Although having a mismatched wardrobe is entirely a first world problem, it can be a very real problem. At least, it was for me before I adopted the ‘four ways‘ rule (part of my Wardrobe Rehab) – by attempting to make sure that everything I buy goes with at least 4 outfits in my closet before I pull out my wallet. For all you serial shoppers out there, it can also be a useful tool for post-purchase-justification, but that’s not really the point is it now… Although I give most of my closet the four ways treatment, I wanted to share with you one item that’s surprised me by becoming one of the most versatile pieces in my wardrobe – the backpack.
Backpacks are one of those things your mum always tells you that you need, but since the huge poo brown brick of a backpack I was made to wear throughout high school I haven’t really been able to go there. Skip forward a few years and I’ve done a complete 180, helped primarily by a black leather one from Whistles that has pretty much become an extra appendage since I added it to my cart. I must say, it has done wonders for my posture – my mother would be proud! And what’s even better is that when I wear it I get a sense of schoolgirl-esque nostalgia that adds a shine to the day (sans detentions and being constantly told ‘if only you’d apply yourself!’). Recently Whistles sent me this silver backpack from their new SS14 collection, and I thought what better way to test it out than to put it (as well as my own black backpack) to a classic four way?
Whistles Verity Rucksack (in stock in silver soon), Whistles Portland Rucksack
A few other fun options:
$$$: The Row, Alexander Wang. $: Topshop, New Look, Asos.
Outfit 1: Whistles Portland Rucksack, Witchery Sweater (like this), Whistles Silver Skirt, Madewell silk shirt (Like this), Chelsea boots, Asos fedora
Outfit 2: Whistles Verity Rucksack, Topshop white tee, Witchery Sweater (like this), DIY neoprene skirt, Zara booties, Asos fedora.
Outfit 3: Whistles Portland Rucksack, Whistles silver skirt, Macgraw blush blazer, Topshop tee, Asos fedora, Witchery flats (like these)
Outfit 4: Whistles Verity Rucksack, Topshop white tee, Witchery Sweater (like this), Witchery fluted skirt , Asos fedora, Witchery flats (like these).
Outfit 5: Whistles Verity Rucksack, Witchery Sweater (like this), Madewell silk shirt (Like this), DIY cut off denim shorts, grey fedora, Chelsea boots.
Outfit 6: Whistles Portland Rucksack, Whistles silver cami, Whistles silver skirt, Witchery Sweater (like this), Asos fedora, Chelsea boots.
Outfit 7: Whistles Portland Rucksack, Boda Skins leather jacket (another here), Witchery Sweater (like this), Whistles silver cami, DIY neoprene skirt, Zara booties, Asos fedora.
Outfit 8: Whistles Verity Rucksack, Boda Skins leather jacket (another here), Witchery Sweater (like this), Whistles silver cami, J Crew Jeans, Zara Booties, Asos fedora.
Interestingly the silver backpack appears just as wearable as the black one I have, although if you’re dipping your toe into the whole backpack shenanigans I’d probably choose a neutral tone to start with, then start experimenting with prints and intergalactic metallics.
On another note, I’m so looking forward to watching the Whistles AW14 show via their livestream, I love that you don’t have to actually go to the shows to get a touch of fashion week. Make sure you tune in next Monday 17th at 11.30 am GMT here to watch it!
That is a beautiful rucksack! Backpacks are my favourite, and I’m happy that nowadays I don’t have to choose between sacrificing style for comfort, so to say (though I still do, because nothing competes with my beaten up black faux-Adidas beauty I purchased forever and a day ago on a complete whim).
I really like how you style the photographs of this series overall. Very good!
Love these backpacks! They definitely will be the center of attention in every outfit!
AlinaErmilova.com
What a cool idea for a post and that metallic backpack, I love it!! xx
http://www.creativityandchocolate.com
cool blopost! love backpacks, though i don’t own one…love all th outfits you created!
The Fashion Menue
I´m not a big fan of backpacks but these are wonderful! The silk one is my favourite and you´re right, it´s very wearable
That silver backpack is awesome and I would have never considered wearing it like that. What a creative post!
