In Praise of Pockets
More, please
DO YOU see that opening in the layers of fabric of Mme. Lavoisier's gown above? It leads to a detachable pocket affixed to a band that ties at the waist. The wife of the "father of chemistry," who documented her husband's experiments, didn't have a credit card, but she needed a place to keep valuables and necessities—maybe a snuff box and a handkerchief. These tie-on pockets for carrying possessions continued to be a popular accessory until the end of the 19th century.
Fast forward to the 21st century and here's actor Hunter Schafer strutting the Red Carpet at this year's Cannes Film Festival, nonchalantly putting her hands into the deep pockets of an Armani Privé gown. Looking calm and collected with hands in the pockets of, yes, a Schiaparelli Haute Couture ball gown, a model walks the runway at the spring/summer 2024 show. “We want pockets!” was my colleague Nancy McKeon’s reaction.
When we talk about pockets we talk about how convenient they are. However, as Nancy points out, "a lot of it is really about looking cool. Remember how sophisticated people used to look holding a cigarette? Now I can’t think of a better way to look cool than to have your hand (or even hands) in your pocket(s).”
And that applies to all the easygoing dresses below—from Anthropologie's maxi floral to Ulla Johnson's checked cover-up.
Flattering tiers, an elastic waist and pockets, too. It's no wonder Anthropologie's popular Somerset Maxi Dress is a best seller. Besides this utterly charming floral print, it's available in seven other patterns and black.
Banana Republic's Utility Dress (also in black and clay brown) checks my boxes for the shift I want to wear all summer. With fabric that's an 80%/20% linen-and-cotton blend, a loose fit and a full lining (so it won't stick to you), it's made for feeling cool and crisp in wilting weather. Side pockets are a plus.
If your goal is to summer like a French girl, here's a practical cotton poplin dress from Paris-based Soeur. Named after the Greek goddess of wisdom, Athena, it's a smart option for steamy days thanks to its material, relaxed silhouette and breezy sleeves. Hiding behind the necklace is a round neckline with a short stand-up collar. Too much volume, no waist? No worries. A fabric belt at the back will cinch you in to flatter your middle.
It's not easy to feel carefree these days, but if you can't, fake it in Hunter Bell's sunny-hued Gigi dress with an oversize fit, wide sleeves and full skirt for maximum air flow. Pull it over your bathing suit and wear it to a beach party. That adorable crochet fish bag with a snap closure, which has its own starfish charm accessory, will hold a smart phone, keys and lipstick. Wear it cross-body so you're free to put your hands in those side-seam pockets.
A good-looking cover-up is hard to find, never mind one that has pockets, too. Good on you, Ulla Johnson, for designing this flow window-pane check dress with them, So, pull it over your swimsuit, yes, but I'd also team it with a T-shirt and wear it beyond the beach and pool.
A sailor midi dress for grown-up girls—in nautical navy with shell buttons down the front and tabs at waist. Channel designer Nikki Chasin who believes clothes should not be too serious and slip a yellow linen three-quarter sleeve blouse under it. NB: The skirt has significant swirling possibilities.
Editor's Note: Although it might be tempting to think we would be able to make do with just pockets (as convenient as they may be) for carrying around our essentials, you really shouldn’t jam a lot in your pockets: Even something as lightweight as your phone can throw off or drag down the line of your skirt or dress. So, don't toss your handbag(s) yet. Just know that bags and pockets for women have long coexisted since—at least the 17th century"—acting as complementary rather than competing."
Love this one!
OK, I am all for pockets… Functional ones! There is nothing more annoying than getting home with a new pair of shorts or slacks and discovering the pockets are faux.
The dresses showcased, however, except maybe the last two, all look like grandmother house dresses from the 50s.. Unless I were a stunning 6 foot tall model, these would not be flattering on me.