I don't have a problem with pockets, as long as they're hands-only pockets. Actually, that goes for men too, since it's easy to ruin the line of a beautiful garment by hanging 5 lb. of credit cards inside it.

Armani jackets are usually pocket-free, to preserve the lines of them. In a formal ball gown, the real question would be how to have a flattering, close-to-body line dress that also leaves enough fabric for a hand to fit into a pocket.

Those of us who have worn too-tight trousers can say truthfully that the space for the hand has got to come from somewhere.

I don't like the pockets in gowns, because it takes away from the elegance of the line, especially when they stick their hands in the pockets. It almost crosses a "this belongs in the 80s" line for me. (No, don't ask me to explain, I can't. At least not right now.)

I may feel differently about pockets in sleeker gowns. I don't know. However, I don't have many pockets in my wardrobe, so I do not hold out hope.

you merely wish to deny women in formalwear their God-given right to look jaunty and insouciant.

Poor JZ. She only knows one way to look jaunty or insouciant in formalwear.

If you'd like I could arrange some lessons that include slinky insouciance.

I don't like the pockets in gowns, because it takes away from the elegance of the line

Could you tell either of those dresses had pockets by the silhouettes? Most ballgowns could happily store balloons in pockets without altering their lines. Putting a lipstick and a tampon case in them works just fine for me.

::standing in JZ's corner::

I have no recollection of pockets in formal gowns during the 80s. Puffy sleeves, yes. Big bows, yes. Pockets, no.

Could you tell either of those dresses had pockets by the silhouettes?

I haven't seen enough pictures sans hands-in-pockets to tell.

I wish to announce that the word "pocket" has now lost all meaning for me. Pocket pocket pocket pocket POCKET.

I have no recollection of pockets in formal gowns during the 80s. Puffy sleeves, yes. Big bows, yes. Pockets, no.

It's not that they remind me of the 80s, it's just where my brain wants to put them.

I think pockets in formalwear have the potential to look far more elegant and streamlined than carrying a purse.

Hands in pockets isn't the only way to look jaunty or insouciant in formalwear; it is, however, my favorite way.

Also, I despise being out at a big event and have to find a place to stash one's purse or hide it or find someone to babysit it before getting up to dance. Formally dressed with everything on my person and both hands free at all times=bliss.