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Last time you slipped a backpack over your shoulders, it was filled with Lisa Frank notebooks, a Trapper Keeper and Mom's bag lunch du jour.

Fast-forward to today, when the likes of Stella McCartney, Marc Jacobs, and Urban Outfitters are offering this back-to-school essential. They've got totes so cute, you'll be bending over backward to get in on the trend. Hint: Stick with leather or sleek dark nylon to avoid looking like a kindergartner.

We've rounded up some grown-up styles and a few fun throwbacks you can get behind, er, in front of. Whatever.


Leaders of the Back(pack)

    Deux Lux Backpack
    This rounded, distressed leather carry-all is Indiana Jones gone indie. ($58, Urban Outfitters)

    Urban Outfitters

    Longchamp Le Pliage Two Tone Backpack
    Trust the French to design a backpack that's sleek, minimalist, and unbearably chic. ($115, Nordstrom)

    Nordstrom

    Stella McCartney for LeSportsac 'Deer' Rucksack
    No animals were harmed in the making of this fun bag. ($85, Nordstrom)

    Norstrom

    ASOS Nylon Check Backpack
    Reference the season's mad-for-plaid trend with this tartan number. ($27.90, ASOS)

    Asos

    Leather Canvas Backpack
    Need some brainy bag candy? Try this collegiate-looking, leather-trimmed charmer. ($27.90, Urban Outfitters)

    Urban Outfitters

    Burgers and Friends Space Shuttle Backpack
    Just what every astronaut, space-lover and hipster needs. ($48, Fred Flare)

    Fred Flare

    Hervé Chapelier Backpack
    Another beauty from our French friends, available in nine eye-popping colors. ($106, Hervé Chapelier)

    Hervé Chapelier

    Paul Frank Log Backpack
    Major bonus: That little axe doubles as a coin purse. ($54, Fred Flare)

    Fred Flare

    Marc by Marc Jacobs Pretty Puffer Backpack
    Now that Puffy's gone Diddy, it's time to fill the void. Do so in this MJ-embroidered Hefty-esque rucksack. ($178, Bloomingdales)

    Bloomingdales

    Scully Aero Squadron Backpack
    Zip the straps together and it's a soft leather backpack, unzip 'em and it doubles as a sling. ($178, eBags)

    eBags