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.
Love all your recommendations and styling tips for us petite folks 😊 Fun Fact: I enjoy kickboxing. Punching and kicking the bag is a great way to de-stress while getting a good work out 💪🏻
I really appreciate the hard work you put into all your posts! Fun fact about me – I tried to train my dog to be a therapy dog and it was a fail! We had fun trying though. She was more interested in playing with other dogs than obeying me! We might try again when she gets a little older.
I love your posts and style! Fun fact I started a new job this week!
Hi Jean, l look forward to your Nordstrom Anniversary posts every year!
Fun fact: almost my entire work wardrobe was from your recommendations throughout the past few years! Thank you so much for all your styling tips and tricks and awesome sale finds! <3
– Kathryn C.
Thank you for your posts! Fact: I am 12 weeks pregnant and have been having extreme all day sickness for over six weeks now. A shopping trip would just make this time brighter 😉
Your blog, Instagram feed and stories are the best. I can’t wait to purchase some Zella leggings via the NAS, thanks to your recommendation. Fun fact: I’m actually tall, but LOVE your style, recipes, and thoughts. It’s so fun following you!
I am exactly your size, but with no fashion sense. Thanks to following your blog for the last few years I regularly get compliments on clothes (the ones I’ve bought from your blog!!). Thank you for helping me look like an adult! 🙂
Fun fact: When I was on a Girl Scouts trip in 5th grade (I was in Junior Girl Scouts), the bus driver made me sit in the back with the Brownies (2nd graders) because I looked so young. I needed your style tips even back then! 😉
Great post! Love your detailed reviews. Fun fact: I just picked up golf as a new hobby!
Love BFD! So soft and cozy!
Fun fact: I’m a twin and sometimes when shopping separately, my sister and I find out later that we bought the same thing 😂
Hi Jean! I’ve been following you since the OG days and I love how your blog have grown. Fun fact about me: I love to do indoor climbing and spoil my dog Momo. 🙂
I love the Zella live in leggings but was so disappointed last year to discover the material is now much thinner than it was a few years ago!
Thanks Jean for always sharing these great tips on sales! I love your blog and your kids are absolutely adorable.
Fun fact about me – I can speak three different languages fluently (English, Japanese and Chinese) and would like to bring up my kids to speak even more languages! I can also speak a bit of French since I live in Canada 😉
Thanks for the opportunity!
Love following you and getting much needed clothes inspo!
Fun fact: I have 4 kiddos who light up world! Also, have a major addiction to chips and salsa!
I love your blog and have been reading since before you had children.
I’m 4’11 so you content is super helpful for me finding petite friendly stylish clothes. Love your blog and IG!
Love everything about your blog and insta but especially the Nori stories! I’ve been following you since maybe 2013 and actually saw you once in Boston and had the biggest fan girl moment. I’m so glad I got to grow up with you and follow your big life moments! As a fun fact, I got into ceramics a few years ago to find my zen and absolutely love playing with mud as I call it 🙂
My fun fact is I can speak 3 languages! Thanks for the giveaway:)
Thanks for all the recommendations Jean! I love your style and appreciate all your work.
Fun fact: I too have a girl toddler (3 y.o) and a baby boy (1 y.o), and I teach them 3 languages (Spanish, English and Cantonese).
Love your blog! I like all your recommendations for clothes but I really like your recommendations for baby and food recipes.
Love this sale! Fun fact: I work at the same preschool that I attended when I was in preschool!
I look forward to you NSale posts! So helpful for us petite gals 🙂
Fun fact: my husband and I are backyard beekeeper hobbyists. We have two beehives and this summer will be our third year harvesting local unfiltered honey!
I always love to stock up on cardigans during the N-sale. I have a 4 month old so he’ll get to join in on the fun this year too!
I’m 5’2″ and love your petite recommendations! And I’ll forever remember your posts from Italy.
Fun fact- I’m an introvert to the core but I was president of my university’s Women in Business organization my senior year.
I’ve been reading your blog for the past six or seven years! Even though blogs are no longer popular, I hope you continue to post because your blog posts are so informative and fun to read.
