I love this dress, glad you are keeping it. it feels, from a photos a bit loose in the waist but perhaps that is the style and the look you are going for? I haven't read all the replies but I think the black shoes and the higher volume sandals in the first picture are both a touch too heavy and high contrast and they pull attention from your lower contrast features in your face. The more open sandal puts the focus where it belongs.
My vote would be for a more neutral shoe if high volume, or a strappy sandal that goes with airiness of the dress and your delicate features. a heel definitely seems needed given where the dress cuts above the knee.
FWIW I think you could get away with leggings under this too on an airplane with ballet flats for a long flight.
It's always so fun to get a thing we've been waiting for! congrats!
Edited to add: I think you could also rock a denim jacket with this dress and a black fashion tennis shoe or chuck taylors, even a moto jacket with boots. very well done!
