! 🤣
Love you blog & recommendations! Fun fact: the pandemic got me into making custom press on nails!
Recently started following you and I’m not sure why I didn’t find you sooner! Loving all the recommendations especially the ones for the kiddos with being a new mom. Fun fact: my baby came a couple weeks early so now grandpa has to share his birthday with her.
Good morning from London! I love keeping up with your blog posts and buying trendy clothing that fits my petite frame that is so lacking in the UK!
Fun Fact about me: I have two foster children and one of them is called Rio 😉
Trying to think of a fun fact but drawing a blank-first time mommy here so definitely going through sleep deprivation 😂
Fun fact: I am obsessed with watching camper van/conversion van videos. Very similar to a kid watching kids on YouTube (lol) or adults watching other adults buying houses on HGTV
Ooo love the cardigans! Fun fact: I was born in Canada but have never lived in Canada.
Hi! I love your posts and blog! You are so inspiring and real.
Fun fact about me is that I lived in 12 different apartments/houses in 4 years!