Ok, guys, it's that time!
Thank you all for your valuable assistance the other day. It allowed me to confine my purchase to three items (fuchsia jacket, coordinating sleeveless blouse and steel blue sleevveless ddress), and shop my closet for the rest. I have put together a few combos that you're welcome to weigh in on, take apart and remix, anything you please.
I styled the jacket + blouse combo with a pair of black Lafayette trousers that I never get to wear but that are dreamy in terms of drape. I have tried this with a pair of no-nonsense Clarks pointy-toed black patent pumps or adorable pointy-toed black suede wedges with silver bows. They're higher in the heel, but I suspect PPL is still in play (if not, I'm sure Angie will speak up). The dark grey envelope day clutch I have in these shots has snake side panels, in case you can't tell.
With the dress, I've tried it out with lower-heeled pewter pumps with an almond toe or round-toed navy wedges with a little gold-tone detail. Ignore the shimmery silver bag as I've decided it's too evening like. The other option I have here is my rose gold Coach satchel. I am not averse to finding a pewter satchel. :p If you guys suggest the navy shoes, I would invest in some navy sheer hose.
I could, of course, put any of these elements together in other combos. Or wear the dress with black microfishnets and black shoes. Or go back to the drawing board entirely if you think it all sucks. From here on out, I am in your hands.
Thank you all for your help! And bonus thanks to those that suggested using a lipstick in the same tone as the jacket on the night itself. I'm totally doing that.
I'm grateful to all of you who are helping me take on this nerve-racking work moment with as much confidence as possible!