I needed an authentic looking dress for my daughter's school play. I was told to either rent or have one made. Either option was outrageously expensive for a one-time school event. Even renting when it's 40 miles to the nearest costume shop was not cheap. So I found this dress. I was warned against ordering one for the teacher said "if it looks like it came from a Wal-Mart Halloween sale they won't blend in. These need to be nicer costumes". Well, I took my chances and thought if I have to argue it out with the teacher so be it. Anyway, the dress came. It looked amazing. She said it was very comfortable. I ordered a cheap crinoline online to give the skirt a fuller look and to help it "blend in". This also helped with the length. The crinoline lifted the skirt a couple inches to make it the perfect length for my daughter who is 5'2". Though, had it been necessary, the bottom edge of the dress is simple and would be easy to hem without affecting the look of the dress. The sleeves were long as well, and would not be as easy to hem, but with the elastic near the elbows we found we could just push the elastic up the arm which gave the sleeves a puffier look and solved the length issue easily. This ended up being one of the nicest costumes in the play. Now if you are going to a Renaissance Festival, it won't be the best but it will definitely work. Keep in mind many people at those festivals spend hundreds on their costumes. So if you are looking to save money but look authentic - this is a great costume!