For most of my adult years, I've been constantly told that I am a bag lady. But like anyone with a problem, I just denied it.
There would always be something I needed to pack in my bag "just in case." I would style my hair in the morning, but still pack my portable flat iron just in case a strand fell out of place. I'd bring along an extra pair of shoes to work — just in case the ones I wore ended up hurting my feet. I carry an umbrella year-round on the off-chance that it rains. And I never leave my house without a sweater in the Summer, just in case the trains are cold (. . . or the world ends or something). But over time my every day Longchamp shoulder bag [1] ($185) turned into that plus an Opening Ceremony tote [2] ($45) and my reusable grocery bag.
One day while giving my OOTD a final gaze, I was taken aback by my short reflection draped in sacks of things I knew didn't need. The realization finally hit me: I am a bag lady and I have a problem.
While I do believe a girl shouldn't leave her house without a few emergency items, lugging around more than one bag has fewer pros than cons. One of them is getting shoved around by strangers in the street because you have too much stuff on your sides. Then, knocking down items in the grocery aisles because your bags are too big. And don't forget ending the day with sore shoulders because you've been carrying around so much weight. Having my necessities at hand always felt ideal, but I've learned that it isn't optimal for your body, posture, or your cute outfit.
So, for my fellow bag ladies, it's time to hang up our totes (shoulder bags, carry-alls, etc.), and invest in a backpack. Classic knapsacks have lost their typical juvenile reputation thanks to a variety of chic styles available for all kinds of budgets. Not only will a backpack allow you to carry what you need, but they are also easily the most useful accessory you can add to your wardrobe.
I've done the research and curated a list of backpacks for every bag lady looking to leave her ways in the past. Whether you're looking to invest in a quality piece or just need a quick carry-on solution, these bags have got your back. Scroll through to shop and check them out.
Everlane Modern Zip Backpack
Everlane Modern Zip Backpack [3] ($58)
3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Backpack
3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Backpack [4] ($895)
Olivia Miller Holy Chic Backpack
Olivia Miller Holy Chic Backpack [5] ($55)
Alexander Wang Mini Marti Backpack With Covered Zips
Alexander Wang Mini Marti Backpack With Covered Zips [6] ($850)
Herschel Heritage Petite Backpack
Herschel Heritage Petite Backpack [7] ($50)
Mansur Gavriel Mini Tumbled Leather Backpack
Mansur Gavriel Mini Tumbled Leather Backpack [8] ($685)
Asos Clean Curved Backpack
Asos Clean Curved Backpack [9] ($46)
Gucci Blooms GG Supreme Backpack
Gucci Blooms GG Supreme Backpack [10] ($1,250)
Tory Burch Dowel Leather Backpack
Tory Burch Dowel Leather Backpack [11] ($695)
Neiman Marcus Jules Leather Tassel Bucket Backpack
Neiman Marcus Jules Leather Tassel Bucket Backpack [12] ($180)
BDG Saffiano Backpack
BDG Saffiano Backpack [13] ($59)
Sole Society Francis Backpack With Tassel Flap
Sole Society Francis Backpack With Tassel Flap [14] ($55)
Neiman Marcus Kari Crocodile-Embossed Backpack
Neiman Marcus Kari Crocodile-Embossed Backpack [15] ($95)
BDG Classic Pocket Backpack
BDG Classic Pocket Backpack [16] ($59)
Neiman Marcus Linear Quilted Backpack
Neiman Marcus Linear Quilted Backpack [17] ($110)
Tommy Hilfiger Adrianna Canvas Backpack
Tommy Hilfiger Adrianna Canvas Backpack [18] ($88)
Madewell New Transport Rucksack
Madewell New Transport Rucksack [19] ($248)
Clare Vivier Agnes Patchwork Canvas Backpack
Clare Vivier Agnes Patchwork Canvas Backpack [20] ($370)
Patricia Nash Atrani Drawstring Backpack
Patricia Nash 'Atrani' Drawstring Backpack [21] ($199)
Mi-Pac All Stars Backpack
Mi-Pac All Stars Backpack [22] ($36)
Rebecca Minkoff Julian Backpack
Rebecca Minkoff Julian Backpack [23] ($295)
BDG Canvas Backpack
BDG Canvas Backpack [24] ($49)
Marc by Marc Jacobs Domo Arigato Mini Packrat Backpack
Marc by Marc Jacobs Black Domo Arigato Mini Packrat Backpack [25] ($180)
Rag & Bone Fabric Backpack
Rag & Bone Fabric Backpack [26] ($195)
Fossil 'Preston' Leather Backpack
Fossil 'Preston' Leather Backpack [27] ($248)
Michael Kors Small Rhea Zip Leather Backpack
Michael Kors Small Rhea Zip Leather Backpack [28] ($298)
Kate Spade Cobble Hill Charley Leather Backpack
Kate Spade Cobble Hill Charley Leather Backpack [29] ($348)
Rebecca Minkoff Sofia Backpack
Rebecca Minkoff Sofia Backpack [30] ($345)
Longchamp Le Pliage Neo Small Backpack
Longchamp Le Pliage Neo Small Backpack [31] ($330)
Baggu Leather Backpack
Baggu Leather Backpack [32] ($280)
Anya Hindmarch Leather Eyes Mini Backpack
Anya Hindmarch Leather Eyes Mini Backpack [33] ($1,315)