12 Insanely Cute Backpacks for Spring

Basically ever since we spotted celebs from Gigi Hadid to Rihanna swapping their handbags for backpacks, we’ve been on board with the nostalgic old-school style earning a spot as a well-established bag trend. On the runway, we saw mini backpacks galore at Louis Vuitton and Chloé, and even one of the stranger bag trends we’ve encountered to date: the convertible backpack, which is basically a small bag that’s both a backpack and a crossbody bag at once.
If this seems like a lot of options, don’t stress. It’s not too late to hop on board with the backpack trend in its many variations—mini or regular-size, convertible or otherwise. We’re most inspired right now by how people are actually wearing cute backpacks on the street, so we went ahead and gathered the coolest outfits to get you inspired too. Scroll through to shop 12 styles for spring and to check out our roundup of fresh and fun street style looks featuring these chic carryalls.
Style Tip: A quilted leather backpack adds the perfect dose of sophistication to your look. Thank you, Chanel.
Shop quilted leather backpacks
Style Tip: Opt for a petite mini backpack to house just the essentials.
Shop mini backpacks
Style Tip: Test out print clashing by opting for the same muted color palette from clothing to accessories—backpack included.
Style Tip: Break up neutral tones with a colorful printed backpack.
Shop colorful backpacks
Style Tip: Top off an outfit for a day of adventuring with a fun hat.
Shop sleek leather backpacks
Style Tip: Try out a mossy green backpack to complement a tan- or camel-colored coat.
Style Tip: Camo and a canvas backpack? Don’t overthink it.
Shop more backpacks we love
We hope that you’re now inspired to reach for a stylish backpack this spring.

Nicole Kliest is a freelance writer and editor based in New York City who focuses on fashion, travel, food, wine, and pretty much anything else that's amusing to write about. After graduating from Pepperdine University with a bachelor's in journalism and creative writing, she started her career back in 2010 as Who What Wear's photo editor and throughout the last decade has contributed to publications including Fashionista, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, The Zoe Report, PopSugar, Fodor's Travel, and several others. She also copywrites and has worked with clients such as Frame, Sea, 3x1, Intelligentsia, and others to develop brand voices through storytelling and creative marketing. She's very passionate about the ways we can improve our sustainability efforts in the fashion industry as well as cultivating content that's diverse and inclusive of all people. When she's not checking out the latest restaurant opening in her West Village neighborhood or riding her bicycle along the West Side Highway, she can be found scheming her next trip somewhere around the world. (Up next is Vienna.)
-
I'm on the Hunt for Elegant Summer Bags—These 36 Have My Attention
Starting at just $25.
-
Bring On the Transitional Weather—29 Perfectly Chic Pieces From Nordstrom to Wear Straight Through Fall
Effortless dressing right this way.
-
Style Insiders Know These 6 Summer Accessory Trends Make Simple Outfits More Elegant
They bring the sunshine.
-
Fall Is Already on My Mind—I'm Prepping My Wardrobe With These 31 Elevated Nordstrom Finds
Each piece is chic and on sale.
-
Dripping in Wealth Is the Vibe—These 32 Elevated Nordstrom and Zara Summer Finds Fit the Bill Perfectly
Under $200 and guaranteed to sell out.
-
6 Trending Summer It Bags That Say "That's Right—I Know What's Up"
The bags dominating the season.
-
I Write About Shopping All Day—30 Chic and Fun Accessories From Zara, Nordstrom, and Revolve
From big beads to tassel-adorned bags.
-
Not Black, Not Brown—7 Richer Handbag Colors Only Chic People Care About
Straight from the runway.