Nothing highlights the absurdity of the fashion world quite like the military trend. Of course, I say this with great affection. Items that were originally designed with maximum functionality in mind were deconstructed, reconstructed and made fashionable, eventually becoming works of art that emerged like butterflies from their cocoons and were given names like “cute” and “breakfast-friendly.” There were space-age silver bomber jackets, cinched-waist overalls and very simple flight suits.
That said, we can’t deny that many of the “practical” 2024 trends are actually quite practical. The return of the cargo backpack is a perfect example. Riding the wave of the 2000s revival, multi-pocket cargo bags began appearing on the Miu Miu spring/summer 2023 runway, with belt bags featuring large pockets worn over understated pleated midi skirts. That same season, the brand released the Pocket bag, an oversized crossbody bag that quickly became an It Girl favorite. Unsurprisingly, by the time of the spring/summer 2024 show, the bag shape had already made its way into the collections of brands like Acne Studios, Fendi, and Simone Rocha, and I’m sure many more will soon follow suit.
Known for their boxy silhouettes and multi-pocket designs, not all cargo bags are the most stylish and practical items, but after years of stuffing iPhones into postage stamp-sized micro bags and losing house keys in the endlessly capacious depths of XXL bags, we can’t deny that the utilitarian appeal of the mid-sized cargo bag fills a gap in our accessories we didn’t even know existed.
So where should we find the ultimate work bag this season? As always, our first choice is second-hand sites, where we can find great deals on off-brand millennial styles. Roxanne by Mulberry is also a great archival search, and the brand’s online second-hand category is filled with all sorts of stylish variations to explore. In terms of new styles, Miu Miu’s Pocket and Fendi’s Maxi Multipocket Baguette are clear winners, but those on a budget should check out Vagabond’s Valance and Charles & Keith’s Mathilda, both of which are perfect additions to a wardrobe for any season. Standing at attention has never been so stylish.