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.
Thank you for all your detailed reviews! Fun fact–I am 8 weeks pregnant with our first baby!
I love your recommendations! They are always spot on!
Fun fact about me is I was the last to get married in my family! (Asian Family – that includes all my uncles/aunts and their kids) they thought it would never happen! Finally tied the knot at age 44 and just celebrated our 5 yr anniversary on the 10th! 😊
Congrats!!!
I love your blog and following you on Instagram! You provide the best outfit ideas and tips on how to style which is what I struggle with sometimes. I always look forward to your next finds and tips!
Fun fact: it’s really weird but I can smell cockroaches 😂
Love this post! The leggings section is very helpful when I shop the sale later 🙂 A fun fact about me is that I just moved to NYC!
Jean, as a petite person (at 5’0”), your blog has been a wonderful resource to me. 😊 Thank you!
Fun fact: I play the flute. 🎵
A fun fact about me is that if I could have any job in the world, it would be a personal stylist!
Love all your posts!
Fun fact: mom of 2 crazy little boys. They are definitely team mama! my poor hubby feels neglected. ^_^
Love your recs every year! Already placed an order today but was sad the zella petite live in joggers are already sold out 😞 will have to hope they restock!
Fun fact: my 2.5 year old daughter was born on NYE so it’s a party every year for us! 😊
I love your blog and your annual Nsale recommendations! 🙂
Fun fact: I love eating pineapples but not when it’s in Hawaiian pizzas! 😛
Hi! My name is Molly B. and a fun fact about me is that in the 5th grade, a poem I wrote about being petite was entered into a poetry contest and selected to be published in a book of poems written by grade school students.
Fun fact: I sneeze 2 or 3 times whenever I eat mint. 😁
Fun fact: I grew up on an island and learned to surf when I was 8. When I was 13, I won a surfing contest! I entered the same contest a few years ago when I was 31 and did not do well at all haha (but I don’t live near the ocean anymore). Always such a pleasure reading your blog!
Thank you so much for sharing your recommendations! They help so much for the sale!!
Fun fact: I changed my career to become a teacher after realizing I couldn’t sit at a desk all day analyzing data!
Thank you for your recommendations! Your NSale reviews is something I look forward to every year.
Fun fact: my husband keeps making fun of my blankie that has been with me since born – which has been over 30 years now!
Nordy’s Anni is my favorite sale of the year. Always look forward to seeing Seeing that yellow show up the mail. Thanks for your reviews on this year’s sale <3
Fun fact- I’m planning a makeup Hawaii vacation (honeymoon) that was supposed to happen May 2020
Fun fact! I broke my leg a little over a year ago while my daughter was 8 months old. I have some gnarly screws and a large rod in my leg but feel stronger than ever!! Love following you and all your recs and have been eyeing those faux leather spanx!
My name is Laurie, a petite nurse from Texas 🙂 Thankful for your posts!!! Ive had a difficult time in the past finding clothes that fit until I found your blog!!!
I’m 4’10 and used to work as a stunt double for children!
Fun Fact: I have a pet Hedgehog named Hagrid.
Thank you for all the outfit ideas! 🙂
Hi Jean, Although I am not a petite, I enjoy your blog and get lots of great fashion and baby gift ideas! A fun fact about me is that although I was not good at Math in school, I ended up working in Math classes helping students as adult. I guess it is never too late to learn!
Followed you for years from when I was single for fashion tips until now with a husband and a 2-year-old for fashion tips PLUS Nori and Rio content. I’ve also loved several of your recipes!
I attended the same uni as you did
Fun Fact: I have a pet Hedgehog named Hagrid! Thank you so much for the outfit ideas 🙂
I love all your Nordstrom Anniversary sale recs every year! Fun fact: I lived in four different states before high school.
Thank you for the in-depth comparisons!! Fun fact – I’ve been doing more cooking with all the extra time at home lately, and have your chicken white chili in my regular rotation!
You’re my outfit inspiration for an interview today!
Can we have too many cardigans?! Love the ability to dress up/down outfits with all the options you have highlighted! Perfect for all body types too!! Especially growing baby bumps!
I actually forgot the sale was happening so thank you for the reminder!
Love seeing your 2 gorgeous babies. I have one of my own and your tips and tricks help support all mamas of young kids out there so thank you!
Love these picks, Jean!
Fun fact: I absolutely love to dance. Been learning ballroom dancing for a couple of years now!!
I came to the US at age 14, spoke no English and I learned by watching Disney shows.
Hi Jean! Love your blog and always love your recommendations. I’m in a fourth year in medical school and can’t wait to start residency next year!
Thanks for the recs! I thought I wasn’t going to get anything at the Nsale this year and now I have a cart filled. I’m getting ready to go back to work from mat leave and needing a new wardrobe.
I’ve been on the hunt for faux leather leggings. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the different styles!
Fun fact: I’m allergic to apples!
Love your content! I’m Hmong and my husband and I loooove your recipes and stories with Nori and Rio. ❤️
Thank you for all of your great Nordstrom Anniversary sale recommendations! Fun fact: I’m a twin mom and have twin brothers!
Fun Fact: I’ve been a a voyer for years on your site and in truth… this is my very first blog post EVER! 🙂 Emily F.
This is so helpful! Definitely will be ordering barefoot carigans and zella
Leggings this year! Fun fact about me? I am a mom to a 2 year old daughter and Im expecting a second baby in January!
I love your blog – thank you for helping me embrace my frame and look for clothing items that actually fit. Fun fact: I am about to sign up for my first half marathon.
My best wardrobe staples have all come from your recommendations 🤗
Hi! I’m a mom of three and I wish I would’ve discovered you sooner. Thank you for all the tips on everyday living. I feel like we’re all growing with you!!!! Can’t wait to see who wins!
I was born on February 29 so I’m technically only 10 years old!
Hi there,
I am a petite sized (5’1”) middle aged woman who had always been insecure about my height, clothes and appearance. You blog made me realize that one can be elegant and stylish, regardless of size. Thank you so much for that.
I would love to learn more about your workout routine (if you have one) during and after your pregnancy!
Thank you so much for all your informative blog posts! I’ve been a huge fan of your style since I was in high school, and most of my work attire is inspired by your posts.
Fun fact—I started getting into (small and low-maintenance) houseplants when I began law school (one new plant per month of school), and I now have over 20 plants!
My fun fact is that you and I are eerily similar. Not only am I also extra petite (and Filipino), but we also have similar stories in trying to conceive. Hubby and I finally got pregnant at the same time as you and I had my son maybe a day or two before Nori was born. Such a small world ☺️
Thank you for sharing your petite-friendly picks! Fun Fact: I’m moving to the South End next month and have been using pics of your old apartment as inspiration! Always love your Boston photos and recommendations!
I love your thorough explanations of all the pieces, Jean!
Fun fact: I have a twin sister – she is right-handed and I’m left-handed. We also have identical gray patches of hair but on the opposite sides of our head!
Thanks for the recs! I’m learning how to skateboard and it’s been really fun so far! (albeit a few scratches)
I absolutely love your sense of style!.
Fun Fact: I am from the rainiest city in Canada 🇨🇦