Formal Occasion Styling

For black tie events, Black is your only option. Wear it under your jacket or coat, not over. The short strap works better here—less visible, more discreet. Think of it as functional elegance. You need your phone for photos or coordinating with your group, but you don't want it to dominate your look. If the event is truly formal (wedding ceremony, gala dinner), consider checking it with your coat.

Cocktail events give you more flexibility. Black, Cinnamon, or Sapphire work with most cocktail dresses or suits. The key is proportion—if your outfit is fitted, the pocket adds a casual element that can actually work. Wear it crossbody with the long strap, positioned at your hip. It becomes part of your silhouette rather than an afterthought. Avoid bright colors unless your outfit is very simple.

Daytime weddings: You have options. Match your pocket to your outfit's undertones—cool colors (Sapphire, Purple, Peacock) with cool-toned dresses, warm colors (Cinnamon, Mandarin) with warm tones. Evening weddings: Stick with Black or Cinnamon. The pleated texture catches light beautifully, which works for evening events. Long strap worn crossbody looks intentional, not like you forgot your clutch.

Corporate galas, award dinners, professional conferences—Black or Cinnamon only. Wear it under your blazer or suit jacket. The short strap keeps it compact and professional. If you're speaking or presenting, leave it at your seat. If you're networking, it's actually useful—you can access your phone for contact exchanges without digging through a bag.

Know when to check it. Seated dinners where you won't need your phone? Check it. Standing receptions where you're taking photos? Keep it. The iPhone Pocket is designed to be functional, but formal events sometimes prioritize aesthetics over function. There's no shame in checking it—that's what coat check is for.

Match undertones, not exact colors. If you're wearing navy, Sapphire works better than trying to match exactly. If you're in burgundy or wine tones, Cinnamon complements without competing. Black is always safe but can look stark against lighter colors—consider Cinnamon as a softer neutral for pastels and light tones.

Bright colors at formal events look out of place. Lemon, Mandarin, Pink—save these for casual occasions. Short strap worn outside your jacket looks awkward. Overstuffing the pocket ruins the silhouette. If you need to carry more than your phone and a card, bring a small clutch instead.