Backpacks, are they frumpy

[citygirl1961]

I have recently discovered the convenience of having a backpack. I used to avoid them and for years I carried a tote/shopper type bag crammed full with my laptop, lunch for work etc and was weighed down with that, plus a shoulder bag that kept slipping off my shoulder and I was wrestling with that plus other shopping.

Now I have two backpacks, a mini one for when I don't have as much to carry and a slightly larger one for when I have more to carry. I also have a small cross body bag for my essentials like my phone, cards and keys which I need easy access to. This works for me.

However a friend recently commented that a backpack doesn't look dressy and that she would never use one. She is feminine like me, wears make up etc. She uses a cross body bag but her carry all bag is a plastic carrier bag which to me isn't dressy at all.

I now feel frumpy using a backpack even though it's practical and more comfortable than carrying all my stuff in a hand held tote bag.

When I go.out dressed up I just take a handbag.

I don't consider them frumpy but a friend of mine was wearing a back pack and had her purse stolen while walking through a crowd because it's on your backs and you can't see who's behind you or what they're up to.

Oh god I much prefer backpacks to cross body or handbags.
Theyre definitely more casual but I dont know about frumpy, then again im a jeans and hoodie type anyway so not exactly fashion forward.
Ive got a couple of mulberry backpacks (urban and cara in camo goat) and a neon yellow MCM which is an outrage and thats exactly why I like it.

So called “frumpiness” is a state of mind! At the same time I agree with a pp that’s it’s largely a meaningless concept. What looks good one one person does not on another.

Wear, do what you like. Authentic is always cool. The only time I feel uncomfortable is when the outside doesn’t match the inside.

I am the same.

I wore old flared jeans before they were fashionable again as I liked them. A few people openly laughed at me. Couldn’t care a jot! I can be sensitive about what suits me, even over sensitive lol, but don’t seek other people’s approval. I even had a shopping trolley for a long time 😂 so practical:)). Apparently they’re fashionable now 🙄!

😂 @Springtime43 at the Sainsbury’s bag for life completing your look!

She's quite rude.

I think shoulder bags look a bit mimsy. I like the contrast of a sporty/rugged backpack with a smart wool coat or suit. Or the 'city' style ones. I currently have Rains ones in this category, a neon yellow/lime green one and the same in plain black for when I want something understated. They also have a pocket with the zip next to your back IYSWIM, so they're harder to pickpocket.

Sorry, I accept they're super practical but I hate backpacks unless for hiking.

People look like little cautious tortoises with them. I even thought that at school. I think they affect the posture and people stick their heads forward if the bag is too heavy adding to the effect. It just looks a bit worried and over prepared about life to me, as though wrapped up by a nervous mum before leaving the house.

Yes, I'm well aware this is all me being weird. If a backpack works for you go for it!!

😂

I love my backpack for carting around everything I need when out with my toddler. But I know exactly what you mean! Clutching the straps adds to the look.

When I'm working I wear a smart cross body bag, but for mum life it's a rucksack all the way.

I couldn't bear the trend for wearing totes on a held up lower arm. Awkward, pretentious and actually painful.

Shoulder bags slip off my shoulders and end up as totes anyway. Stupid.

Backpacks are brilliant for long days out as you can pack so much in them . I love Roka ones as they're waterproof and comfortable to wear.

Day to day, I wear a small, boring , waterproof Kipling cross body bag . It has good wide straps , pockets for my various needs eg cards, tissues, phone, reading glasses, mini umbrella, some notes and change, poo bags and doggy biscuits.

I'm not keen on the constant unraveling of a back pack so I confine them to long day outs as I can put water bottles and/mini flasks in them with a sandwich or two plus a charge pack.

I love backpacks. I love crossbodies also, hmmm but they are too small for all the stuff I accumulate when out and about. So.... I have a whizzy silver grey (luminous in the dark too) fold up backpack that fits neatly in the crossbody.

