The 9 Best Dresses With Pockets You’ll Want to Wear All Vacation Long

Getting dressed to go out doesn't get any easier than throwing on this solid t-shirt pocket dress. It's super lightweight, has a straight fit, and flattering hem that hits above the knee. More importantly, the side-slit pockets don't ruin the dress's clean lines. So many t-shirt dresses add unnecessary patch pockets on the chest or ribbing on the crewneck, but this dress keeps it simple. Pair it with low-heeled booties for dinner or flip-flops to the beach. The cotton-blend fabric with a hint of stretch means it won't get too wrinkled, either, making it a perfect candidate for packing. We love the soft blush pink option, but you can never go wrong with basic black—at under $20, order both colors.

You'll want to live in this sleeveless swing dress from Memorial Day straight through Labor Day. It'll emerge from your suitcase sans wrinkles, thanks to rayon blended with the textured linen. While the cut is intentionally oversized, the vertical pinstripes lengthen the look, as does the slight flair at the bottom. The side-slit pockets are the best practical detail (of course!) but the pretty, shirred v-neck collar with a simple tie wins for looks. You can't argue with the price-point at $30, especially because it doubles as an elevated swimsuit cover-up. Choose from neutral navy or off-white, and pair it with bright tennis shoes for a fun pop of vacation color. 

We're swooning over this organza cocktail dress from Marchesa, done in a pastel floral pattern with metallic detail. It looks like it's made for twirling on an impromptu dance floor after a cocktail or two. The full, A-line skirt with inverted pleats hits at the knee. A cutout in back keeps it from looking too formal (tasteful and fun, not over the top) and the flattering v-neck doesn’t plunge too deep. It gets extra bonus points for having coverage in all the right places, so you can wear it with your everyday bra. Bonus points for all dresses that don't require fussy undergarments. 

The maxi dress trend is here to stay, and this Love Stitch version is the perfect vacation piece to take you from a walk on the beach to an outdoor happy hour. The loose drape and gauze fabric keep things cool and you can add a belt if you want more waist destination. It has slash pockets and a generous cut, so it's easy to move in. Adjustable spaghetti straps ensure the perfect fit on top. Another plus: it comes in almost 50 vibrant colors. Past wearers note that it runs large, so consider ordering a size smaller than usual. 

The fit-and-flare dress is flattering on just about every figure, since it's fitted through the bodice and flares out right below the hip. The balanced proportions accentuate the good and hide everything else. This Banana Republic option will be one you'll put in your suitcase time and time again. It comes in navy, coral, and a surprisingly appealing flight jacket green color, with a cut that looks adorable with flip-flops or sneakers for a stroll the boardwalk. The dress is also work event appropriate, with its thick ponte-knit fabric, a hidden back zipper, and full coverage on top. Even better: you can slip your ID card and phone into the front slant pockets without it looking bulky, thanks to the swingy skirt. In the fall, wear it with opaque tights and a denim jacket.

Saying that you'll get a lot of bang for your buck with this ultra-affordable midi dress is an understatement. Priced at about $15 (and with free shipping), it looks way more expensive than it is—the perfect thing to wear to a casual destination wedding or out to vacation brunch. It has spaghetti straps, a sweetheart neckline, smocking in back for maximum comfort, and a high gathered waist. Buttons down the front and large patch pockets are details that make it look current rather than cutesy. We love it in the navy blue stripe version, and it also comes in fun sunflower or pineapple patterns.  

A classic shirtdress is a versatile piece that belongs in every suitcase. It's a go-to dress for looking pulled together, even if your hair is in a messy topknot and you're still wearing last night's mascara. But the cut of most shirtdresses don't work on every figure, particularly those that are ultra-straight and fitted on top. This Ava & Viv option doesn't have those problems. Instead, it has a full A-line skirt and sleeves that are blousy and off the shoulder. Vertical stripes and smartly positioned top patch pockets blend in and don't distract the eye, which helps lengthen silhouette, and a simple tie belt adds structure. Past wearers have commented on the soft fabric, too. 

This lovely button-front dress is simple, lightweight, and elegant. Done in cream, the rayon fabric will keep it looking crisp even on the most humid days. It hits the mark for form—check out details like the horn buttons and the banded waist—as well as function thanks to its unfussy, utilitarian cut and substantial pockets. Another plus is that the thick straps are adjustable and secure with hidden buttons in the back. It's the kind of dress that you can put on for practically every activity, including one that's sporty, like a light hike or hitting a bucket of golf balls at the driving range. And, with a price under $30, it won't break the bank.

Sometimes you have to travel for work, and though that can seem like a vacation, you need to pack work appropriate clothes (and a few swimsuits, because there's got to be some time for the pool). Leave it to Ann Taylor to create the perfect work dress with functional pockets, like this sophisticated, lined sheath done in classic houndstooth fabric. It's a power dress that'll give you an extra boost of confidence to kill a presentation, but while the material and structure say boardroom, it still works for more casual occasions, like meeting coworkers for a post-presentation happy hour at the hotel bar. Add a black velvet blazer and tights if the climate calls for it.