[…] FOUR WAYS: THE BACKPACK […]
Omg i’m in love with those backpacks<3 They are stunning. Really cool blogpost!
x
loving the silver backpack!
This is really nice!! I love the backpack and how you styled it! But I am even more impressed about how you decorated, and styled the photo!!!
http://blog.miamarionette.com
Great post! I think outfit #7 is my favorite. Leather jacket + light pink mini skirt, yes!
– Liz
a fickle heart
Clever rule!
http://www.whatsashawears.com
Beautiful inspiration x
http://www.blondecanvas.blogspot.co.uk
I am so in love with that silver backpack is to die for! Such a fresh and great piece to combine. I want it so badly xx
fashionvitae.blogspot.com
The photos look really creative, but it woul have been nice to actually see the outfits.
I love how you use each item in your wardrobe so many times in so many different combinations. It’s such an inspiration for easy, yet pulled-together dressing.
http://www.fullbellywornsoles.com/
I think I have to buy myself a backpack!
Looks so cool!
Love, Elisa
http://www.youcausemetrouble.blogspot.com
Oh my goodness this is amazing- LOVE pastels and metallics at the moment!
Would love it if you had time to check out my blog!
analisevt.wordpress.com
analisevt.tumblr.com
xx
One day I will build the courage to buy a cute leather backpack and rock it!
http://staciamia.blogspot.com.au
Cool idea I, think I’ll try that too. It would certainly save me a lot of money. And love those bags! 🙂
Check out my Valentine’s theme on http://www.girlcandress.blogspot.com
The Witchery flats are gorgeous!
Happy Valentines Day!
Sophie x
http://your-girl-is-lovely.blogspot.co.uk
I love them too, now if only the cold would go away so I can wear them more!
I love the outfits! That backpack is totally a must have. Silver, black and gold should always be on your option ’cause they’re very versatile and easy to match with. If you’d like to find outfits to wear with that you can try visiting this site http://whatgoeswiththis.co/, they can help you to find what to wear with anything in your closet!
In love with the backpacks (of course) and with all that silver stuff!! ♥
Vittoria from 5 IN THE MORNING
http://vittoriafiveinthemorning.blogspot.it/2014/02/ti-sei-dimenticata-il-dessert.html
I’m such a sucker for silver too.
It’s so funny that you post this (a) because I’m constantly in the position that I have way too many pieces of clothing and never anything to wear because my collection is so ADD, and (b) because I was just shopping around for the perfect backpack! You know, the kind that isn’t so much, “let’s got to the first grade” and more, “let’s go to work and out to lunch.” Something that doubles as a functional bag and a purse more or less, this looks like it could be more than a valid contender! Thanks so much, awesome post!
-Elyse Ashley
Glad you like Elyse, I’ve been seeing them everywhere and can’t believe I didn’t get on board sooner 🙂
cutest backpack I have ever seen.
I know right!
Cute backpacks! I’ve never really put much focus on matching my bag with my outfit, but now seeing how important it is, it’s definitely something I should start doing. I liked this post a lot.
Check out mine on high end fashion vs. high street: http://olivia-savannah.blogspot.nl/2014/02/high-end-vs-high-street-2014-blogger.html
Often I make the bag the centre of the my outfit!
Great, thanks for this! Love how you have paired all these. M.Mae.
melodieandmae.blogspot.com
Thanks, am on a metallics and pink trip at the moment.
I love backpacks and I also love that you can wear them from casual to business in all kinds of ways!
http://love-your-ego.blogspot.de
I have realised the same thing recently, they’re not just for school kids!
I love the black backpack…
http://lttreasure.blogspot.co.uk/
It’s the best thing in my wardrobe!
[…] might need a backpack. . […]
[…] was a silver backpack, after seeing the very lust worthy Whistles Verity over at https://apairandasparediy.com/2014/02/four-ways-the-backpack.html A backpack . . . well, that might be just the ticket to give me the flash but still accommodate my […]