Can I just say how much I am enjoying this thread? I love the diversity of opinions and appreciate that you're not all just "being nice". (I mean you are not being unkind, but I think you're being HONEST, which is just so much more interesting and informative!)
Lyn, anchie, star, kkards, missvee -- thanks! I guess bottom line is that I have room to play. Yes to adding white OR keeping an outfit all black, to playing the boot up and playing it down.
Jessikams -- that's it -- tongue in cheek fancy. While I struggle to find legit fancy, some cheeky fancy won't hurt my cause. (And gives me some fun options to play around with.) A blazer would be fab.
Robin -- yes, I think a bit of white somewhere would be effective! I've been on the lookout for the right white shirt forever. Maybe this will be the year....