Retire Your Bag-Lady Status With These Superstylish Backpacks

POPSUGAR Photography | Kat Borchart
POPSUGAR Photography | Kat Borchart
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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 ($185) turned into that plus an Opening Ceremony tote ($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.