senreve midi maestra, NATION LTD TEE, TRAVE JEANS

A few years ago, I started a new job with a trip to LA. I popped by the office to pick up my laptop en route to the airport and, horror of horrors, it was vast! Far too vast to fit inside my carry on. The poor machine had to travel with its bottom hanging out (like the proverbial plumber) trying not to get damaged. It was a cautionary tale on the dangers of poor planning and impractical purses – one that I and many brands have heeded! More and more designers are offering the accessory equivalent of athleisure: bags that are comfy, convenient and kitted out for your daily marathon. Whether you’re traveling around the world or across town, here are three styles that can handle whatever your busy life throws at them.

The do-it-all carryall

Many of us are trying to simplify. If that includes you, then you’re in luck when it comes to bags. Thanks to enduring utilitarian and athleisure trends, backpacks are as acceptable at the office as they are on the trail. This is one bag to rule them all – able, in its fancier form, to take you from your commute (even with colossal computer!) to a work trip to the gym to a family vacation.

You can pick up a posh pack at every price point, from an $85 metallic model by STATE (which donates a stocked rucksack to a child in need for every backpack bought), to a mid-priced eye print pack from Anya Hindmarch, to a mortgage payment equivalent from Prada. I use the Tumi Carson to walk to work (looks fancy enough for the office), travel for business (fits a 15-inch laptop) and pack the kitchen sink of kids’ supplies on family holidays. It’s not inexpensive, but it’s got so many places to put things, it’s like having a mobile office/kitchen/playroom!

2. The convertibles

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THE ANDI BAG, frame jacket, all saints scarf

CONVERTS TO SHOULDER BAG, BACKPACK, CROSSBODY AND WRISTLET

How many roles do you play on any given weekend? Kids’ playmate? Friend’s workout partner? Sweetie’s date? Guests’ tour guide? Too many to list?! When we switch hats at, well, the drop of one, we need a bag that can keep up. Fortunately, many designers are on the case. They’re crafting carryalls that convert to match your activity. Take ANDI brand bags, one of my faves for everything from weekends around town to personal travel. Their totes (small, signature or XL) convert from a shoulder bag to a crossbody to a backpack – even containing handy extras like a removable pouch and luggage strap. Caraa is another expert shapeshifter. Its studio bag (small, medium and large) can be carried as a satchel, crossbody or backpack – all while looking fabulous.

SENREVE bags; anatomie dress, Nordstrom sweater, vince boots

And its not just casual brands that will convert for you. Senreve brings similar flexibility to its high-end line of leather purses. There’s a bum bag (as a Brit, I can never bring myself to say fanny pack!) that converts into a sling bag, crossbody and clutch, and a satchel (in various sizes) that can be worn as a tote, crossbody or backpack. This way you can get that extra pair of hands you’re always wishing for!

3. The smarter suitcase

Suitcases have come a long way in recent years. They glide with ease on four wheels. They can weigh next to nothing. And they’ve become smart (in both the techy and fashion-y sense of the word). One brand that exemplifies these attributes at an accessible price point is Away. Away has become a bit of a traveler’s darling, and as the proud owner of a carry-on and check version, I can see why. Carry-on models offer an ejectable battery that can provide that invaluable extra charge. The polycarbonate shell has a hardside look with just a little give. And they come in an array of glorious colors, from baby pink to coast blue to metallic gold. Other bags with beauty and brains include Samsara Arlo Skye and Horizn Studios.

So, what did we miss? Got a bag you love? Please share your savvy with a comment! Hope these ideas were helpful – and wherever you and your bag are going, may you travel well!