12 Backpacks You’ll Want To Wear Well Beyond Your School Days

It’s back-to-school season, so most parents are scrambling to tick off all the items in their children’s ever-expanding list of must-have supplies (six boxes of facial tissue? seriously?). But our school-bound kiddos don’t have to be the only ones strapping on shiny new backpacks. Nowadays, these hands-free bags are as fashion-forward as any satchel or cross-body number, and they’re not exclusive to the 21-and-under set or, for that matter, to outdoor enthusiasts.  Whether you prefer sleek leather backpacks in  unexpected colors, Bohemian-flavored woven numbers, or sporty fabric styles with funky prints and plenty of zippers and cargo pockets, here are some options in which to store all your goodies — even if they’re not spiral notebooks and 3-inch binders!

Proenza Schouler PS1 Floral Leather-Trim Nylon Backpack, $1350. Available at SaksFifthAvenue.com

This tropical-flavored backpack features an exotic floral print with lush bromeliad leaves and  birds of paradise petals in shades of white and gray with unexpected pops of orange for an exciting pop of color. The nylon backpack features black leather straps, a drawstring closure with leather ties, a flip-lock top flap, and a leather top handle. Measuring 11.5″ in width, 15″ in height, and 7″ in depth, this backpack will fit your tablet, makeup bag, keys, water bottle, and much more.

Meli Melo Azurra Cactus Backpack, £480. Available at MeliMelo.com

This streamlined backpack is s elegant as any structured handbag, but it offers the convenience of keeping hands free. Made out of genuine Italian leather, the backpack comes in this charming minty green color for a slightly retro feel.

ASOS Camo Backpack, $49. Available at US. Asos.com

This novel take on the classic camouflage print will make you anything but incognito! Featuring faux leather uppers, this metallic gold backpack features a classic rounded top rim and zip-around closure, as well as a zippered front pouch.

Herschel Supply Co. Dawson Backpack in Jungle Floral Blue, $69.99. Available at HerschelSupply.com

Built to address the needs of modern customers, whose days include commutes, impromptu meetings, working sessions at coffee shops, and constant travel, this woven backpack features a bevy of handy compartments to keep your belongings safe and organized. The backpack’s interior features a 13″ laptop sleeve so you can nestle your computer or tablet,and the front cargo pockets can accommodate cell phones, chargers, portable power banks, keys, and more. The royal blue hibiscus flowers printed on the black canvas, meanwhile, add a fun-loving vibe to the design without calling out for attention.

Rebecca Minkoff Julian Backpack in Tawny Port, $295. Available at RebeccaMinkoff.com

Bringing a motorcycle-inspired toughness to the world of handbags, Rebecca Minkoff’s Julian backpack effortlessly exudes a rock ‘n’ roll coolness. Measuring 11.25″ in width, 12″ in height, and 6″ in depth, this wine-colored leather backpack features a vertical front top zipper for easy access to your belongings, two zippered pockets along the sides, and plenty of chunky clasps and silver hardware for an extra badass touch.

Topshop Color Block Backpack, $55. Available at US.Topshop.com

Keep it sporty with this ’80s-flavored backpack, featuring fluorescent colors in a color-blocked pattern. The orange front pocket is ideal for stashing smaller items like lip balm and keys, while the zippered compartment above it can store IDs and credit cards.

Aimee Kestemberg Tamitha Cargo Leather Backpack, $248. Available at NastyGal.com

Move your style game to a different scale when you strap on the Tamitha Cargo Backpack, made of exotic cobra leather in shades of sky blue, charcoal black, and stormy gray.  Measuring 14″ in height, 10″ in width, and 5.5″ in depth, this charmer features a front zipper with a security snap, two cargo pockets with snap closures, a top handle, and leather shoulder straps.

Ted Baker Encyclopedia Foldaway Backpack. Available at Bloomingdales.com
Bring the garden party with you when you carry this perky Ted Baker drawstring backpack. Made of lightweight nylon, this white backpack features a drawstring closure concealed by a top flap, as well as a top handle and thin, unassuming shoulder straps. The floral print, meanwhile, is positively dreamy, with pink lilies, coral peonies, yellow marigolds, blue irises, and soft pink dahlias creating a stunning visual.

Silence + Noise Sloane Simple Backpack, $54. Available at UrbanOutfitters.com

The minimalist design of this Silence + Noise backpack will appeal to fashionistas who prioritize simplicity. Made of smooth vegan leather in a peachy pink hue, the flap-front backpack features a drawstring closure, adjustable shoulder straps, and a classic top handle. The top flap, meanwhile, is a golden beige color that adds a small element of surprise to the otherwise monochromatic and no-fuss design.

Billabong Sister Sunglow Mauve Print Backpack, $39. Available at Lulus.com

Go for a Southwestern flair with this woven Billabong backpack, featuring a super roomy interior, front flap closure, and tan-colored faux leather buckled accent straps for an added earthy charm.

Zac Zac Posen Eartha Convertible Backpack, $395. Available at Shopbop.com

This versatile piece is a modern-day Transformer, with detachable shoulder straps easing the transition from shoulder bag to backpack and vice versa. Measuring 9.5″ in height and 10.75″ in length, this calfskin piece features the accordion-style sides that made Céline bags iconic, but it adds a certain urban modernity to the now-classic silhouette via simple touches like iridescent hardware and a turn-lock fastening on the top flap.

STATE Bags Smith African Indigo Backpack, $110. Available at StateBags.com

Boho babes will love the Ikat print on this STATE Bags Smith backpack, which features a fold-over design finished with a leather shoe welt trim and antique brass fireman clip closure. Like TOMS, STATE bags has incorporated a philanthropic element into its business model, hand-delivering a bag to an American child in need with each Smith backpack sold.