At this time of year, our day-to-day ensembles consist of a selection of summer dresses worn on rotation. Admittedly, they're nothing overly special. They prioritise flattering cuts and wearable colourways that are suitable for work, running errands, and casual get-togethers with friends. But just because we're not off on holiday or donning a wedding guest dress doesn't mean we don't want to feel like we're dressing for an occasion.
The easiest way to elevate your everyday wardrobe? Start with the basics. Swapping synthetic polyester fabrications for natural fibres instantly makes an outfit feel more premium, while an on-trend colour or bold print can completely transform even the simplest silhouette.
But if there's one detail guaranteed to make a summer dress even better, it's pockets. Put it down to the fact that so little of women’s clothing comes with practical pockets that actually fit more than a lip balm, finding a dress that does feels like striking gold. Better still, they're often seamlessly built into A-line skirts, making them roomy without compromising the shape.
As much as we love the chance to accessorise with a cute shoulder bag or beach-ready woven basket tote, sometimes you just can’t beat the practicalities of going hands-free. Fashion and function? Yes, please.
Case in point: this Next 2-in-1 Woven Mix Belted Midi Dress. Featuring a soft jersey top paired with a flowing woven skirt, it creates a polished, effortless silhouette that's perfect for everything from office days to weekend plans. Contrast topstitching and a matching belt add a tailored finish, but it's the hidden pockets that really earn this dress extra sartorial style points.
Available in five colourways — including trend-led cornflower blue, vibrant green and chilli red, alongside timeless black and stone — there's an option for every wardrobe. And at just £36, it's the kind of affordable hero piece you'll reach for again and again, all summer long.
Want to win a £200 shopping spree with Next? Club Cosmo members can enter here!
Below, find some of our favourite summer dresses with pockets available to shop now.
Next 2 in 1 Woven Mix Belted Midi Dress
Pink City Prints Schiffli Folk Buta Martina Dress
By Anthropologie Livy Cotton-Linen Hourglass Midi Dress
By Anthropologie Livy Cotton-Linen Hourglass Midi Dress
M&S Linen Rich Printed Scoop Neck Corset Dress
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Alexandria Dale is the Digital Fashion Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from the celebrity style moments worth knowing about to the latest fashion news, there’s nothing she loves more than finding a high street dupe of a must-have designer item. As well as discovering new brands, she’s passionate about sustainable fashion and establishing the trends that are actually worth investing in. Having worked in fashion journalism for six years, she has experience at both digital and print publications including Glamour and Ok!
