Meet Spring’s new work-to-weekend bag: the luxed up, sophisticated backpack...
The backpack has been on our radar for several seasons but for SS16, they've gone luxe and seriously grown-up. Think butter-soft leather, minimalist designs and stand-out textures to elevate everything from your commute to your downtime. So add the fash-pack fave to your radar now to reap the full rewards of this achingly cool (and practical) trend all season long.
If the word backpack conjures up flashbacks of teenage years and toting around textbooks, then fear not. This season is our favourite shops and designers - from Balenciaga and Valentino to Cos and ASOS - have applied a covetable, high fashion makeover to the style classic.
This season's version isn't any old knapsack - it's sophisticated, work-friendly, and large enough to hold everything you tote around (laptop, spare heels and gym clothes). The new backpack is structured and sleek in smooth leather and suede and finished with everything from luxe hardware to on-trend tassels for a finishing flourish.
Not only is it practical and seriously luxe, they've also been reinvented so that it can be worn and used in a myriad of ways. Carry it over the shoulders (à la Karlie Kloss, who "two-straps it" with aplomb) on the commute, sling it over one shoulder at the weekend, or grasp it by the top handle to carry like a purse for a cool weekend in the city vibe. There's even the addition of longer straps so you can make it into a duffle or cross-body.
Be it in leather or suede, in black, brown, or a gorgeously summer-appropriate lilac, orange or dusky pink, you'll quickly remember why you loved this bag silhouette so much, way back when.
Perfect for the working-woman with everything to carry, the backpack is the ultimate accessory to get you strolling effortlessly through the morning commute in style.And for the girl on the go at the weekend,this style is perfect of those heading to yoga before a yummy brunch with friends. Put simply, they're cool and versatile - so what's not to love?
Go back to cool with our edit of the most luxe backpacks in stores now...
Go back to cool with our edit of the most luxe backpacks in stores now...
We find it difficult to resist the charms of leopard print, and applied to a luxe Givenchy backpack, it's more desirable than ever. Team with grey sportswear or use it to refresh denim at the weekend.
Dusky pink is the shade of the season but that doesn't mean you have to overhaul your wardrobe to make it work. Slip this ASOS backpack over your shoulder and instantly refresh head-to-toe black, grey or denim.
The mini shape of this backpack makes it the perfect go-anywhere style while the colour makes it the ideal accompaniment to your new season wardrobe.
This croc-effect leather backpack is easily one of the season's highlights. Carry it by the detachable handle or as a backpack on busier days.
We've always dreamed of owning a backpack by The Row. And this satin number - a more affordable version of their all-over leather styles - hasn't done anything to change our desire. We love.
Embrace this season's love-affair with colour and ditch black in favour of on-trend pink.
Off-duty dressing doesn't get any cooler than with this canvas and leather-trimmed backpack. Team it with everything from shirt dresses to denim jumpsuits.
Designer looking and with a high street price tag - this Zara backpack is at the top of our new season shopping list.
Roomy, bold and cut from premium leather, this Topshop backpack will lend both workwear and off-duty looks instant cool.
Tap into the season's fringing trend in the coolest way possible.
Fashion and function meet in Proenza Schouler's much-adored Courier backpack.
In a cooler-than-black navy and with chain detail for added edge, this Stella McCartney Fallabella backpack is ideal for the stylish girl-on-the-go.
Want something with serious fashion edge? This mini Valentino backpack has it in bucket loads. Designed with enough room for all the essentials, this standout embroidered backpack will give day-to-day looks a feminine edge with impact.
Channel that elusive off-duty model cool with this luxe sporty backpack by fash-pack fave designer Joshua Sanders.
If you want a classic black backpack under £50, you really can't go wrong with this luxe ASOS number.
Thought backpacks were just for the weekend? Balenciaga's super-sleek Le Dix is proof that is so not the case anymore. Team with a longline trench for the ultimate commute look.
This Mango discount code will make the backpack even more affordable.
Alexander Wang's iconic Prisma backpack will add a touch of luxury to those dress down days in the city.
