Can you help me style/accessorize this dress please?

[latherrinserepeat]

Have tried on instore and love this dress from Gap - not sure if the plain one or the print will be more versatile?

www.gap.eu/browse/product.do?cid=57373&vid=1&pid=770632

Am early 30-something sahm and want to make more effort on the clothes front. Was wondering if I could wear the dress with long boots and tights and some kind of cardi for A/W but not sure how to avoid looking older than I am/a bit frumpy.

any suggestions please? Wondered about a slim fitting cardi to show the ruffle with a skinny belt over but not sure what colours/if this is the right sort of thing to be aiming for.

Thing is I really want the dress as it suits my pear shape but with the rain today I can't justify it if I can't make it work into autumn weather . . .

thanks in advance

[latherrinserepeat]

Bumping hopefully x