Thanks ladies! I'll try the pink and the taupe on - I'm leaning pink though because I think it nicely fits my skin-flattery and neutral-esque priorities. Smittie, I hear you on amping up the makeup with the taupe - one of the appealing things about the color is it can accomodate any makeup or nail colors I might try!
Angie - I think it will be okay in the warmth department - once it's long-sleeved and has some coverage, I can layer my nude fitted undershirt underneath it, which should make it warm enough, but I often find at parties, with ovens on and lots of people around, it's pretty warm inside. Was going to look at black velvet pants to go with it, but I'll see if they have burgundy - that would also give me more outfits - since I could then pair up the blouse with jeans or my simple black pants, or pair the burgundy velvet with my neutral tops. Two pieces - lots of holiday looks!
Thanks all for the help!