Best Backpacks: My Quest to Find a Non-Hideous Backpack

Everyone always talks about Cher Horowitz’s famous yellow plaid suit in Clueless, but whenever I watch that iconic opening scene, I’m more obsessed with her fuzzy little white backpack. It’s just so cute. Leave it to Cher to find a backpack that’s not your basic, utilitarian nylon one. Hers is more of a style statement than a pragmatic accessory (because, let’s face it—the only thing that fits in there is a tiny notepad, if that). I don’t blame her for choosing fashion over function: Finding a backpack that’s both cute and practical so happens to be my current styling dilemma, too.

Blame it on entering my 30s, but after years of carting around shoulder bags to and from work, my body is screaming out for proper back support. My aching shoulders simply can’t take it anymore! On paper, a backpack is ideal for comfortably schlepping my water bottle, laptop, and other work essentials during my commute. Problem is, I’ve rarely seen a backpack that I actually like. For the most part, they either make me feel like a preschooler (especially the bright or colorful ones), or like a Wall Street finance bro. Nothing in between! But if Cher Horowitz can find one that totally suits her personal style, can’t I?

I first looked to some recent runway shows for inspiration, to see if a backpack can actually be high-fashion. They sure can. At Coach, the mini pink backpacks had subtle logo work on them; Louis Vuitton showed a leather backpack in a digitized camo print; The Row even put forward a stealthily luxurious croc leather style. When styled right, these backpacks looked undeniably sleek, and totally blended in with the ensemble. Okay, maybe it is possible to don a backpack without looking like I’m heading to math class.

Louis Vuitton spring 2024Photo: Viero – Dragone / Gorunway.com

Still, while there’s a bevy of interesting finishes and colorways available, I circled back to the original intent behind my foray into backpacking: practicality. To my surprise, many of the stylish options on the market right now are also built to be useful. Prada’s slick Re-Nylon backpack—my dream style—features adjustable straps, a roomy interior and smaller front pocket, and four external zipper pockets. (To quote 10 Things I Hate About You, “I like my Skechers, but I love my Prada backpack.”) You don’t have to spend a fortune, either: This chic Béis backpack has thoughtful details like a built-in water bottle holder, and storage deliberately designed for your laptop. Cool and handy? Check.

So, after years of putting my shoulders through torture for the sake of style, I finally feel convinced that a backpack can be for me. It’s time to give my itty-bitty top-handle bags a rest. And when you do catch sight of me walking to work with my hands totally free, hopefully—thanks to my research—you won’t mistake me for a college student, either. 

Below, shop 12 more backpacks that are functional yet stylish.