Somewhere along the line, backpacks for women evolved into a stylish and functional accessory. And yes, we’ve been celebrating ever since. No longer are they the domain of peppy children, sluggish teens, and sleep-deprived college students!
It makes sense that in recent years, backpacks have become more popular. The style of the early 2000s (a.k.a ‘noughties fashion‘) reigns supreme on Instagram. The stiletto has been retired in favor of ugly, chunky sneakers.
Thankfully, that means we can stop carrying a disproportionate amount of weight on one shoulder or squeezing our laptop into an oversized purse. Instead, let’s embrace the comfortable, versatile, and totally practical backpack.
Here are a few of our current faves that won’t leave you looking like you belong at the kid’s table:
For when you want a leather look—without the leather
The Splendour Vegan Leather Backpack has slip pockets for your phone and sunglasses.
For when you want a neutral that’s not black or beige
The City Mid Volume Backpack has a top-carry handle and adjustable straps.
For when you want the college student look
The Kånken’ Water Resistant Backpack is a classic; this style first hit the market in 1978.
For when you want a backpack that makes a statement
The ASOS DESIGN Suede Mini Backpack is compact and colorful.
For when minimalist design is your calling
The ASOS DESIGN Large Minimal Backpack has a luxe, faux leather look.
For when you value functionality above all else
The Everlane Modern Commuter Backpack has a padded laptop sleeve.
For when you’re not quite ready to give up tote bags
The Notabag Convertible Tote Backpack has pull-through straps that change the tote into a backpack.
For when you want to look luxe
The Ron Pon Pon Convertible Backpack Purse can be worn as a cross-body bag, on your shoulder, or as a backpack.
For when you want multiple pockets
The TUMI Voyager Ursula Nylon Backpack has a water-resistant water bottle pocket.
For when you want a convertible bag
The Heshe Women’s Vintage Leather Backpack can be worn as a backpack, messenger bag, shoulder bag, or sling.
For when you want a work-to-workout option
The Lululemon City Adventurer Backpack has a zip pocket for sweaty clothes, a water bottle compartment, and laptop storage.
For when you want an everyday staple
The Longchamp Le Pliage Nylon Backpack has a foldable design to turn it into a small purse.
When you want a separate laptop compartment
The Kaya Faux Leather 15-Inch Laptop Backpack has an exterior sleeve that slips over the handles and inside laptop compartment.
This story was originally published on August 3, 2018.
