We all know the feeling — you order a dress from your favorite boutique for a little inspiration. Maybe you had a recent windfall, and you’re finally ready to try on that springy shift that’s been following you around Instagram for weeks. You eagerly open the package, and slip it on. You twirl. So far, so good! Then comes the make or break moment: you instinctively reach for the side seams to slide your hands into —
Nothing. You are wearing a dress with no pockets.
Turning back to the mirror, you contemplate. The item in question is so cute, and you can definitely envision it on weekly rotation in your summer work wardrobe; or subtly wowing all of your friends when you finally have that long-needed reunion. But are you really going to commit to a dress without pockets? Nowhere to slide a phone, a business card, a dry cleaning receipt? Nowhere to put your hands while you need to look unbothered, nowhere to hide excess buttons, or the too-heavy earrings you had to take off in the middle of the day? You must be realistic.
Friends, this sense of disappointment ends today. Sure, a frock can function without hiding places, but the best ensemble is the one that’s cute, affordable, and does what you need it to do — all with pockets sewn into the side seam or patched visibly to the front. And there’s no shortage of such garments out there — you just have to know where to look. Luckily, we do; so we rounded some of the best warm-weather dresses out. And rest assured, your hands will have somewhere to go with all of these options.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
& Other Stories Relaxed Puff Sleeve Midi Dress, $, available at & Other Stories
The Odells Swans Maxi Dress, $, available at Anthropologie
Eggie Cloud Burst Mini Dress, $, available at Urban Outfitters
LOFT Floral Tie Back Pocket Flare Dress, $, available at LOFT
Ganni Polka-Dot Cotton-Poplin Dress, $, available at Matches Fashion
Reformation Brixton Dress, $, available at Reformation
Violeta By Mango Side Pockets Dress, $, available at Mango
Free People Miki Shirt Dress, $, available at Free People
COS Denim A-Line Dress, $, available at COS
& Other Stories Double Breasted Puff Sleeve Mini Dress, $, available at & Other Stories
Club Monaco Soft Swing Dress, $, available at Club Monaco
Everlane The Cotton Collarless Belted Shirtdress, $, available at Everlane
Universal Thread Sleeveless Tiered Ruffle Dress, $, available at Target
Whistles Mini Ikat Animal Lola Dress, $, available at Whistles
Madewell V-Neck Button-Front Mini Dress, $, available at Madewell
H&M x Klarna Tie-Belt Denim Dress, $, available at H&M
Torrid Button Front Drawstring Shirt Dress, $, available at Torrid
Pixie Market Everyday Black Midi Dress, $, available at Pixie Market
By The River Mixed Blue Gingham Midi Dress, $, available at Etsy
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Tailored Is Solving All Your Office Dressing Woes