I love your blog! And please please please keep posting lunch ideas for the kiddies. I love looking at them! My son just started daycare and has so many allergies so it’s been hard trying to find things to bring to daycare that are safe for him .
Fun fact: We will probably cancel our disney trip this year cause of COVID, so I booked a disney cruise for next year without even telling my husband first 😂
Love your blog. Fun fact: I play ultimate frisbee and I love the community!
I’m not a petite lady, but I love your posts about being a Mom! And your cool looks have me wanting to add these styles to my wardrobe. Fun Fact: Before I became a SAHM, I taught kickboxing and still practice in my garage sometimes when the baby naps. 😊
Fun Fact: I am so scared of flying but I travel extensively
I love following you for all the petite bump friendly advice and stroller/car seat reccs bc I’m pregnant with my rainbow baby
Love your style and have been following for years now! I am a 40 year old professional /mom/daughter/friend/athlete living in the Boston suburbs and hope you run into you one day in the same outfit 😊
Love the Nordstrom sale! Miss the days when everyone got access on the same day and Nordys would open early and the associates formed a tunnel and clap and cheer for you when you arrived bright and early in the morning! Fun fact about me- I just finished Drive to Survive on Netflix and now a huge F1 fan! Highly recommend!!
I am currently pregnant with twins boys! I have a daughter who’s almost 3, so just around Nori’s age, so I love seeing all of your recs and pics of Nori!
I trust your reviews so much and have been following for years. Please don’t ever stop! 🙂 Fun fact about me: I am a mosquito scientist!
Thank you for the honest reviews on the Nord sale items- I used this as a shopping guide for my wish list! Fun fact, I am a momma to a 4, almost 2, and almost 1 year old and in the middle of a big life changing event, so thankful to be able to treat myself to some new clothes!
Your blog and detailed reviews are my favorite! My best fitting items are based on how you have reviewed them on yourself and your mom. Thank you SO much. I also love your genuine life posts, DIY alteration projects, and your humor! Fun fact: I have 3 teenagers🤪
Fun fact: I’m currently pregnant with twins and it’s a fun experience for sure!
Love your blog! I have a twin brother both adopted from Korea!
~Courtney M.
Thank you Jean always for your thorough reviews and stylish outfit ideas! Fun fact, I’m going to hike the narrows for the first time in Zion at the end of the month!
Love your blog! I live in Florida where the humidity is about the same as Taiwan where my family is from. 😛
I love your style, travel recommendations, reading about your family, and also your mom’s style! Fun Fact: I rediscovered playing frisbee as a way to exercise!
Fun fact: I’m technically 4’11’’ and 3/4 but my drivers license says I’m 5’
Thank you always for your detailed reviews and the best fashion coordination! I’ve been following you for years now and fun fact: I’m from Boston and I’m pretty sure I’ve seen you on Newbury but got too shy to say hello!
Thank you for all your thoughtful recommendations!! Fun fact: a family favorite in my childhood was the Chinese corn egg drop soup and flower sausage buns from the bakery! Was so fun getting to use your recipes to make them for my parents for a change.
Love your recommendations especially your post partum finds nowadays as I have a little one just a month older than Rio and am now really into anything belly hiding 🙂
I enjoy your blog and great tips and finds! Fun fact: I love traveling and trying new, unusual foods.
Thanks for the giveaway Jean! Your blog is so helpful.
Fun fact… I’ve been a reader for 10+ years.. I want to say 12?
Fun fact- I delivered my second baby in less than 30 minutes.
Love your Nsale blog posts the most! Fun fact, I’m about to start a new job.
Thank you for your posts! I’m not sure I’m technically petite (I’m 5’4.5”) but I love to read your suggestions!
Fun fact: I never wore a hat until I saw your posts with the Janessa Lenore Klint. Now I wear that hat all the time! I live in FL so it comes in handy 🙂
Only you can make me excited about sales at Nordstrom every year! Thanks so much for all the reviews.
Fun fact: I’m a trained chef who is no longer working in the field. It turns out cooking is a lot more fun not as a job, but being with loved ones.