Don't Fight It: This Bag Trend Is Happening (Again)

Backpacks, probably the first accessory you ever carried, have morphed into a completely grown-up trend. But we’re not talking about the oversize versions you stuffed books into. New stylish backpacks come in shrunken sizes that are perfect for throwing in just your essentials. Practically every designer has a version—even Chanel has a quilted leather backpack in its new collection of Gabrielle bags.

Follow the lead of fashion girls and borrow a few of their styling tips to make the bags look chic. Sling the back over one shoulder to mimic the look of a tote bag. Or hold it by the top handle instead of using the back straps. We sourced 15 stylish backpacks for you to shop. From sleek and polished to casual and cool, you’re sure to find an option.

Keep reading to see how street style stars are wearing them and then shop stylish backpacks from Fendi, The Row, Mansur Gavriel, and more.

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Chanel's Gabrielle bag is one of the biggest It bags this spring.

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Throw your backpack over one shoulder like you'd carry a tote bag.

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Pair a backpack with white to make it stand out.

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Hold your backpack by the top handle instead of using the back straps.

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Stick to a mini version to stay on trend.

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Make a backpack stand out by choosing a colorful style.

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Pair yours with a button-down and jeans.

Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.