Thank you for ALL the great comments and feedback, I really appreciate it! Both from those who liked didn't like the proportions, it was very interesting and educating to read what everyone thought. A successful experiment!
Sona, aw thanks you are too sweet! That's part of my style blog's MO, even though I don't think I'll ever get myself fully up-to-date on it
Denise and Zap, good thoughts on the pumps. That was actually the first thing I tried, a pair charcoal pumps (true low contrast) followed by a pair of very light gray pumps (an interesting look, they definitely "popped"). Ultimately I went with the booties because, as you both pointed out, they are a bit more fashion forward and I felt that it would help to make the proportions/patterns look more intentional. Though that is up for debate, hehe!
Zap, I also considered a jacket but (wait for it) it was actually too warm for one here in the PNW
Shannon, yep totally makes sense and just what I was going for; the leg line as a WHOLE is lengthened, but in its separate halves they are not "optimally flattered".
Una, do you mean you tuck the culottes into your boots? That sounds kind of fun!