Trendy Summer Graduation Dresses For Women

 

With graduation season upon us, now is a great time to shop for the perfect dress! Style expert, journalist and fashion blogger Candie Anderson of candieanderson.com has the scoop on 20 of the best summer graduation dresses for women in the hottest trends, styles and in every price range.

 

Shopping for the perfect graduation dress for summer can be a fun yet overwhelming decision as there are so many to choose from. Graduating in December was quite the challenge! Most of the dresses were holiday party-inspired. I wanted something that was classy, chic, and that I could wear again. I decided to go with a black wrap dress and I’m so glad I did. It’s been over 10 years since I graduated and it’s still a staple in my wardrobe! Whether you’re shopping for a dress for the occasion or one that you can wear time and time again, there truly is something for everyone. 

In my opinion, you can’t go wrong with a classic casual dress or one in your favorite trend. You want one that you can wear under your cap and gown, and that will also be ideal for dinner and drinks with the family or lunch (depending on the time you’re graduating). Today, I’m excited to share 20 trendy summer graduation dresses that are not only perfect for the high school or college graduate but are also a must for family and friends attending the graduation! 

Summer Graduation Dresses With Ruffles

I am officially obsessed with this ruffle sleeve dress by French Connection! It’s available in black, “summer white” or in a beautiful shade of “clement blue.” Ruffled sleeves are everything in the world of fashion this summer, and I can’t get enough of them! This dress will be perfect for summer graduations, wedding guest season, and a variety of special occasions into fall and the holiday season!

French Connection Whisper Ruffle Dress Black graduation dresses
French Connection Whisper Ruffle Dress Black

 

 

 

It doesn’t get any better than this beautiful French Connection Whisper Light Ruffle Minidress. I love everything about this classic fit and flare dress in this lovely shade of “satin slipper.” It’s a must for graduations and wedding guest season! This gorgeous dress is available in quite a few different colors and is on sale for $74.02 with free Prime shipping!

French Connection Whisper Light Off the Shoulder Ruffle Minidress Satin Slipper summer graduation dresses
French Connection Whisper Light Off the Shoulder Ruffle Minidress Satin Slipper

 

 

 

Ruffles and smocking are two incredibly popular grandmillennial trends for summer 2022! This pretty midi length Chelsea28 Smocked Bodice Linen Blend Sundress comes in two colors/prints! I can see wearing it to a friend or family member’s graduation or graduation party! It’s currently on sale for less than $50 with free shipping.

Chelsea28 Smocked Bodice Linen Blend Sundress Beige Faded summer graduation dresses
Chelsea28 Smocked Bodice Linen Blend Sundress Beige Faded

 

 

 

Must Have Puff Sleeve Graduation Dresses

Georgette dresses are classy, chic, and elegant. This charming light blue Reformation Elle Smocked Mini Dress with smocking and puff sleeves is one of my favorites this season. I love the dainty floral print! It’s ideal for bridal showers, weddings, baby showers, and graduations. In fact, it’s perfect for date night and dinner with friends as well. You can’t go wrong with this beauty! It’ll look great with wedge sandals, slides, and more. This is definitely one that you can dress up or down easily and effortlessly with shoes, jewelry, and accessories.

Reformation Elle Smocked Minidress Suzette summer graduation dresses
Reformation Elle Smocked Minidress Suzette

 

 

 

My love is strong for this lovely Lost + Wander Getaway Island Mini Dress in the color green-multi! I absolutely adore the trendy puff sleeves, ruffled hemline, and button front detailing which is perfect. This dress is ideal for the graduate or graduation attendee! This beautiful dress is currently only $108 with free shipping. It’s perfect for summer, fall, and spring 2022!

Lost + Wander Getaway Island Mini Dress Green-Multi summer graduation dresses
Lost + Wander Getaway Island Mini Dress Green-Multi

 

 

 

This stunning eyelet puff sleeve Cara Cara Hart Dress in popular blush pink is perfection! You will wear it time and time again this summer and into spring, especially Easter Sunday.

Cara Cara Hart Dress Blush Pink eyelet summer graduation dresses
Cara Cara Hart Dress Blush Pink

 

 

 

I can’t get enough of this chic best-selling Lost + Wander Beachside Pier Minidress in light blue and white. I love everything about it, especially the horizontal and vertical contrasting blue and white stripes. This chic dress is currently on sale and for less than $60 with free shipping!

Lost + Wander Beachside Pier Minidress Blue White summer graduation dresses
Lost + Wander Beachside Pier Minidress Blue White

 

 

 

Chic Floral Print Graduation Dresses

Nothing says summer quite like floral print dresses! You can’t go wrong with a cute and casual floral print that you can wear time and time again all summer long. First on my list is this BP. Ditsy Floral Tie Front Minidress. You can wear it under your gown or to a friend’s graduation! I can also see wearing it with sneakers or sandals to lunch or to a Father’s Day barbecue. This beauty is only $39 with free shipping. Don’t miss out on this incredible dress at such a phenomenal price!

BP. Ditsy Floral Tie Front Minidress Pink Multi Floral summer graduation dresses
BP. Ditsy Floral Tie Front Minidress Pink Multi Floral

 

 

 

How beautiful is this midi length Reformation Sable Smocked Bodice Dress? I love this soft dainty floral print! It is perfect for every event this season – from graduations to bridal showers, wedding guests, family photos, and more! This beautiful Reformation dress is currently on sale for less than $155!

