No, you're right. The top is absolutely horrid. The tail is fine, but I think you could easily carry off stronger colours. Emerald for the tail, perhaps, and then carry the scale motif up into something like a camisole with a very bold, pyratey frock coat over the top of it, cut a bit more Bolero style. Lots of metallic braid and brass. A rakish hat with plumey feathers to finish the look. You'd be smashing.
Just an idea. :)