Packing for Class...the CUTE WAY

With the beginning of each new school year comes the ever-changing school supply list. While those lists have certainly evolved since we first began kindergarten (can we switch the colorful crayons in place of the $150 textbook that one professor always makes you buy?!), one thing has always stayed on the list--a backpack.

If you have already picked out a cute new bag to carry your books for the 2017-2018 school year, you know just how many different types there are to choose from. If you accidentally end up waiting until the last possible moment to shop, I am here to help! If you want to stay away from the plain packs everyone and their mothers use, I got you covered with some fashionable yet practical alternatives.

This list includes a combination of some of the most commonly used products on college campuses and some that will allow you to set the trend! Hopefully, this guide will help you navigate through the world of athletic/outdoor bags, totes and satchels without even having to leave your bed.

A note before we get started! In each article, two special items will be featured: a splurge item and a save item. Since they are generally on the two extreme ends of a college kid’s budget, they will be listed before all others.

SPLURGE:

Henri Bendel ‘West 57th Backpack,’ $298. Whether you’re planning to channel your inner Blair Waldorf or your future in fashion, this bag is a must. With 100% Saffiano leather and four colors to choose from (Black, Nine Iron/Silver, Grey Violet and Port), all eyes will be on you when you’re rocking this to class!

SAVE:

Anne Klein ‘Perfect Tote Flap Satchel,’ $39.59 on sale from $89. This bag is much sleeker and more professional than the name of the style, I promise. This Anne Klein tote/satchel mix is perfect for the girl on a budget who wants to show up to her internship looking like the boss. Perfect for going from class to work and who can beat that 56% savings?!

ATHLETIC/OUTDOOR BAGS:

There’s a reason this type of bag has been around literally forever and it’s because they never get old. The most popular and cutest brands for this type are Patagonia, The North Face and good ole Adidas. If you’re interested in going straight from class to the gym/hiking trail (or you want some credibility to go with your norts), this is the perfect bag for you. An athletic style bag is also much more comfortable and better for your shoulders and back if you have multiple classes each day since they evenly spread the weight across your shoulders. Specific styles: Patagonia Women’s Chacabuco ($99), The North Face Borealis ($89), Adidas Daybreak ($55).

TOTES:

Whether you’re going for something professional or something fun, you can’t go wrong with a tote bag. They are beyond versatile and perfect for the days you only have a couple classes on campus! The two leading brands for durable and stylish totes this year are Vera Bradley and Longchamp. While they can be on the pricier end, they literally last forever and won’t break when it’s time for midterms and you have to cram every single textbook you own into it for an all-nighter at the library. Both of these brands have different size options, but the large is the one that will be able to get you through the year. Specific styles: Vera Bradley ‘Vera Bohemian Blooms’ (on sale for $43), Longchamp ‘Large Le Pliage’ Tote ($145).

SATCHELS:

It can be difficult to find a satchel with enough space for your laptop and notebook, but when you do you can’t let it go. As mentioned in this week’s save, satchels are the type of bags that perfectly combine practical and professional (and are very aesthetically-pleasing). I’ve been searching and searching for satchels that fit everything I need, and I keep coming back to Anne Klein. Before this summer I had never heard of this brand, but they have everything and you can always find them on sale. If you’re looking for a more casual option, Target always has some great finds! Specific styles: Anne Klein ‘Textured Two-Tone Satchel’ (on sale for $35.20), Target ‘Nubuck Satchel Handbag with Foxford Trim’ by Merona ($34.99).

With all of that said, keep in mind that functionality is the most important part of a backpack. Yes, they are the perfect way to show individuality on a crowded campus, but make sure to buy the bag that will comfortably fit everything you need to carry around or you will be miserable--and no one should be unhappy when they’re looking this cute!!