I got it in Spain in the Ale Hop shop and it's very sturdy and an absolute godsend. Great for travelling also. I went back next day and got a purple one, which is just as nice.

I confess to having a collection of "proper" backpacks, some cheap and cheerful, some dual purpose - can be tote or backpack, some that are like baby bags but Oh So Colourful. And the piece de resistance, one expensive one that is a backpack with wheels. I bring that one shopping as I am near the supermarket, and well.... exercise lol.

Depends on the backpack. I’d go for something like this: https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-vancouver-water-resistant-15-inch-laptop-roll-top-backpack/navy/p4939439?s_ppc=2dx_mixed_fashion_BAU&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw_LOwBhBFEiwAmSEQAQFwf_1vdmNZAvltMvVcMwUqHFF4QrBJcS0cb6Z9LswE-6_Z3PI1VhoCJdoQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds - I have a similar style in a greyish pink. I don’t like the super functional black ones with all the zips etc. I’ll find a pic 😂

Personally I think handbags are the very definition of frump. Along with high heels.

Hiker rucksack - save it for actual hiking.

Knomo or Roko - perfect for daytime / work. I get loads of compliments on my Knomo backpack.

I'm with you.
I don't care whether other people like my bag or not. I like it, and I'm the one using it, so that's all that matters.
I regularly use a backpack/rucksack. I can fit all my stuff in it, and the weight is evenly distributed.

I have never owned or worn a back pack and never will. Ok for children I suppose but why on earth would an adult think thrtph are appropriate. They are a total menace and a danger to other folk getting bashed by them in the street or on public transport.

Ok for children I suppose but why on earth would an adult think thrtph are appropriate

Wow.
Just.
I mean.
Wow.

Millions of people love back packs. There's a whole community of carrying enthusiasts that collect backpacks and bags and discuss them.

But I mean why would an adult think it appropriate to carry things in a bag designed to carry things?

Me.think you should try pulling your head from where you carry it and try a backpack, much better than keeping your head up your bum.

I completely agree. When I'm out with my toddler I carry everything I need in my imagination. That way, when he's shat em, I just produce what I need from thin air. You know, like in a Loony Tunes cartoon.

😁

Backpacks are youthful and therefore the literal opposite of frumpy.

The cheek of her, calling you frumpy when she hauls around her belongings in a placcy bag!

Thanks for your replies. Some for and some against. I must say I would be loathed to go back to a tote bag now full of the stuff I carry around,

I do feel sensitive about what my friend but I might have to take it with a pinch of salt. I am certainly not a frumpy person but it's how it made me feel at the time.

I have a fancy pants Paul smith backpack for work. I don't think it's frumpy but don't care of it is, I love it. And my back thanks me.

TBH if I was reliant on public transport the last thing id be worrying about was whether or not other people liked my choice of bag.

I have a lovely Coach one, it's not at all frumpy

Does anyone else hear this in the voice of Lady Bracknell?

”A baaaaaaackpack?”

I’m drawn to these ‘frumpy’ threads like a
moth to a flame. Probably always saying the same thing. There’s nothing inherently ‘frumpy’ about a backpack. I’d say it’s decidedly not stylish to be humping around an overstuffed shoulder bag, all hot and bothered and getting your clothes scrunched up around it because it’s heavy and uncomfortable. If it’s chosen with care and with an eye to where you’re taking it and what you’re wearing then a backpack is fine.

I use them loads, travelling light is not a skill I’ve mastered. If I’m wearing a smart coat and proper shoes and going to a meeting then I use my leather one. If I’m getting the train to the office I have a Sandqvist one that I’ve chosen to be practical but also modern looking and intentional. If I’m going for a day out with my kids or for a walk I have a big plain nylon one that’ll fit coats, water bottles, a packet of biscuits and whatever else I need to avoid disaster and still do up, look tidy and not let the rain in.

If you choose a bag based purely on practicality or purely on aesthetics without considering the other, I think that’s when it looks not quite right (frumpy, I guess). Use a backpack, OP, and choose carefully.