Versatility by transparency can be great where it works, like with these tights/stockings here. I've never tried it with a skirt, and I don't think it would be so great with wide, flowing garments because the invisible part would still be simulated and influence the folds in the visible part. But if I gave the cocktail dress a relatively tight, straight skirt, that might work.

-- I'm not mad at you, just Westphalian.