A fellow grads student wrote and asked us to address the possibility of looking stylish while wearing a backpack:
In a few weeks’ time, I will be a grad student myself and will have to make the daily trips to the campus. My laptop will now always accompany me and, unfortunately, it is too large to fit into a tote bag – and way too heavy for me to carry it over one shoulder, especially with the added weight of books, notes and other necessary paraphernalia.
How can one look stylish with a backpack? Seems impossible. Please help! :)
We certainly understand the need to carry what feels like your entire life around in a bag! S. has posted about her bag of choice and E. and A. will eventually share theirs too. While none of us carry backpacks, we all agree we would carry one of these fabulous totes.
If you are looking for a backpack with comfortable straps that will evenly distribute the weight of all those library books and padding that will protect your laptop, these colorful sporty options might be just the thing.
E. is a big fan of Tom Bihn products (the Aeronaut bag has become her traveling staple) so she would not hesitate to assure you that this $130 price tag on the Smart Alec is worth it. It certainly has a more athletic aesthetic, but removing the bungee cording from the front would leave a sleek, two-tone bag (say, in black and gray) with plenty of space and an incredibly smart design.
For a less-expensive option, this Sumdex Subway Laptop Backpack will keep your laptop and your shoulders well padded. As with the Tom Bihn and the Timbuk2, the bright color options make this functional bag cute and stylish too.
If these colorful options feel a little too “high school” for you or make you feel like you’re going camping rather than to the library, we have also found some more briefcase-like choices. They may not be as good for your back or for your laptop, but we think they could be quite smart:
This vertical leather backpack from Piel is not only stylish, it’s durable too and comes with a five year warranty! It’s a timeless design with the polish of a briefcase and the ergonomics of a backpack. Even better, it’s full of lots of pockets and it’s big enough to carry a laptop.
Urban Outfiters makes this stylish Deux Lux Messanger Bag which boast of straps that easily convert from messenger style to backpack. It also comes with plenty of internal pockets to keep all your office supplies or other school accouterments organized.
Lastly, for another splurge item, check out this Ellington Maybeck Pack. The rich chocolate color lends it that extra dash of elegance, and the lack of closures, clasps or adornment give this item that understated urban chic look that has nothing school yard-ish about it.
Hey ladies-
I have a reader question- but its not academic! If you feel like delving into the world of formal (?) wear, I would love to hear what ya’ll would do in this situation. I’m attending a big (600 invites) black-tie optional, society-ish wedding this summer. The bride has assured us that floor length formal gowns are not necessary, but I know most of the men in attendance will probably bust out their tuxes. So I guess I need something formal-looking in a cocktail length, and I’m not sure how to achieve that. The obvious choice would be a formal fabric in black, but black just doesn’t feel right for a wedding. However, I think formal fabrics in non-black sometimes look a little bridesmaid-y or cheap. Help! Any thoughts? It would be much appreciated!
-Megan
Love both the Urban Outfitters and Ellington bags! Convenience of a backpack without the schoolyard look. I may be looking into these in the future, because as a mom with young’uns I have to carry a lot on day trips.
There is brand called Dakine. They make high-quality bags with interesting patterns. They cater to a young, skater type. But if you are looking for something that has a bit of cheekiness, fun or punkishness then they are worth checking out. I have this crazy pink paisley backpack from them that gets so many admiring comments.
Man, the Ellington one might be the classiest, chicest backpack I’ve ever seen.
Thank you for these suggestions. :)
Of course, I will need to invest a bit of time to find equivalent items here (or have them shipped from the US), but I see so many possibilities now.
I suppose the issue for me it’s not just about a backpack or similar option being more stylish, but also about feeling like it’s simply impossible to feel stylish while lugging one along. Backpack and jeans – fine. Backpack and dressy trousers – might work. Backpack and a skirt – very very difficult. Backpack and a dress – just no way. And similarly, backpack and flats or athletic footwear – no problem. Backpack and even a low heel – plain wrong…