Deb, idea: have you tried this dress with a black long sleeve turtleneck (let turtleneck sleeves peeping out of dress sleeves) + opaque black tights and either black booties, black escarpins (pumps?) + long, solid pendant/necklace (could be oversize white beads, or flat gems, or metal etc.). What do you think?
EDIT: I just realized Lyn67 gave you almost the very same advice already! all the way to the necklace too. So you see, you have to try it.