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Who else, in their younger years, internalized the absurd myth that a backpack is not to be worn? That the more practical the bag, the less stylish it must be? You can blame it on my formative years of awkward school fashion, or the idea that backpacks are only ever two things: a preschooler’s necessity or a Wall Street finance bro’s best friend.
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Thankfully, I’ve come to realize that fashion has always had the functional woman’s back. Backpacks today can carry your laptop, tablet, and life’s essentials without compromising on chic. So, for those looking for functional backpacks and are willing to retire their anti-backpack stance, here are pieces worth checking out.
MIU MIU Canvas and Leather Backpack
Not every day calls for a work-ready laptop bag. Sometimes, it’s just errands or a day out when you need something roomy enough for your extras (without looking like you borrowed your niece’s school bag). This Miu Miu number is a chic nod to school gear reimagined with artisan details, and is multi-pocketed and practical enough for a stylish yet busy woman to wear.
RIMOWA Never Still Canvas Flap Backpack
Rimowa is synonymous with those iconic vertical grooves on luggage, but what do you know about their backpacks? This one from the Never Still line takes everything we love about the brand and shrinks it to wearable proportions. A padded back? A suitcase attachment? It’s a piece even anti-backpack women might secretly purchase.
BASH Weekday Backpack
BASH Manila was always about occasion-based travel gear. Now, they’re making everyday life just as stylishly mobile with their latest piece: a backpack with a trolley sleeve for trips, a padded laptop pocket for work, a water bottle holder, and every other essential you never leave home without.
CUYANA Leather Backpack
Sleek enough for work, casual enough for errands, and roomy enough for everything you insist on carrying. Crafted from supple Italian pebbled leather, this bag from Cuyana is a minimalist dream with pockets and compartments to keep life in order. Plus: no logos and unnecessary fussy hardware.
KATE SPADE Walker Convertible Backpack
If you’re still on the fence about the whole backpack situation, Kate Spade makes the case for versatility with this piece. Crafted in pebble leather, it flips from tote to backpack. The clean design keeps it refined, while the size (which fits a 13-inch laptop) makes it the perfect in-between for days that go from desk to dinner.
Photos: MIU MIU, RIMOWA, BASH MANILA, CUYANA, KATE SPADE
