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.

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

I opine in the opposite direction, because I think it's easier to find a lovely purse than a good place to put pockets in a lovely dress. And I'm driven by the dress above all--you can after all leave the less-than-optimal purse somewhere, but the less-than-optimal-pocket-accomodating line of the dress goes with you everywhere.

I have no real opinion on pockets in formal wear.

I am however wearing a dress today, which seems to be confusing a lot of people.

I am however wearing a dress today, which seems to be confusing a lot of people.

The one dress I wear to work is maroon velvet with no place for pockets. The insouciance must come from the footwear. Or the fact that I'm almost head-to-toe in velvet, I suppose.

I rather like the pockets, and I imagine it would be nice to have a place to tuck some necessities without having to carry a purse. I think they just have to be careful with the placement and how they end up sticking their hands in them.

I also remember reading - years and years ago - something by, I believe, Samuel R. Delaney in which a woman complained that in having her rank (royal to commoner?) reduced meant she could no longer have pockets in her clothes.

Just survived the weird focus group/outside review/ whatever meeting.

I think all the issues brought up can be summed tidily as the Management is the problem

Alternatively, Bureaucracy is teh SUCK.

Oh, with a side of Everyone hates the CIO.

It was interesting.

Okay, yes, I stand corrected. You don't not love the pocket, you merely wish to deny women in formalwear their God-given right to look jaunty and insouciant.

I love the pocket! In non-formal wear, in kangaroos, Hot Pockets, Lean Pockets, pocket doors -- the pocket is a beautiful and convenient thing!

But formalwear! It's....*formal*!

It is entirely my intent to flame this into a Buffista battle to stand alongside prescriptivist/descriptionist, Atkins, and the composition of chili.

Bring it, pocket hoor!!!

It's not fair to have the kerfuffle without erinaceous.