17 Backpacks You Don’t Have to Head Back to School to Carry

By Morgan C. Schimminger

The retail universe is preoccupied this time of year with pushing back-to-school items. Everything from notebooks to pens to dorm decor is being advertised like crazy right now. But there’s one necessity you don’t have to be enrolled in school to sport: a backpack.

You’re probably getting visions of cartoon character designs, superhero emblems or sparkly unicorns, but backpacks don’t have to be so elementary. The key to rocking a backpack as a grown-up is to opt for ones that could be mistaken for luxury handbags, that is if they weren’t strapped on your back. (Some actually offer alternate handles to help them serve double duty.) And they’ve actually become a fashion house staple in mini, medium and large formats. Brands from Calvin Klein to Fendi to Louis Vuitton have all put out backpacks, making them a model-off-duty must-have.

Not convinced? Here are 17 backpacks for women that you can cart to work or brunch.

[ Next: 20 Too-Cool-for-School Backpacks to Shop Now ]

Backpacks for Grown-Ups

  • Zac Zac Posen

    Zac Zac Posen

    Belay Calfskin Leather Backpack, $295 at Nordstrom

  • Wicker Wings

    Wicker Wings

    Tixting Tall Rattan and Leather Backpack, $505 at Net-a-Porter

  • Street Level

    Street Level

    Black Lightweight Backpack, $46 at ASOS

  • Hesperios

    Hesperios

    Hess Woven Backpack in White, $472 at Lisa Says Gah

  • See By Chloe

    See By Chloe

    Olga Medium Textured-Leather Backpack, $525 at Net-a-Porter

  • Zara

    Zara

    Everyday Backpack, $29.90 at Zara

  • Ganni

    Ganni

    Wintour Backpack, $475 at Ganni

  • Kara

    Kara

    Crinkled Metallic Small Backpack in Pyrite, $224.99 at Need Supply Co.

  • Liebeskind Berlin

    Liebeskind Berlin

    Medium Convertible Suede Shoulder Bag, $219.97 at Nordstrom Rack

  • Urban Outfitters

    Urban Outfitters

    Suede Mini Backpack, $59 at Urban Outfitters

  • Kate Spade New York

    Kate Spade New York

    Kingston Drive Simona Backpack, $358 at Shopbop

  • Madewell

    Madewell

    Mini Drawstring Rucksack, $148 at Shopbop

  • Topshop

    Topshop

    Double Pocket Backpack, $55 at Topshop

  • Matt & Nat

    Matt & Nat

    Vignelli Backpack, $160 at Urban Outfitters

  • Street Level

    Street Level

    White Minimal Zip Backpack, $48 at ASOS

  • Modaluxe

    Modaluxe

    Lennon Washed Backpack, $78 at Free People

  • Tano

    Tano

    Beckett Leather Convertible Backpack, $198 at Free People

Morgan C. Schimminger
Morgan C. Schimminger

​As passionate about feminism as she is about fashion, Morgan C. Schimminger spends much of her time writing and editing pieces on everything from celebrity style to the fight to keep funding for Planned Parenthood. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English from the University of California at Berkeley and a master’s degree in publishing from Rosemont College. Morgan has contributed to a variety of publications, including StyleBakery, Uptown, metro.pop and Sister 2 Sister. Every week for theFashionSpot, she profiles the Top 10 Best Dressed Celebs and provides a daily dose of stylish stars via Look of the Day.

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