I'm 5'4" and Tried On So Many Short Girl–Friendly Zara Items—Meet the 8 Winners

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.

The Rhinestone Mini Dress

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(Image credit: @allypayer)

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.

Shop the dress:

The Contrast Bow Cropped Blazer and High Rise Flared Jeans

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(Image credit: @allypayer)

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.

Shop the blazer and jeans:

The Knit Corset Top

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(Image credit: @allypayer)

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. 

Shop the corset top:

The Rhinestone Skirt

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(Image credit: @allypayer)

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.

Shop the skirt:

The Crochet Knit Crop Tank and Mini Skirt

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(Image credit: @allypayer)

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.

Shop the crochet tank and skirt:

The Iridescent Kitten Heel Sandals

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(Image credit: @allypayer)

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.

Shop the heels:

Shop More Short Girl–Friendly Items From Zara

Next up, 30 new Zara arrivals that will sell out fast.

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Allyson Payer
Senior Editor

Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.