Back-to-school means tons of shopping. Pens, pencil cases, binders and books—but those things can get so boring. While they are necessary, and even fun to some, my favorite part of back-to-school is picking out my bag(s)! Purchasing my bag for school is always such a hard feat—I mean as smart collegiettes we want to make sure we’re okay with the price tag, that it’s big enough to fit all of our belongings, and most importantly that it defines our sense of style. Her Campus has approved 20 of the cutest bags for back-to-school, making sure to keep different personalities and budgets in mind!
$30 & Under
Stripe Your Stuff
The on-trend navy stripes and brown leather accenting take this AEO Striped Satchel ($29.50) to that next style level. It’s for the preppy girl who likes to keep things casual and it will even pair perfectly with your brown leather boots—perfect for fall!
The Fiercest Kind of Fierce: Leopard Print
Fierce and feisty? Then this Leopard Print Canvas Backpack ($28.50) needs to find its way to your closet now! Rock this bag in class or even at the mall; it’s the perfect mix of convenience and fun.
Lazy Days
Every collegiette needs a bag like the Heather Crossbody ($29.50) chilling in her closet for those lazy fall days. Not only can you choose to get this bag in black, brown, or cream, but also at this price you could choose to buy all three!
Simple Dreaming
Do you spend your lectures wishing you could run through fields of flowers instead of sitting in class? Well, if that’s that case, you must get this Crochet Trim Backpack ($29.99) ASAP. It’s simply a must for any free-spirited flower child.
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$50 & Under
The Collegiette Princess of Bel Air
Hopefully you’re not the kind of kid who’s up to no good in your campus neighborhood, but rather the collegiette who likes to keep things trendy, fun, and chill. If you’re style is more “street”, then the Deena & Ozzy Acid Wash Patch Backpack ($42.00) is the bag for you.
I’d Stay and Chat, but I Mustache to Class!
Before you dash please take a look at the Mustache Backpack ($45.99), in pink, black, or nude! Mustaches are all the rage (weird college trend, right? But we love it!) and logically a backpack with one on it is in order. It’s just so mustchic.
TOTEally Fashionable
Own your own with this Fair Game Tote ($49.99). Not only can you hop from work, to class, to friends, and your Her Campus meetings without having to switch your bag, but the simple snap makes it so easy to drop your books in and take them out if you’re in a hurry. The pink, black, and nude combo makes this bag a must for the girl on the go! It’s totally fashionable and completely practical.
Back(pack) to Lace
Ready to die from absolute cuteness? This Kimchi Blue Lace & Jersey Backpack ($49) is the perfect casual and trendy combo. It’s so hard to have lace look good on jersey, but this bag pulls it off so well and now you can pull this bag off on your campus!
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$75 & Under
Your New Essential
Show off your girly style with this Bow So Basic Bag ($54.99). This neutral look is great for a day-to-night transition. You’ll look super chic running between your internship and meeting friends out for a night of fun! It may be basic, but it’s so sweet and sophisticated.
The Perfect Messenger
Looking for a bag that fits all of your class materials? Or what about a bag that you can take to your internship that doesn’t sport a designer brand? If so, then the Blair Messenger Bag ($68.00) needs to get in your closet now! With this bag you’ll certainly have heads turning and for this price your pocketbook will love you.
Concert & Class: Your Multi-Purpose Bag
With this Santa Fe Backpack ($58.00) you can literally head straight to a concert right from class! If you’re the kind of girl who likes to keep things pretty lax and loves Bob Marley jams then this bag may very well be your soul mate. Hauling books won’t seem like a chore when you do it with this beautiful boho bag.
Mad For Plaid
A bag like the Plaid it Cool Handbag ($54.99) never goes out of style, so it’s worth the investment! This messenger bag is perfect for students looking to nail the geek chic look with its lazy styled nature. The plaid isn’t too bold, but rather subtle due to the natural tones. It’s super cute for a study date too!
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$100 & Under
Simple Style
If you feel like you’re ready to get a bag that seems more mature then the L’Epicier Leather Bag ($95). is the perfect transition bag for you. Choose from five different earthy tones, which are all constructed with 100% leather. It’s big enough to fit all of your things for class, but also chic enough to take to an interview too.
The Romantic Satchel
Are you the kind of girl who day dreams about love stories, happy endings, and sings Taylor Swift songs all day long? If so, the Dora Satchel ($100) belongs in your wardrobe. The patent pink material gives off a romantic feel and will leave you feeling flirty all day everyday.
Sparkle Makes Life Better
And with this “Bfancyy” ($98) bag your days will surely seem better. Not only does this bag have the perfect amount of slouch, but the sparkle adds so much character to the simplicity of the design. Feel free to take this out for a night in the city with your friends as well—the sequins make it easily transition from class to a night out!
That’s So ‘70s
This vintage-inspired Downtown Storefront Bag ($85.99) will make you feel like you’re stuck in the ‘70s. The green, orange, and beige tones give this bag a retro look, but the bowling bag shape really pulls the style together. Show it off in class or when out and about or even bring it to work.
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$100 & Up
Falling for Betsey!
For the ultimate flirt this Betsey Johnson Tote ($128) is supreme. Cute, fun, flirty, and young—this bag lets you act professional while still staying true to your style. In black, crème, or blue this bag is sure to look fantastic on your shoulder.
In for the Long(champ) Haul
A Longchamp tote ($145) is a classic bag that can go with anything and will last you for years to come. The simple construction holds up nicely and the size of the bag is ideal to use not only for class, but for weekend trips as well. It’s more than respectable in the workplace and you can choose from so many colors so you are sure to find one that suits your style.
Sassy in Snake Print
This Michael Kors Exclusive Macbook Tote ($269.95) may have a bit of a larger price tag, but once you make this purchase it will be around for a while. Sturdy and professional, you can keep this bag with you years after graduation and really make a sassy mark no matter where you go.
Make Your Marc
And finally, we have the Core Pretty Tate by Marc Jacobs ($198). You’ll make your Marc at work, your internship, in class and even on the go! While branding can be a bit overboard sometimes, this bag keeps it cute in a classy and chic way. It’s simply fun and the convenience of the size of the bag makes it a winner in our book!
And on that note, collegiettes, we wish you the best of luck hitting the books this semester!
Photo Sources:
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image of girl with bag via Shutterstock