Reformation Sable Smocked Bodice Midi Dress Carine floral print summer graduation dresses
Reformation Sable Smocked Bodice Midi Dress Color Carine

 

 

 

If you’re active on social media, you’ve heard/seen how popular nap dresses are for summer and fall. It’s been a stressful year for all of us and we all need a bit of comfort, especially in the form of clothing! This RESA Emma Dress in Floral is the ideal nap dress for summer graduations, dinner dates, and vacation season! It’s available in three different colors and I want them all! I love everything about it, especially the smocked detailing and square neckline. How about you?

RESA Emma Dress Floral Pink summer graduation dresses women
RESA Emma Dress Floral

 

 

 

If you’re searching for a fabulous floral print dress that you can just throw on and look amazing in, look no further than this fully lined Charles Henry floral tank dress! Charles Henry dresses are gorgeous, well made, and at great price points. This beauty comes in two colors, is under $30 (with free shipping), and is ideal for every event and occasion this summer! You can dress it up or down easily and effortlessly.

Charles Henry Floral Tank Dress Pink Shadow Petals floral print summer graduation dresses women
Charles Henry Floral Tank Dress Pink Shadow Petals

 

 

 

Madewell is one of my favorite brands on the planet. I own their cute tops, a few dresses and the brand’s must have leather jacket – it’s the most gorgeous moto jacket ever! This lovely Madewell Floral Ruffle Trim Cotton Dress is absolutely gorgeous and on sale for less than $75! I love that it has adjustable straps. As someone who is petite (under 5’4″) with a short torso, it can be hard to find sleeveless dresses and tops that actually fit – the straps always fall off. Thankfully this beauty can be adjusted so it fits perfectly!

Madewell Floral Ruffle Trim Cotton Dress Summer Vines Hermitage Blue floral print summer graduation dresses women
Madewell Floral Ruffle Trim Cotton Dress Summer Vines Color Hermitage Blue

 

 

 

This beautiful light pink floral print off the shoulder dress has been on my wish list for months! It is absolutely stunning and is selling out everywhere. I’m so thankful I was able to find it in all sizes here! This is one that is sure to garner compliments every time you wear it for years to come.

MISA Danae Dress Taza Floral Off the shoulder summer graduation dresses
MISA Danae Dress Taza Floral 

 

 

 

Fabulous White Dresses For Summer Graduations

You can’t go wrong with a classic white dress for summer! Nothing is more classic than seersucker. It’s a summer staple! This cute sleeveless Speechless Emma Seersucker Sundress is a must. It’s lined, and under $50 with free shipping! I absolutely adore it and thinking of ordering it for my birthday next month.

Speechless Emma Seersucker Sundress Ivory summer graduation dresses
Speechless Emma Seersucker Sundress Ivory

 

 

 

If you’re searching for the perfect lace dress that you can wear time and time again, look no further than this beautiful lace mini dress. It is a must for the graduate or the bride-to-be!

Heartloom Cammie Mini Dress Eggshell floral lace overlay summer graduation dresses
Heartloom Cammie Mini Dress Eggshell

 

 

 

Must Have Graduation Dress For The Trendsetter

It’s no secret that matching sets and two-piece dresses are more popular than ever! I absolutely adore Black Halo dresses, they’re classy, chic, and always on trend. This must have Black Halo Sanibel 2 Piece Minidress is available in a multitude of colors (blue, white or black) and I want them all! It is ideal for the college graduate and dinner and drinks afterward. Did I mention it has pockets? Even better!

Black Halo Sanibel 2 Piece Mini Dress summer graduation dresses
Black Halo Sanibel 2 Piece Mini Dress

 

 

 

It’s no secret that tie waist detailing is incredibly popular for spring and summer! I have been living in my knot waist tops this season and can’t get enough of this Rails Edie Tie Waist T-Shirt Dress. Rails clothing is so soft and feels very luxurious. I have been a huge fan of their clothing for years and can’t get enough of this cute dress that I know will be worn time and time again all summer. In fact, this is one that can be worn into fall as well with ankle boots or sneakers, and a denim jacket.

Rails Edie Tie Waist T-Shirt Dress Heather Grey summer graduation dresses
Rails Edie Tie Waist T-Shirt Dress Heather Grey

 

 

 

This beautiful little black 1.State V-Neck Cap Sleeve Dress with a sash-tied waist will be a summer staple! I love everything about it, especially the sash waist and the affordable price point. It comes in two colors and is under $70 with free shipping!

1. State V-Neck Cap Sleeve Knit Dress Rich Black summer graduation dresses
1. State V-Neck Cap Sleeve Knit Dress Rich Black

 

 

 

One can never go wrong with a classic little black dress. I was so thankful when I stumbled on this must have little black dress, and purchased it right away. The fit is great, and it is just so cozy. I have worn it on various occasions ever since. One thing is for sure, every woman needs a great sleeveless little black dress that she can wear anywhere and everywhere. This best selling Michael Lauren Gilly Sleeveless Dress in black is a must! It’s only $75 with fast and free shipping (and free returns).

Michael Lauren Gilly Sleeveless Dress Black summer graduation dresses
Michael Lauren Gilly Sleeveless Dress Black

 

 

 

I can’t get enough of this flattering 1.State Smocked Waist Dress in this beautiful bright mulberry pink shade. This best seller is not only perfect for graduation season but will be a must for every wedding you’re invited to this summer! It’s under $90 and will be a staple in your wardrobe!

1.State Smocked Waist Dress Bright Mulberry summer graduation dresses
1.State Smocked Waist Dress Bright Mulberry

 

 

 

Discover even more gorgeous dresses, and spring and summer fashion essentials in the Candie Anderson Style Section: https://candieanderson.com/style

Candie Anderson