Anyone ever been to a Presidential Inaugural ball?

What were your observations on what women wore? Not the FL or
presidential family members, just the rank and file guests.
I just CAN'T justify spending a whole bunch 'o money that I don't have
for a long dress I will probably never wear again.
I DO have a faboo pair of black crepe pants with a long asymetrical
crepe panel in the front and back. Very dressy pants and very "me". Am
looking for a silver T–shirt type top – maybe beaded, maybe not. I also
have a fantastic silver fringed shawl (vintage 60's) that always gets
comments and compliments. Want to keep the shirt fairly simple,
because shawl is quite the attention getter. (I'm finally pretty good
at workin said shawl as well. Yeah, there is a knack to appearing
non–chalant with a wrap – especially the "slippery" ones. You know, the
constant fussing, getting it caught in car doors.
Took me a couple of dozen wearings to really get it down) ;D.
That outfit would be so my style and I would feel comfortable. And you
know when you feel comfortable with what you are wearing, the
confidence factor goes way up. And when the confidence factor goes up,
the "yeah, I look pretty hot tonight" factor goes up and so on and so
on.....
Anyway....I'd add a piece or two of important jewelry....and that would
be that.
Whaddaya think? Would that be remotely appropriate? What have you
seen on others? AF'rs are always the best for good fashion advice. TIA