Seeking Fashion Advice (Yes, Again)

Looking back over my past three years-o-blogging, the most popular posts have been the ones when I've complained about my client's questionable design sensibilities, or vented about bad drivers, or solicited fashion advice (more specifically, when it relates directly to the hot topic of pantyhose - woo hoo!)

Today I'm going to indulge you with the latter because (a) I respect your opinion, dear readers, and know you will steer me in the right direction, and (b) my real-life friends are too busy to deal with crap like this.  I KID!!  I have no real-life friends.

So anyway, Saturday night we are attending one of two Christmas parties for Mike's company, and this one is the more casual of the two.  If history serves, the night will be host to a whole span of dress attires, ranging from classy LBDs and suits to hot pink latex minis and brushpopper shirts.  Yes, really.  I'm shooting for somewhere in the middle.

My proposed outfit is a simple dark denim a-line dress to which I'm adding a silk sash cummerbund that's black/red/grey/navy paisley print.  For my entrance, I'll be topping it off with my Oma's vintage cream suede trenchcoat. Because I only get so many chances to dress like an extra in a Dick Tracy movie. Would a fedora and cigarette holder be too much??

For shoes, I've got two options (one that I'm already leaning more heavily towards): a taupe suede Mary Jane with red patent sole & heel, or a taller, deep cranberry heel. Which do you like better? And probably more importantly, what would you wear on your legs??  Were the forecast for Saturday not a high of 32º, my choice would be to go bare-legged (and yes, I will shave the winter woolies off my legs before then!).  But since bare is probably not a viable option, I'm thinking grey or black tights....or do I need something sheer? I tend to avoid sheer black hosiery, as my legs look like sausages in them. What about fishnets? Knee socks? Legwarmers?  (Have I made it painfully obvious I NEED HELP?!)

And just in case you need to know, Mike is wearing jeans, a cranberry-colored sweater over a white button-down and plaid green/pink/black tie. He will look effortlessly elegant and casually cool. That's why I married him, ladies.

So enlighten me!  Pick a shoe and tell me how to dress the gams! I need specifics here, people! Or you can tell me to flag the whole thing and go with the hot pink mini...though it could be awkward when someone else shows up in the exact.same.outfit.

Thanks my darlings!  And enjoy your Thursday!