It doesn't matter how old we are: The beginning of September will always remind us of heading back to school, and our shopping choices will be guided accordingly. (Fancy stationery? Yes, please! Trim, tweedy blazers? Sign us up!) So we're grateful that today there are so many chic backpacks that are actually suitable for adults—because we're a little too old to be revisiting the Lion King version we toted through grade school.
On the luxury end of the spectrum, Fendi's rainbow-studded mini bag and Chloé's metal chain Faye backpack are covetable enough to save up for, while on the more approachable end, Urban Outfitters and Zara each have a cache of fun options that you can afford with little more than lunch money. Choose from leather, suede, canvas, or even pierced black satin (a personal fave by 3.1 Phillip Lim)—whichever you opt for, we're certain it'll be an improvement on the old beat-up rucksack you used to toss your algebra textbook in.
Below, shop 16 backpacks good enough for grown-ups.
Velvet season is back, and we won't lie: We're pretty excited about it.
Kara's bags are durable and versatile enough to wear every day.
This is a slimmed-down version of Everlane's best-selling backpack, with an even better price.
Millennial Pink—because of course.
You could get a new piercing—or you could get this badass backpack.
You can't go wrong with classic canvas.
Roomy enough to pack all your stuff but still luxe-looking.
Chloé's street style fave bag now comes in a backpack version.
This sleek shape is perfect for carrying a laptop.
This rich navy is an appealing alternative to black.
We can't get enough of these rainbow-hued studs.
This leather will only get better-looking with age.
Cool kid approved.
Corduroy is a quintessential fall fabric.
For that sleek aesthetic, Wang is number one.
Fuel your Adidas addiction.Up next, read about the shoes 10 editors won't travel without.
-
Since the Margaux Is Nowhere to Be Found, This Is the The Row Bag We're Buying InsteadIt's also a forever piece.
-
More Elegant Than a Shoulder Bag, More Casual Than a Clutch—the Bag Trend Only Chic People Know AboutNow, you do too.
-
J.Law and Ashley Olsen Agree: This $33,000 Bag Is Chicer Than a MargauxNo wonder it's so hard to find one for sale.
-
So Long, Shoulder Bags—Everyone I Know Is Opting for This Sophisticated '60s StyleAccording to celebs and the runways, that is.
-
The Chic 2025 Bag Trend That Ashley Olsen Was Already Wearing a Decade AgoAhead of the fashion curve, per usual.
-
No Seriously, These 7 Elevated Summer Pieces Always Get Me ComplimentsI plan to wear these on repeat.
-
My Friend Says I Look *So Rich* When I Wear Spring Outfits With These 6 Key PiecesBring on the confidence boost.
-
I'm a Fashion Editor Who Loves Effortless Vacation Essentials—25 Gap Finds That Caught My EyeMany are even on major sale.
