The back-to-work bags that mean business.

If you have anything in common with the team at MR PORTER, you’ll currently be in the throes of a seemingly-perpetual festive hangover that threatens to finish you off by the time 2018 finally arrives. As such, your back-to-work wardrobe is probably the last thing on your mind. We’re not about to blame you for that, but there’s also no better time than now to start planning a stylish comeback to the land of the living. Investing in a new backpack is a good place to start, given that this is the one thing that will still fit no matter how many mince pies you put away when the betwixtmas boredom inevitably strikes. Scroll down for a few of our current favourites, selected for your delectation from a range of European brands.

NN07 is a Danish brand known for its no nonsense wardrobe staples, of which this shell backpack is a fine representation. (NB: the NN actually stands for “No Nationality”, not “No Nonsense”. Sorry if that’s confusing). Great for commuting come rain or shine, it’s rendered in a mixture of waterproof shell and durable canvas, and comes with a padded pocket that will accommodate (and protect) a 13-inch laptop. It’ll team well with this insulating shearling-trimmed bomber jacket from Ami.

Givenchy’s USP is contemporary Parisian streetwear. Still, focusing just on aesthetics when it comes to this grosgrain backpack would be overlooking its utilitarian properties. As well as a roomy main compartment, it comes with two large front pockets which are perfect for storing a charger, accessories or a paperback. Stay on brand with the rest of your outfit with these minimal Givenchy sneakers, which come with a pop of bright red on the heel to inject some colour into a look.

“Investment piece” is a phrase that’s flippantly bandied about these days, but sometimes there’s no better aphorism. Case in point: this leather backpack from Madrid-based luxury brand Loewe. Crafted from dark grey, pebble-grain calf leather in Spain, it has thick adjustable straps, is lined with canvas herringbone, and is subtly debossed with the Loewe emblem. As far as backpacks go, its pedigree is hard to top. Of course, such largesse doesn’t come without a price tag, but if you’re in the market for something that marries deluxe and hardwearing, this will see you well beyond 2018. The grey of the bag will work well with most anything, but will look particularly refined next to muted shades – try pairing it with this dusty pink Simon Miller sweater, which is woven from tactile alpaca yarn.