When dipping into the world of “work backpacks” you have to be careful as it is incredibly easy to come off looking a bit young, and not in the good way. You want your bag to come across as stylish and mature rather than the unkempt look that regular backpacks can sometimes produce. Here are some tips as well as a few backpacks that look great paired with formal business wear and simple casual outfits.
1) Think structured like this bag from Leofer Randal ($495).
The boxy shape and clean lines of this bag counteracts the fact that it is, in fact, a backpack. Whereas, a regular slouchy bag would take away from the look of a suit, structured bags add a sense of well put together-ness, and effortless style. They can be paired with business wear but would look just as chic with jeans and a t-shirt. A cheaper alternative is this New Look Xhatched Formal Backpack ($38.67)
2) Use a your bag, backpack or not, to inject color into your outfit. When dressing for work or in general, it is easy to forgo color and stick to dark shades like black, grey and navy blue. Adding a bright orange bag, like this Philip Lim Pashli Shark-effect Leather Backpack ($825), to a monochromatic black outfit off sets the otherwise boring ensemble and makes it seem far more planned out than it actually was.
A cheaper alternative is this Grafea Hari Backpack in Blue ($348.25)
3) If color just isn’t your thing, but you are willing to venture outside of the dark color range, try a white backpack. Though they will require extra care as they show dirt and stains easier than others, white backpacks can elevate an outfit with their simplistic all most future like look. This Tory Burch backpack ($495) is more of an off white or cream shade and features minimal detailing with it gold hardware.
Grafea’s signature Hari Backpack ($348.25) in white is a great alternative and has several pockets to help keep you organized.
