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 always for the in depth recommendations!
Fun fact: I can still fit into my middle school clothes. That’s being petite for ya!
I was born on an island!
Thanks for your recommendations! I always love your posts. Fun Fact: I’ve lived in 5 places in the last 5 years… hopefully settling down now!
So appreciative of your blog and website! I especially love the post partum suggestions since I have a 3 month old!
Thanks for taking time to make all your recommendations on your page. It really helps my petite frame and have also purchased several things you’ve recommended on your blog and on your Instagram on baby/toddler stuff, random things, and especially on petite clothing. I have been following you for quite a while now. Thank you for what you do! God bless your family! =)
Fun fact: I’m also a petite mom of two little ones. Love all of your parenting/motherhood/food content but have been following you since you got engaged!
Fun fact: I think I spend as much time researching what I want to buy as I do using or wearing it. Your blog helps me stop my craziness!
My almost 3yo is almost completely weaned off his g-tube (feeding tube) after two years. Teaching him to eat orally is like having a 7 mo’s skills with a toddler ‘tude.
I’m 16 weeks, but have only told a handful of people. My parents do not know yet :X
Hi Jean!
I’ve been a follower of your blog for years and definitely have been ‘influenced’ by many of your recommendations. Fun Fact: I beat cancer last year 🙂
I read your blog while feeding my 4 weeks old (my first). I have referred to your baby related posts several times while going through IVF, pregnancy and preparing for an hospital birth.
Fun fact- I have a long history of reproductive health issues due to which I had skepticism around my pregnancy and child birth journey. But I surprised myself by having an unmedicated birth. It’s amazing what our bodies can do!
Fun fact: I love to snowboard. There aren’t too many 50 year old snowboarding moms!
Always love your picks from the Nsale! My son Nolan is a month older than Rio. Celebrating his 1st Birthday next month. 🙂
Thank you so much for your review of the commando leggings! I feel like they’re not shared very much and I’ve been so tempted to purchase and this won me over! Thanks for being the best resource for us petites! – Sara A C.
I always look forward to seeing what you pick out! Love LOVE wearing a cozy sweater during my most favorite season—FALL. 🍂
Fun fact: Definitely NOT fun, but it’s a fact…I found out at five years old that Nair does a fairly good job of removing hair from ones head.
Fun fact: I’m the only one in my family that can eat balut.
I enjoy wearing skirts year round, no matter the weather.
Thanks for the detailed post!
Fun fact: I’ve lost instead of gained my Covid 19 (pounds)!
Fun fact: 100% Chinese but can only speak English and Spanish. Tried learning Mandarin in school but it just didn’t click.
Thanks for the cardigan comparison! I’ve been eyeing the circle cardigan for a few years – maybe I’ll get it this year!
Love your IG feed and your blog. It’s because of you that I finally tried Everlane – and the jeans were great!
I have been following your blog since seeing you on Chronicle Boston 2017. I have learned so much
from you – you are an inspiration in styling beautiful petite clothing staples. Just missed you at Parlee Farms this past weekend – I live nearby!
Loveeeeee your style!! I am on the tall side, 5’9″ but love how you put outfits together and I’m always saving your pics as inspiration. Keep up allllll the posts!
I’ve enjoyed following you and your family. Love your recommendations for the NAS. Nori brings a smile to my face. Fun fact: I have trytophobia
My fun fact about myself is I can only successfully
parallel park when Vanilla Ice’s ice ice baby is playing on my car’s radio 🤣
Hi! A fun fact about myself—I have pink hair
Thank you for all of your recommendations! Fun fact: I live in Hawaii 🙂
I love all your posts, especially the sale highlights! Fun fact: I got to feed and pet a giraffe during a trip to Kenya!
I love all of your recommendations on the blog. I particularly love the frequency of posts and how you don’t essentially recommend the whole catalog from Nsale. I have followed and bought a lot of items from you recommendation list and they are AMAZING!
