I sometimes feel like Zara was put on this earth to taunt me. I hop onto its site, confident as can be, certain that I'll come away with a bounty. I leave either empty-handed or with a lone pair of shoes. Clearly, there are worse things in life (plus, you'll find some spectacularly expensive-looking footwear options in-store right now), but I'm always a bit disappointed that those tailored flares are so long they'd lose their silhouette if I took them up or that the standout dress I've been ogling online would be perfect if only the waistline sat in line with my petite proportions. I have an hourglass figure, too, and Zara's clothes appear to be far better suited to people who are tall, straight up and down and within a rather limited sizing range.
Many of us appreciate the impeccably high standards of Zara's trend-driven goods, but if only the retailer would cater to people around the 5'1" mark more often, right? I've tried on enough pieces over the years to be able to confidently say that the below categories do tend to fit me better. There are a few key pointers below, as well as some of the most petite-friendly new-in pieces. As always, buy the items that are built to last, suit your personal style and work within what you already own. Hope it helps you, my fellow short friends!
1. BLAZERS
Style Notes: Okay, so there's no denying that you might need to roll up a sleeve (or get something professionally altered) but I've always found that Zara blazers don't come up too long in the body and tend to fit well on the waist and shoulders.
Shop the best Zara blazers:
The fitted silhouette is perfect for those with an hourglass silhouette, or those who want to create the illusion of one.
The sleek shade and brown buttons make for a highly expensive-looking pairing.
Cropped styles are a great option for those with petite proportions.
If you find yourself turning up the cuffs on blazers, consider a pre-cuffed style that has a playful print lining.
2. STRETCHY DRESSES
Style Notes: Whenever I've tried dresses from Zara that are more fitted or have buttons, waist-wraps or anything more structured, they just never ever sit in the right place. So I've discovered that their knitted, stretchy and jersey pieces work best.
Shop the best stretchy Zara dresses:
The belt is detachable so you can position it wherever works best for you.
For any dressier moments you may have coming up.
This went straight in my basket.
I'm also considering the striped and white versions.
3. CROPPED TOPS AND JUMPERS
Style Notes: It probably sounds like a no-brainer to opt in for Zara's shorter hemlines on items such as crop tops, but you'll sometimes find you almost get a normal-length top instead and that can be a handy addition to one's wardrobe as well.
Shop the best Zara cropped tops:
An easy white shirt features in outfits all year round.
Just add jeans and sandals for spring.
Brown and blue is such a strong colour combination.
The balloon sleeves and gathered waist are fulfilling my boho dreams.
4. SHORTER HEMLINES
Style Notes: Opt for shorter-hemline skirts and dresses, and they should still be a decent enough length. Don't even think about buying a maxi dress unless you're happy for it to trail through mud and be destroyed!
Shop the best Zara minis:
There are so many ways to dress this mini up or down for day or night.
Wear with sandals now and knee-high boots come autumn.
I'm leaning into the boho revival this spring and summer.
The collar and pocket details bring a tailored edge to this mini.
5. CO-ORDS
Style Notes: Where jumpsuits and dresses can be tricky to get right for petite proportions, it's a little bit easier with co-ords as you can have the flexibility to style them to suit. For example, you could knot an oversized shirt to tame it. Warning: You may still need to get trousers tailored to length.
Shop the best Zara co-ords:
From the pleats to the gold buttons, every details of this waistcoat feels considered.
The cropped length will be perfect for those with shorter legs.
A top that will also look great with jeans, shorts and tailoring.
The stretchy pleated fabric will mould to your silhouette.
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