Every woman needs a pocket

It’s the law, with very few exceptions – I’ll exclude a wedding dress, slinky sparkly party attire – Oh and a swimsuit – that’s about it really.

It’s not even about carrying ‘stuff’ around and I confess that finding a 3 week old mint imperial or a rotting dog treat lodged in said pocket is hardly the epitome of refined elegance, but that is no excuse to forgo the many advantages and delights.

I cannot believe that not one, but two pairs of work trousers from a much loved high street store, have zero pockets. You may wonder why I bought them, well we all have lean times, they were cheap (almost certainly explains lack of pockets) and my work basics were looking decidedly tired. I now realise that the subsequent irritation factor far outweighs any other considerations and the offending garments are now relegated to when nothing else is clean.

Why so important?  Most of us have a handbag for life’s never-ending clutter – keys, money etc etc etc. It’s more about the ‘feel’ when you sink your hands into lovely deep pockets, your shoulders suddenly drop, tension eases, you just relax and instinctively strike a pose.

If somebody interesting offers you a business card or phone number, how much more discreet to quietly squirrel away, rather than trying to open your bag whilst spilling your drink.

Don’t care if it sounds illogical – it’s an undeniable truth.

Now for the tricky part – they also have to be perfect! Tall order I know.

Absolutely must not gape or pull.

Don’t want to see pocket lining through trousers, unless we’re talking gauzy holiday linens.

Must never, ever add bulk to the hips.

Positioning is an exact science.

Who knew the rules were so strict?

The trouser pocket is always the most problematic to perfect – flat, sleek, functional and has to elevate the silhouette. Back pockets must be similarly flattering, drawing the eye and adding some definition to our derrieres.

Dresses have been unforgivably neglected in this regard. Who on earth would make a gorgeous shirt dress, minus pockets? Answers on a postcard, but I suspect we all have an inkling.

I love them nestled neatly, almost invisibly at the sides or statement patches to the front – depending on the drape or crispness of the fabric and the cut of the dress. If you favour a fitted shift, carefully sited pockets on a slightly jaunty angle can accentuate the waistline and elevate the silhouette.

The last coat I purchased had it’s pockets ‘stitched’ up – or so I thought. Took me a few outings to realise they were ‘fake’. Hardly crime of the century I hear you say, nevertheless, I felt utterly cheated and vowed to be more discerning and observant in future. A gently slanted covered pocket on a blazer is every bit as important as gorgeous buttons, adds a lovely cinch to the waist and creates a womanly shape, especially flattering and kind for DD+ ladies.

I think we have come full circle – perfect pockets are essential, not an optional extra.

We love, need, desire and demand them, ALWAYS (or nearly)