At 5’4″, I’m of average height and also right on the brink of being petite. I’m perfectly fine with this, but it does make it a bit difficult to shop online. Since I do 99% of my shopping online, I’ve had to figure out whether or not a particular item will work for someone who is roughly six inches shorter than the person modeling the item.
I’ve figured out a few short-girl shopping methods over the years, some of which include checking the inseam lengths and steering clear of any that are 32 inches or more (although, the puddle-pants trend is making me question that one), opting for either midi dresses or minidresses, and choosing tops and jackets that are slightly cropped and boxy.
I took my short-girl shopping expertise to the Zara site and chose a slew of pieces to try on and recommend for you. Scroll to shop my picks, from matching sets to jeans to tops.
I chose to try this dress because I like rhinestone things, and it looked very short, so I figured it would be the perfect level of short on me, and it was! The material is stretchy yet structured, and the embellishment makes it more interesting than your average LBD. I’d wear this with an oversize blazer or denim jacket and heels.
This bow-adorned blazer was the perfect length for someone of my height, and it reminded me of Chanel. It also looked quite expensive both in person and on camera. I chose these jeans because flares are definitely having a moment, and these didn’t look that long. I also like that you can wear them with heels or with flats and let them “puddle” around the ankles. The length was great, and they were certainly leg-lengthening, but I would advise going up a size in these.
Corset tops are still as popular as ever, and I love the idea of a more comfortable knit one. Although this is knit, it’s still thick and structured, which gives it its corset look. I tried it on with both low-rise and high-rise pants and liked it with both.
Yes, I already showed you the dress version of this, but I couldn’t decide, so I ordered the skirt, too. I find Zara skirts to be great for us short girls, as they are quite short. This was the perfect length for someone of my height. I could see myself wearing it just as I did in the photo or with an oversize button-down shirt.
I liked this set, but I found myself wishing the skirt was just a bit shorter. Still cute though (and very comfortable), and I could see myself dressing it up with heels or down with sneakers.
When it comes to heels, I gravitate toward kitten heels. I also gravitate toward sparkly shoes, and these were giving fun mermaid vibes. The straps were a little stiff, so I think I could’ve sized up (I’m an 8.5, and I ordered the 8), but I would recommend them for a fun pair of summer shoes that will definitely draw in the compliments.
Do as the model does, and wear this cropped vest as a top.
I think it’s past time I add a skort to my closet.
I think cargo pants should be baggy, so I’d be okay with these being a little long on me.
Believe it or not, the back of this is even cooler.
Not your average knit dress by any means.
If I’m going to wear a peplum top, it needs to be as cool as this one is.
These are refreshingly simple.
Like everyone else, I’m into pink right now.
I’d wear this ’90s-inspired dress with my highest platforms.
I really want to wear this with the black minidress I tried.
These flattering cropped pants went viral, and they’re available in tons of colors.
Speaking of shorts, short high-waisted pairs work best for me.
Into this dusty pink.
I think this denim corset has the potential to be a wardrobe staple.
For $11, I’m tempted to order this in multiple colors.
These wide-leg jeans are great for summer (if you must wear jeans in the summer).
