10 Designer Backpacks That Are Almost Too Cool for School
When you think back to your earliest school days, what comes to mind? If your favorite part of gearing up for the start of a new grade was going back-to-school shopping – and picking up an endless supply of new markers, crayons, and looseleaf paper – then you’re in like company here. If you were lucky, part of that late summer ritual involved picking out a new backpack for class. Whether you selected a classic plaid variety or went all out with a book bag adorned with your favorite Disney princess or comic book superhero, they were fun to express your personality with.
But now, backpacks aren’t just for elementary school and high school students. Designer backpacks are among the trendiest – and most practical – carry-all accessories around. So whether you’re a college student looking to stylishly tote some novels around campus or a working professional interested in kicking up your look with a street style edge, this type of bag is perfect for you. Below, we’re rounding up some of our favorite new designer backpacks that are *almost* too cool for school.
Anya Hindmarch

Anya Hindmarch Yellow Chubby Wink Backpack, $495 at ssense.com
You may see kids rocking emoji-printed backpacks on the playground this season, but designer backpacks have really elevated the trend for grown-ups. To add a little playful touch to your own accessories, try sporting a vibrant and colorful pack like this winking smiley face option from Anya Hindmarch. You can store extra goodies in the sunny yellow nylon bag’s front pouch.
Marc Jacobs

Marc Jacobs Trek Pack Large Logo Backpack in Royal Blue, $250 at Marc Jacobs
When it comes to designer trends of the season, logomania is everywhere. Many labels have stylishly reimagined their iconic logos to decorate the latest collection offerings, and Marc Jacobs‘ newest accessories are no exception. This nostalgic, retro-inspired zip-up bag may just remind you of your earliest days in the schoolyard.
Tommy Hilfiger

Tommy Hilfiger Tommy Backpack, $128 at Macy’s
Like we mentioned earlier, bold logos will make your designer backpacks really stand out this season. This classic red, white, and blue style from Tommy Hilfiger features several zip pockets to keep your gear in, and a stylish drawstring and top flap for a little retro 2000s flair.
Coach

Coach Campus Backpack in Silver/Peony, now $155 at Macy’s
Love your classic leather purse, but need some more space to store your supplies? We love Coach‘s pretty “Campus” style bags, which were created for that exact purpose! They are sleek and sit close to the body, but you can really pack away quite a few of your daily essentials.
Kenzo

Kenzo Green Tiger Logo Backpack, $235 at ssense.com
Remember the days when your backpack used to display your favorite cartoon character or a TV show reference? The adultified version is this colorful, logo-printed, embroidered bag design from Kenzo. It’s the fashion girl’s favorite animal print, after all!
State Bags

State Kane Glitter Stripe Backpack in Black Multi, $85 at Bloomingdale’s
Who says color and glitter are only for little kids? We love how this State backpack elevates the look for adults with a chic and sparkly striped pattern. This bag comes equipped with an inner sleeve pocket for storing your laptop, tons of velcro flaps and pen holders, and plenty of space for your textbooks. Plus, keeping with State Bags’ overarching mission: for every bag you purchase, the brand gives one back to a child in need.
Adidas by Stella McCartney
adidas by Stella McCartney Convertible Backpack, $84.99 at Zappos Luxury

Can’t decide if you want a trendy fanny pack, traditional school bag, or sporty tote? This convertible style from the Adidas Stella McCartney collaboration can be any of the above options! Zip off the bottom to create a belt bag, adjust the shoulder straps to make a running-style backpack, or extend the top handle to make a tote. It’s genius, really.
HEX

Hex Watney Signal Backpack, $84.95 on hexbrand.com
We will forever profess our love for the always-trendy camouflage print – but this cool design from HEX brings that utilitarian military inspiration back into the game. This roomy bag features a padded front tablet pocket and sunglasses pocket, plus a large zippered interior for the ultimate storage.
Ministry of Tomorrow

Ministry of Tomorrow Nairobi Black Vegan Leather Backpack, $280 at ministryoftomorrow.com
Looking for a sleek and minimalistic carry-all backpack this season? We love Ministry of Tomorrow‘s handmade, 100% certified organic, and vegan option! Inside, this stunning bag features fair trade cotton/canvas lining from India that has been hand silk-screened with a beautiful Maasai Warrior mask pattern. outside, you’ve got a luxurious leather look from animal-free materials.
Kate Spade

Kate Spade Cameron Street Hartley Backpack, now $209 on katespade.com
We absolutely live for a backpack that combines form and function – and doesn’t make us look like we’re hauling around every single item we own! This adjustable bag features plenty of pockets, and even though it has the same dainty charm of a fashion backpack, it fits a 13″ laptop inside as well.
To shop more of our favorite designer backpacks this back-to-school season, be sure to visit Richard Magazine’s exclusive online store!
More backpack styles to check out. More trending new accessories to shop. Lead image via Marc Jacobs. All images via respective brands.