I have this dress below I'd like to wear for a mystery early birthday event on Friday, and I expect clear weather with a high of about 70. I've been told the kind of dress I'd wear to work will be dressy enough, but I don't know what we're doing. I don't mind that this dress reads more like a day dress than a going out dress. I will NOT have time to go change after work. My problem is that I don't have a lot of semi-dressy shoe options for wearm-ish weather, and my feet are fussy.

I have the bronze Rockport sandals below, which are my go to option for dressing things up a bit, but I've briefly tried them with the dress, and I think the proportions don't work. I don't think any of my flats will go. I have some black block heel sandals from Clarks, also below. I'm leaning towards the Clarks, but I don't think they're perfect. Does anyone have any other ideas or types of shoes? I can order quickly from Amazon or Zappos, or see if something is in stock at a local DSW.

I'm also not sure what to use as a topper: fitted cardigan in black maybe? My denim jacket may dress things down too much, but that's usually what I'd wear. On the other hand, I may only need the topper for after the event and my office during the day. I think it will be too warm for my leather moto jacket, and my other go to, a utility jacket, may not work.

I am busy the next two nights, so I'm not sure I have time to do pictures of me in any of this.  I want to wear this dress because I do feel good in it, and that's been tough lately since I've been pretty bloated (recurring problem of mine). It drapes nicely without being either shapeless or clinging to my belly. However the styling is stumping me a bit! The stock photo styling with the flat mules isn't doing much for me, either. If I switch dresses, I may have the same shoe problem, though I expect the bronze sandals to go better with a knee length dress.

ETA: I tried the dress on again this morning (it had been a couple of weeks). It does work around the middle but I realized it's blousier up around my shoulders than I'd like. Since I'm still within the return window, I may return. I have plenty of other dresses. The new shoes I got (see comments below) ironically would work with the dress, but I'll just pair them with something else I have (since my need for something somewhat dressy but closed toed and comfortable remains, even if I switch dresses.) Thanks for everyone's help on this journey that I overcomplicated!

ETA: again - final outfit pics. Used a LOFT dress I have had for a little while. Plus new shoes.