Thanks so much everyone!! No worries unfrumped ... I am thinking perhaps some charcoal tops would still give me the column effect, but be more skin-flattering.

Was delighted to see Kate MIddleton stepping out in black skinnies and a black cable-knit sweater ... so now that's on the list ha!

On the black sneaks ... I don't imagine they could possibly give me a hard time about lace colors, could they? Even if the shoes must be black?

Ooh, multi-coloured laces! I love the laces idea.Clever girl.

Do you have access to a Costco? I recently picked up a pair of ponte skinnies, which could be a great option with tunics or long tees. You could get several pairs, for possible destruction, cuz they are cheap. And if they are anything like older ones I've got from there, wash and last very well.

Last year BR had sloan "5 pocket leggings" which are a cross between the dressier sloan pant (stretchy) and a jean (in cut), and they are fantastic pants. They are more of a skinny, in cut and because they have pockets, so can be worn with shorter tops than leggings would need.

Costco this week!!

What counts as pattern? Would a mottled fabric be against the rules?

Anyways, haha, I'd probably do subversive things like have an array of tops with weird collars and sleeves... like mutton sleeves and low bias roll collars.