It is designed to be a blouse type effect over the waistband with some drape but if you have a short torso, I would consider shortening it! Those questions become stories, stories tell us who we are, and I don't think I'll ever stop writing them. Sigh, I want to be there right now! This costume will require dying experience, you will find it helpful to practice on natural fabrics like cotton or silk to get your colours right.