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 always look forward to your reviews and posts being 5 foot 1, and my husband saying the 1 inch is questionable. I am a huge baseball cap fan and just curious what the team is that you are wearing.
Just turned 40!! Hopefully can continue to be a stylish old lady as I age! Your posts have definitely helped me thru the years!! Love the all baby suggestions and recommendations as well!!
The Barefoot Dreams cardigans look so comfy!
Fun fact: I’ve run 15 half marathons since 2015 and my goal is to hit 20 by the time I turn 40 which is in December of 2022!
Thank you for your blog posts. I love your fashion and seeing your cute kids. My daughter shares the same birthday as Nori.
Fun fact- I am a teacher but I hate public speaking.
-Yi Z.
Thank you always for the thoughtful blog posts, I’ve been following you for many years now! Fun fact: my latest personal project is to try going zero waste & plastic free as much as possible!
I think your outfits are great! I love how chic you look before preggo, while prego, and after preggo! I feel like it’s getting harder harder to dress myself sometimes (after preggo)
Hi Jean, thanks so much for sharing your picks for the sale! You have great taste and are the resourceful, but stylish mom I aspire to be in the future! I love following what you and your adorable family are up to and hope you guys are staying safe! On an unrelated note, my kitchen tongs are falling apart and I remember awhile back you linked a kitchen tools set that was on sale at Nordstrom. Any chance you remember which one that was? I’m kicking myself for not getting one then! – Cynthia C
I am a genetic unicorn, a ginger with blue eyes which is .01% of the red head population (gingers are 1% of total population).
Fun fact: I met you at an Anthropologie event in SF when I was a confused undergrad. Now, I’m studying for the Bar and hopefully on my way to being a lawyer soon! Always love your blog posts, which have always been fun while providing useful info.
Fun fact: I’m pregnant with # 2 and you’re the first strangers I’ve told!
Thank you for posting your Nsale recommendations! Fun fact: I’m an identical twin!
I’ve always loved your recommendations. Thank you for you thorough reviews and comparisons!
Hello! I love your insight on how to dress cute for petite frames. I work at an office and my wardrobe is my way of shining!
Hi Jean! Thank you so much for all your hard work putting these posts together to help petites, new moms, and everyone ! Thanks for the giveaway too. A fun fact about myself is that I just had my second baby girl last week!
I’m REALLY eyeing that long line cardigan so I’m super thankful for your try-on pics and comparisons!
Fun Fact: I think I’ve been following you for YEARS (since high school before I could even afford my own clothes!)
I’ve been finding comfort in your old IVF posts lately as we officially started our fertility treatment journey earlier this year and have enjoyed keeping up with your Nsale posts to keep my mind off things during the TWW. Not sure my wallet appreciates it as much as I do though! 😜
I love your blog. You have helped me improve my style. Fun fact: I retired at the age of 53.
I love your recommendations and sizing info! Fun fact- I am due with baby #2 this fall
I’m always looking forward to seeing your outfits! Fun fact about me is that Im also a mom of 2 kids and still trying to learn how to love my new body.
I forgot to include my last initial, oops! Let’s try this again. Entering this for my fiancé battling cancer–but that is not my fun fact. Actually, my fun fact is…during our recent engagement photoshoot, he borrowed his ENTIRE outfit (shoes included–Cinderella moment or what?) from his brother-in-law. He looked amazing! But, between moving to different hospitals for treatment, he is now really limited on the clothes he has. I would like to do something nice for him like get him a whole new fancy, outfit of his choosing from NSA so that he will have something of his own for either our future wedding rehearsal dinner, wedding outfit, or even just for dates as a soon-to-be married couple. Can’t wait to start this adulting life together in style!
Long time reader! Love your blog!! I have gotten so many great recommendations from you throughout the years. Fun fact – I think I spotted you at the airport in San Diego once upon a time but was so shocked and nervous to say hi!!
