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!

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

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!

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?

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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!

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).

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!