I’ve been following you for years. Your hacks (fixing purse straps, rearranging bra straps, sewing tricks, etc) are so helpful and clever. Today I bought 3 items on sale because of your recs. Fun fact: I’m 4’11” and my bf is 6’2″
I love your blog! As a 5’0 ft girl, it’s sometimes hard to dress stylish without having the clothes consume me. Your blog has helped a lot 🙂 fun fact about me: I love baking and am working on improving my decorating skills so I can sell my bakegoods at my brother’s home bakery.
Fun fact, I eat the whole entire apple (minus the stem) including the core!
I’m a registered nurse so I live in scrubs most of the time but love coming to your blog for inspirations since I am not very fashionable. Keep the petite friendly recommendations coming! Love all your reviews!
LOVE your posts 🙂 Fun fact: I’m expecting baby girl #2 this Fall and the due date is also my todder’s bday (3 years apart :))
My husband and I are expecting! We’re bursting to tell people but it’s still quite new so we’re not sharing with friends and families yet. Since I’m able to partially conceal my name here, I don’t mind sharing. I’ve referred back to your pregnancy posts for info and find it very helpful!
Love your blog.
Fun fact: I love cooking, crocheting and soap making.
This so helpful, especially when shopping on-line. I am 4’11.5”, so thank you for sharing details and different styles with us.
Enjoy your blog very much! Fun fact: Never thought about cutting mangoes with a cup until I saw your post and now it’s life-changing!
Aloha Jean and family.🌺 Fun fact – I’m in a “get a little better everyday” journey.
Hi! I’ve been following you for years! You are such an inspiration and I love all your outfit ideas. Sometimes I wish I was on the east coast so I can wear those cooler weather coats and boots! Lol. Im in California.
I adore your blog and religiously follow your recommendations as a petite person myself! Fun fact: I’m in healthcare/medical field and I’m scared of needles!!
Super helpful review on the leggings, can’t ever have enough good quality ones! I’m in my 33rd wk of pregnancy so I’m starting to look for some compression/post Partum friendly leggings!
I forget that I am short but am reminded every time I look in the mirror that I am under 5′ tall. It’s so hard to find clothes that fit. Looking forward to following you!
Sara C
Hi Jean, I’ve been a silent reader for I don’t even know how long – probably almost as long as you’ve been around! (a decade, perhaps?) I am also a petite Asian woman in the East coast and you have always been the most informative and influential person to me in not only fashion but in life. I remember when you were still working a corporate job and showing us how to buy authentic Chanel bags secondhand, and thinking that you were so elegant and beautiful and that I wanted to be more like you! I was in my early college years then. And then watching you get engaged, married and now become a mother – it’s really been such a beautiful journey you have taken us along for, and I’m so grateful for that. I’m now a working adult as well in my late 20s and I just wanted to say thank you for all the influence you have had on me. You have been, and still are my role model!
Thank you for your blog! Great sale tips and recommendations been looking forward to it every time!
Fun Fact: love your account and have been recommending to people about it because you have great advice and recommendations with everything (fashion, lifestyle, makeup, babies etc) very inspiring! ❤️
Every year I’m tempted to get a Nordstrom card bc of your anniversary sale posts!! haha.
My kids are similar ages to your 2 kids. Also, another fun fact for me but not my wallet – I’ve bought way too many items based on your recs!!! 🙂
I love reading through your recommendations. I have a few exact outfits from a few of your posts haha.
Fun fact: I just had my first child 2 months ago 😊
My wardrove is overdue for an update (for YEARS). I follow you for so much inspiration and posts like this make me want to go for it! ♡ you and your family!
Hi! I love reading you blog! I’ve slowly been trying to update my wardrobe with quality items and I’ve loved the items I’ve purchased off your recommendations! Been 👀eyeing those barefoot dreams cardigan
Fun fact- I’m currently downsizing, to move into a small apt from a house. I’ve purged a lot of my wardrobe. It’s been hard but also super relieving to get rid of stuff!
Fun Fact: I didn’t have a English when I first moved to the states. The church teacher said to me, since you don’t have one your name is Wendy. So I’ve been called Wendy since then.