LaPed, that is a good question. I have little experience with this type of fabric, as in zero experience, LOL. It feels like it's less a "finish" than an integral part of the fabric, i.e. it does not feel like a foil (despite what I called the post). I don't know if it will scratch or not...or even how you wash it. I guess I had better look into that.
Thanks for all the kind compliments. Honestly, if you are inclined to try this look, I would go with these -- they come in lengths, are a classic style, the rise is high but not too high, and, as I said, they are surprisingly comfortable. If you are extremely tall (as in 6') they probably wouldn't work, even in tall, but for anyone 5'9" on down, I would think you could get a good ankle or even (for the shorter people) full length fit.
I love the styling suggestions so far. I'm going to look at them with navy, pale blue, charcoal, light grey, white (of course) and a few colours. I am not so sure about footwear styles. The boots work, I think. For a sneaker, I think a platform one would be better (on me). I don't have any delicate shoes that would work with them at the moment. Will need to consider this.
I'll try to do a little styling session tomorrow and see what I come up with.