Alternative to pockets?

[TravellingJack]

Although some of the skirts and dresses I’ve bought in recent years have pockets, I have plenty of older clothes that don’t, that I would like to be able to wear without worrying about where I’m going to put things, especially at work when I only have my rucksack and I’m just popping to the toilet or to another office. I’m not surgically attached to my phone but do sometimes need to take it with me, or have other small bits (tampons, tissues, lip balm etc etc) that I need.

Is there a solution that does not involve me learning to add pockets? Much as I’d like to learn to sew at some point, I simply don’t have the time, inclination or equipment, and some fabrics (e.g. leather or satin) are going to be tricky for skilled people, so no matter how simple it is, it’s not an option for me!

The only thing I can think of other than a bumbag is one of those money belt things you used to get for airport travel - think my dad had one in the 80s! Does a stylish version of this exist? Or something better?

small, fabric cross body bags are lighter and more flexible than expensive leather ones. my current favourite is this little Cotopaxi one, it sits neatly under jackets
https://uk.cotopaxi.com/collections/crossbody-slings/products/lista-2l-lightweight-crossbody-bag-del-dia
another option if you can crochet (or know someone who can) is to do a couple of granny squares and a cord. takes about half an hour, or you can get one on Etsy . they are so easy to make you could have one for every outfit!

I have one of these and it is 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼 lightweight and can go round your waist or across your body.

Stylish and practical!

really useful when traveling too for passport and phone etc.

www.vinted.co.uk/items/9470241668-longchamp-le-pliage-re-play-belt-bag

This is the one I have, but in navy blue.

www.amazon.co.uk/Ladies-Crinkled-Nylon-Small-Organizer/dp/B06Y144SZV/ref=asc_df_B06Y144SZV?tag=bingshoppinga-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=76691179292961&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=t&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=41722&hvtargid=pla-4580290583744851&psc=1&hvocijid=4667110319854743493-B06Y144SZV

It has three zipped front pockets, a main pocket and a zipped back pocket and an adjustable strap. I have found it incredibly useful and very practical. As it is flat I can wear it under a jacket.

I was given one of these: https://www.fjallraven.com/uk/en-gb/bags-gear/backpacks-bags/hip-packs/high-coast-hip-pack/

It’s not pretty, but I get a huge about of use out of it when commuting or travelling (long haul, it means I can keep the essentials (phone, headphones, lip balm, passport, etc.) from my hand luggage on me without faffing with a rucksack).

I wear is cross body more than as a bumbag.

What about a makeup bag or similar?

That's how Lucy Locket lost her pocket then!

I have this one in a few colours. Just a smidge bigger.
High Coast Pocket

I think it’s pretty good for travel. You can easily fit a phone into the zipped pocket so that’s pretty secure. I can fit in my phone, keys, passport, tissues, lippy, sun glasses, money & cards, mini suncream. Just slightly too small for a kindle tho.

If I’m concerned about security I would wear a layer on top (like an open shirt) - stops folks easily being able to cut the strap (which is leather and not flimsy). The strap is also v adjustable so you can make it super short to tuck the bag under your arm if somewhere v crowded.

I’m the same, recently started carrying a very small bag like yours instead of a big handbag, and I’d swear my shoulders are in line now, instead of the right one dragged down!
I keep a small nylon fold-up rucksack in my coat pocket in case it’s needed, and wear a bigger rucksack for a shopping trip.

And I love those garden centres.