No the sides are sown up to a certain point and than let to hang so you have plenty of room to slip it over your head. I own several caftans and they are the most comfortable things I own. It's like what you see the dessert people wearing. Believe me they dress for comfort. LOL
That is wonderful. You will find that all though these are very fancy with the trims and such on the front you can simplify this pattern once you get the idea and make these very quickly and with beautiful fabrics. I have made similar ones for my daughter not using a pattern at all. This will teach you the concept and you can run with it after that.