5 Grown-Up Ways to Wear a Backpack Purse

Backpacks have gone from high school hallways to high fashion runways. Now they’re one of the most popular styles of handbags around. How do you wear a backpack purse at 40, 50+ so you look classy, not collegiate? Here are 5 Grownup Ways to Wear this trend.

1. Choose a Luxurious Bag

Polyester, nylon, and canvas may be functional backpack materials for travel, but they’re too ordinary to make a chic fashion statement. The best backpacks are sleek and sophisticated, made from luxurious fabrics like leather, suede, and even velvet for a more high-end, grownup look. One of the more popular brands is Michael Kors, which makes a wide variety of quality backpacks. This black faux leather backpack purse is one of their bestsellers. You can also get it with silver zippers. My bag is from Michael Kors. This gold color is sold out, but I found another bag in a similar color here and here.

Amazon has a good selection of backpack purses, including many from Michael Kors.

2. Beautiful Details are Chic

Backpack purses have an inherently casual vibe, so choose one with sophisticated hardware and high-fashion details to look sophisticated. This sling leather backpack has a gorgeous shape and chic gold hardware.

3. Nothing too Cutesy

The nice thing about backpack purses is that there’s a style to suit every fashion personality – from feminine to rustic to bold. However, too much print, sappy colors, faux fur, and sparkle are the cutesy details to avoid so you don’t look childish.

Mini backpack purses that look like they belong to a 10-year-old are another thing to watch out for. Some are so tiny; you’d think they were made for a doll! This little pink, fuzzy backpack is cute for the grandkids, but grown-up gals need something more sophisticated.

4. Wear it With Something Modern

Finding the perfect bag is only one-half of the equation. If you want to look fabulous wearing a backpack purse at any age, pair it with something modern and sophisticated.

For example, pulling off this look is hard if you wear a backpack purse with out-of-date jeans, a baggy old sweatshirt, and boring shoes. Same if you wear it with something too little girly like a frilly skirt or Mary Janes.

You’re going to look like you are playing schoolgirl. Choose clothes with modern silhouettes and details to look chic. This sleek green backpack purse looks fabulous with this funnel neck tunic and sporty leggings.

5. Carry It Over Your Shoulder

Backpack purses don’t have to be worn like backpacks (although that’s convenient when you want to go hands-free). They look chicer when you toss one over a shoulder like you are dashing off to have fun or do something meaningful. (LOL!)

Some have a more extended handle and be carried like a tote or worn in the crook of your arm. I’ve even seen a few that can fit over your shoulder and be tucked under your arm. It’s really up to you which you prefer and which feels most comfortable.

More Great Looks with Backpack Purses 

Classic Backpack

This leather backpack purse is from Frye. See how the fine leather construction and gold circular hardware give this designer backpack purse a posh equestrian vibe?

Modern Backpack

This is such an exciting backpack purse. It is a gorgeous color, and the shape and fabric blocking are modern.

Nylon Backpack

This striking nylon backpack purse with front zippers is from Michael Kors.

Chic Backpack

I love the ties on this stunning black leather backpack purse and the fold-over flap that lets you expand the bag when you need more room.

Front zippers also give this bag a relaxed, urban feel.

Still on the fence about carrying a backpack purse? Try one on for size and see if it doesn’t grow on you. A backpack purse is practical and chic for mature fashionistas,  and heck, if you ever get tired of it, you have a great extra travel bag!