First thing that stood out, as a few other reviewers have said, great thick quality material (yes, you need to wear nude undies as it is white after all and a little see thru on the bum). Also agree the waist is snug- too snug for me, but, I fixed that. (I'm a petite, size 4, 6ish) By snipping the inside of the white band/waistline on either end as it meets the black and gold, then reaching in and cutting the elastic, on either end, I was able to pull it right out. I thought I may have needed to add something else as it would be too loose- not at all, it fit me just right and now sits lower on the hips. The material where the elastic was looks a little wonky, but, that can be ironed down smooth. The other adjustments that need doing- as other reviewers had said, the torso section is too short. As in the distance between the two black and gold bands is too small- the gap shown in between the panels on the stomach in the picture here- not really something that shows. If you pull the halter portion up and tie it to be nice and supportive, it pulls the waist up too high. If you put the waist where it should be, creates an awkward chestage area. So, I cut it- where the stomach sections meet the black and gold waist band, essentially making two pieces- the skirt (now sitting on the waist) and a halter with the two pieces dropped down- I then cut those off and will add back two longer white panels to go from the top to the bottom to keep the look. One last adjustment- the Spartan queen look is meant to be spare strips of material covering the chest, for a minimalist look (Queen Gorgo, "300"). As much as it's nice coverage on this dress, it's too close together at the cleavage part- loses that Greek/Roman look. So, I carefully snipped some thread to pull the white cloth a bit further apart, creating that plunge- making the gold band look as if it's an independent piece. The arm band fit me just right- will probably use fashion tape to make sure it stays the night I wear it. Overall, yes, seems like a lot of adjustments, but, for the price, tailoring it a bit, still worth it. If cutting and tailoring make you nervous, have sew savvy friend so it or take to a tailor. I may even change the tie area(s) to leather, chain or something more authentic looking!! (I've apparently seen too many "300" pics of Lena Headey!) Length, a wee long, side parts touched ground with heels on, but, I like the effect (I'm 5'1"). Pairing with Rubie's Costume Goddess Sandals, Gold, medium, that I ordered from Amazon and reviewed those as well. (Also, added front slit to dress also to show off those great shoes)
