Finding a smart, easy to carry, non-backbreaking bag that actually fits everything in is a struggle when your bag for the day sometimes feels like you have packed for a weekend away!

To save you having to carry your handbag, work bag, sometimes a laptop bag and a gym kit, it’s definitely worth investing in a smart looking work backpack. 

A smart backpack is an item I am always on the look out for myself, for my clients, and it’s the most common item my business friends ask me for recommendations on, as they are often working from a different location every day, and need to carry their office in a good looking bag.

Here I list my current favourite 3 of the Best Work Backpacks.

 

KNOMO Beauchamp, £149

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KNOMO create ‘cleverly designed, carefully sourced bags that work.’  Beautifully constructed to suit the lives ‘less ordinary’, so their owners are ready for anything.  Their distinctive, sectioned backpacks make packing for the day ahead an absolute dream and they come in a range of colours and styles to suit everyone.  My particular favourite is the classic Beauchamp, but I also really like the Barlow and the Albion – have a browse and see what you think.

Their website has the particularly useful function to select your device, so that you know with confidence that your laptop will fit, along with everything else you need to pack!  

KNOMO are a London based brand with stockists in and around the city, and offer free UK delivery on all website orders.

 

MODERNISTLOOK LUX Style, £69

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A slightly more casual feel due to its quilted design, Modernist Look really have thought of everything with their backpack range; not only are they comfortable and stylish but they feature a USB port that can connect to your power bank (not included) to be able to charge and still use your device on the go with ease. Their signature Modernistlook LUXE style also has a zip section flat to your back ensuring your belongings are kept safe.

I bought the black one for myself as an early Christmas present and am really happy with it (though I have to admit I cut off the little flag thing - I like my items plain!).  It was affordable too – they currently have 36% off so I managed to get mine for under £70, which I think is great value.

 

EVERLANE, The Modern Snap Backpack – $68

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I am a big fan of the Everlane brand.  Not only do they have a fantastically stylish collection of clothes, shoes and accessories but they are unique in that not only are they eco-friendly and ethical in their partnership choices, but they share the production stories with their customers —showing you a breakdown of the true cost of every product they make. An approach they call Radical Transparency.  Although based in the US, Everlane offer free international shipping on orders over $100 so well worth a look.

Their Modern Snap Backpack is water resistant, with a twill and leather exterior and features a padded interior laptop compartment, two side pockets and zipped section, and comes in a range of colours.


So there’s no excuse for you to kill a great outfit with a backpack designed for climbing Snowdon rather than day to day work life.

Lizzie Edwards is the owner of Lizzie Edwards Style Consultancy, one of London’s leading Personal Stylists and Image Consultants for Women in business and author of 'Look Like The Leader You Are; A 7-Step Style Strategy for Ambitious Women’