It seems like just yesterday we were excited to stuff our brand new zip-up backpacks with pencil boxes, notebooks and binders. Somewhere along the way, we grew up. We ditched sneakers for heels, colored pencils for lip crayons and, naturally, those trusty backpacks graduated into oversized totes, ornate clutches and coveted designer bags. But as anyone on vigilant trend watch knows, even the most mundane or unfashionable items can have a major fashion moment. (See: sweatshirts). To wit, your middle school backpack is officially "in." With a few updates, of course.

We've graduated from plastic buckles and JanSports in every color to super chic leather bucket backpacks, thin straps and hardware detail worthy of New York Fashion Week runways and our favorite style icons. Give your shoulders a much-needed break and your back some style cred with the new generation of backpacks.

Backpacks may seem unconventional as a runway inspiration, but Rebecca Minkoff's Spring/Summer 2014 show proved the upcoming season is all about keeping it casual and chic. The hardware detailing and a sleek leather texture offset the off-duty vibe of this bold bag seamlessly.

When living the dream means traveling the world and showing off your iconic style, like it does for the blogger behind Vanilla & Velvet, it's so surprise that a backpack would be your go-to bag of choice. The all-black look is one thing (we don't mind it one bit), but we love this oversized patent leather bag for its bucket bag opening, grab handles and adjustable straps. It goes with any outfit and is spacious enough to fit everything you need to traverse the city, country or globe in style.

Another street-styler, Shea Marie of Vanilla & Velvet, snapped a pic of her easygoing look while traveling the California coastline. The chunky straps and woven leather material of her Salar bag are prime examples of fashion meets function. (And we can totally relate to the black-on-black-while-beachside-in-70-degree-winter-weather thing.)

We love Ashley Olsen for personifying her uber chillax but sublime sense of style. That slate gray bucket backpack from her line The Row is everything with the gold metal accents, particularly with the rest of her frumpy-chic outfit. But that along with another oversized navy tote, a Starbucks skinny vanilla half-caff latte with soy AND a dachshund. Come on.