We’ve compiled our favorite statement dresses for all your special occasions this summer. I don’t know about you guys, but I am READY for some fun events!
Of course I’m highlighting the dress I bought (and am absolutely positively giddy about it)! I’m wearing this to my daughter’s high school graduation. I cannot believe we are here already. This girl has been my best friend and companion since she was born.
She was actually born when her dad was in Iraq, so it was just the two of us for the first couple months. I can’t imagine what it will be like when she’s not here every single day. Thankfully her college is only a 40 minute drive, but still…it’s not just down the hall.
“Why fit in when you were born to STAND OUT!”
-Dr Seuss
When Dr. Seuss wrote this, he wasn’t talking about physical appearance, but rather about standing out with your character. And I couldn’t agree more. But I also know it’s okay to express your artistic side with the clothes that outwardly express who you are on the inside. I spend hours every week trying to find unique pieces (for myself and also you guys!) – items that make me want to smile, go have fun, and walk a little taller. And that’s how I chose these statement dresses.
Carly Off-The-Shoulder Dress (runs large, wearing size 2)
The Accessories
Notice we tend to wear the same accessories over and over? We always say invest in things you love and wear the heck out of them.
Our Summer Bags Article includes my Clare V. bag, plus all the others that we love for summer!
Also, we both own and adore the Frame Le Doheny sandals. If you are in between sizes, go down (wearing 1/2 size down in 7). They are amazing and go with all the things!
My Gorjana earrings are sooooo good. I mean they are lightweight and yet the perfect statement for a simple jewelry wearing girl like me. This dress did not need a necklace, so I am only wearing the earrings, and they totally completed the outfit, especially with my hair up! They are so good and I wear them so much, I really need to get them in silver.
Last but not least…my Dior sunglasses. I have them in colorway Gold / Dark brown but they come across as a little purple. I bought these a couple months ago and I am obsessed with them. You’ve probably seen them in 99% of my photos, ha!
Statement Dresses / Polka Dots
I wear black year-round, but in the summer, it’s all about summer-appropriate lightweight and breathable fabrics (silk is my favorite), and in styles that feel light and airy (slip dresses, off-the-shoulder, etc.)
I had been pondering this dress for at least a month before I finally broke down and ordered it. Well it arrived…and it was HUGE on me. I sent a picture to Rachel and after we had a good laugh, we agreed it was amazing and that I needed to size down…A LOT. Mind you, I had originally ordered size 38 (6) (my typical size), so let’s just say this dress runs very large.
Carly Off-The-Shoulder Dress (runs large, wearing size 2)
I exchanged it for 34 (2) and all is good. Keep in mind it is a voluminous dress, and I’m certain I could have even worn a 32 (0), but it is meant to be voluminous. So just know that. I’m including a lot of pictures to hopefully show the volume of the dress. But I’m telling you guys, it’s spectacular. I walked with an extra spring in my step with this dress on. It’s that good.
This is actually my first experience with Rotate Birger Christensen, a Copenhagen-based fashion brand, and I’m obviously smitten.
Sizing on This Dress
This is how I would interpret the sizing for this dress. The sleeves are a long balloon style. I have short arms, and you can see that my hands get a little lost in the pictures! Aside from the pictures, it didn’t bother me at all, and I could have pushed up the elastic at the wrist up to minimize that.
32 (0) – XS-S
34 (2) – S-M
36 (4) – M-L
38 (6) – L-XL
40 (8) – XL
The elastic around the shoulders isn’t the least bit tight. Some off-the-shoulder tops are so tight they dig into the skin and pop off the shoulders easily. This stayed exactly where it should without any issue and no digging in – a rare unicorn!
All of our other favorite polka dot dresses are below. I’m a little biased in saying mine is by far my favorite, but there are definitely some cute options! If you are interested in my Rotate dress, I wouldn’t wait — only Saks has stock currently, and they are selling quickly.
Statement Dresses / Light Colors
It sounds like a lot of people wear white to graduations. When I asked my daughter if I should wear white to her graduation, she said only the graduates wear white at her school. I was good with it – I find white dresses to be hard! Finding one that isn’t sheer, that has a nice material, doesn’t look too young, etc. My favorite of these light dresses is this amazing Iro dress. I absolutely love the asymmetrical hem and the cut-outs. This one is really good.
Statement Dresses / Colorful
Summer is the best time to live it up with a little color, I say! Color and fun patterns can make everything a little more fun and exciting.
My absolute favorite in this grouping is by far this one. ALC is an amazing brand, and this dress is kind of everything I could ask for. I’m also a big sucker for halter styles. Oh my gosh, I want it!
Statement Dresses / Dark Colors
We tried to pick out the dresses that while darker in color, still have a light and summery feel. Rachel and I cannot stop ourselves from buying all the black things. It’s a sickness, really! I mean how many black dresses does one person really need?! Well, I say…maybe one more, ha!
My top favorite of these dresses is definitely this one. The silk fabric and bright colors against the black – stunning!
As always, we want to hear your thoughts. Do you love any of these? Have some other dress you plan to wear? Share with us!
3 thoughts on “Statement Dresses for Graduation, Weddings, and Beyond”
Sunglasses deets? 🙂
Hi Kristin! Thanks for your interest! There’s a link to the sunglasses in the section titled accessories! I hope you love them!
x tammy
I cannot tell you how much i LOVE this outfit!!! head to toe! I ordered the dress AND the shoes and cannot wait to wear them. I also love that you guys repeat your accessories so we are not always buying everything new but just a few key things- you are the best and look gorgeous!