Here is an update on my persimmon lace adventure.

I was struggling with finding any tops in my closet that I thought worked in time for this particular occasion. The cardigan shown previously "worked" and I had worn it to church, but it was just not what I wanted for a party.

Photo #1) Just the next day I came across a Talbot's top in the exact burgundy-red for $12.
Now, it is not very "dressy" per se --it's a cotton blend that has a polished cotton look, but I liked the boatneck and sleeve length. Since the party was not super formal, I thought it worked--but fire away! I did go with my near-flat shoes because there is loud music and dancing with Young People. So this outfit seemed festive but was very easy to move (gyrate) in with no wardrobe malfunctions. I had to go bag-shoe color matchy with black clutch, but it has some texture and shine. The top is very wearable with other items and also allows a jacket over if I need to add that to the skirt outfit for more warmth.

The next ones are try-outs:

#2) Ha ha, same top in black, with burgundy-red Hue tights--color does not show up well. The tights are too much with burgundy top, but could be fun for skirt+ leg column of color with more neutral color tops.

#3) Trying a light top--all that is closet-available now--and nude shoe, still wearing red tights but plan to try on with nude hose. I'm learning this blouse is tricky because I wear a tank under, but the tank does not follow the shape of the shirt bottom, so when tank tucked in + shirt untucked there will be this demarcation.

#4) Sorry this shows so dark, but is the bronze lace over black skirt shown with the black boatneck top--again, a less dressy look due to the top, but hope to find a dressy silk or other top, boxy-short, ideally, and maybe something in cream. But for $12 I thought this top allows the skirt to become immediately wearable for some occasions.

Of course the lace skirt and top combos are quite the same silhouette, but hopefully pretty different impact due to color difference.

You can't tell, but I'm wearing my new DK microfishnets in some of the photos! They were the last lonely pair in a local dept store.

I took YLF advice and wore,for party, off-black kind of sheer tights, sort of between sheer pantyhose and tight, for a more medium-toned leg, and I think it worked.

Any suggestions are welcome.