Love your blog!! Fun fact: I have a YouTube doppelgänger 😂
My name is Tashia Souza and My fun fact is that I lived in 12 houses by the time I turned 12. #navybratlife
Thank you for your NSale recommendations! A fun fact about me is that I’ve lived in Africa for a month!
Fun fact – we moved so much when first married that all 3 of our kids were born in different states!
I really like the petite friendly jeans/pants recs.
Fun fact: I never buy clothes that are not on sale. I feel like I don’t have a “style” that I wear but if I had to describe it, it would be “whatever is on sale.” 😂
Fun fact: still exploring my own fashion styles. Thank you for the inspirations! 🙂
Thank you for your NSale recommendations! A fun fact about me is that I fenced in high school!
Jillian Oliver here:
A fun fact, I was a child runway model 😂
I love your style! Your tips are very helpful.
Fun Fact: Making up for last year’s covid quarantine and going on 4 vacations this year!
I live in the mountains in Washington and still like to look out together. Also, Nordstrom is my favorite!
Hey Jean, I love your style and watching videos of your 2 kids! My fun fact is I enjoy cleaning for fun 🤣
Have been following you for years and love all of your recs! I had my son a couple of months after Nori was born and found all of your recs and baby-related posts super helpful as a first time mom myself.
I love penguins so in high school I started to collect them.
Fun fact: Born in HK, raised in Canada, met my husband while living in South Korea, moved to BOSTON, now in the midwest!
Also wanted to thank you! Long time follower. My wedding dress, postpartum wear, and half my closet are ALL your recommendations. It was frustrating being 4’11” and you have helped so much!
I always look forward to your posts, thanks for helping your vertically challenged sisters!
Here’s a fact, I’m 40 and I still don’t know what I’m doing! Lol
I have 5 kids and don’t know how to dress anymore.
I absolutely love your blog! I started following you for the fashion advice, but now I have an 18 month old daughter and I keep coming back for your tips on toddler stuff 🙂 Fun fact: next month is my 10th anniversary of moving to the US. Can’t believe how fast time has past! 🙂
I’m so thankful for your petite sized reccomendations! Fun fact: not a day goes by where I go without eating a piece of dark chocolate 😋
Been following this blog for years! Thanks for all the great style inspirations!
Fun fact: Every clothing item I’ve purchased in the last few years has been inspired by one of your posts!
The commando leggings already sold out! 🙁 will keep checking!
Fun fact: I had llamas at my wedding!
Appreciate all your detailed reviews and recommendations! They are super helpful and I’ve made many purchases after reading your reviews. Fun fact: I’ve been reading your recommendations for the past seven years!
I initially followed you for your baby tips but stayed for the fashion and sales finds!
Fun fact: We named our baby after the nurse who helped me throughout my stressful labor.
Love these recommendations! I bought the zella 7/8 length during last year’s sale and wore them at least once a week! Fun fact: I’m mom to three girls!
Fun fact: my bestie and I often match unintentionally because we both follow you! 😆
Thanks for introducing me to so many great brands. I am the youngest of 3 adopted. Me and my oldest brother are Korean-not otherwise related 😉 and the second oldest is from Ecuador.
I just paid off my car loan and I’m ready to splurge on this years’ N Sale!
Thanks for all of the time that you spend and share with all of us. A fun fact: my husband and I got married at Disneyland and go back every year to the Happiest Place on Earth to celebrate !
Hi Jean! I was so happy when I found your insta/blog since it’s been so hard to shop for clothes my entire life! I also just found out that I am 6 weeks pregnant with my first child so I will definitely be looking at your past posts for some maternity inspo!
Fun fact: I was born with my baby tooth! The drs had never seen anything like it and they believe it was attributed to my mom eating sashimi every weekend when she was pregnant with me! (Oops! The internet wasn’t around then and she wasn’t aware of the possibly dangers). The drs said I had incredibly strong bones, but had to pull the tooth shortly after so my mom could breast feed.
I am a full time counselor in an elementary school setting. I love looking on blogs for style tips for a petite female…just like myself!