Line your pocket

Coco Chanel loved pockets. Her trademark jackets in the 30s caused a storm because they incorporated conspicuous pockets - for centuries associated only with men's dress - and thereby promised to liberate women with sporty practicality Photograph: Lipnitzki/Roger Viollet/Getty

Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart model 1948 pocket chic Photograph: SNAP/Rex Features

Yves Saint Laurent made a feature of pockets in the 60s, as did Mary Quant - giant pockets helped to make her minis even more miniature Photograph: Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty

James Ellroy looks debonair with one hand in his pocket - though his dog adds a more menacing air Photograph: Marion Ettlinger/Corbis

Prince Charles is seen with his thumb hanging out of his pocket - surely the only style feature that unites him with Alexa Chung Photograph: Tim Graham/Getty

Jamie Oliver cultivates his 'cheeky chappy' image with hands thrust insouciantly into his pockets Photograph: Yui Mok/PA

George Bush relaxes on his Texan ranch in a tawny shirt and blue jeans, with one hand stuffed carelessly in his pocket Photograph: Reuters

Alexa Chung fits one hand in the pocket of her pinafore dress, leaving the other free to cart all her belongings about. Perhaps she's missing the point of this practical trend ... Photograph: Richard Young/Rex Features