Bookbag Ideas for the School Year
By Jenny, age 16, New Jersey
An easy way to be stylish is to carry a great bookbag! Gone are the days of Barbie backpacks and lunchboxes with Disney princesses on them. Here are some bag ideas that combine fashion and function, perfect for school!Jansport backpacks are everywhere! Their classic silhouette and durability makes them a favorite among students of all ages. They are very spacious and have many compartments and pockets. Jansport backpacks also come in a variety of colors, patterns, styles, and sizes. You can usually get one for $20-$50. I've had my sky blue and brown Jansport backpack for three years now, and after a toss in the washer every now and then, it still looks brand new!
Another popular brand for school bookbags is Vera Bradley. Vera Bradley bags are known for their fun and colorful patterns. They come in a variety of styles: different totes, backpacks, messenger bags and even lunch bags. I used to carry the Villager tote bag. It had more than enough room for all my books and lasted the entire year. However, they are made of cotton so washes may be necessary to keep your bag looking clean fabulous! They are priced from $40 to $100.
Some girls don't mind spending big bucks on a brand name bag for school. Longchamp is a company from Paris that is famous for its Le Pliage style. What I love about these bags is that they can be used for school in addition to just going out. They are super versatile and can be both casual and formal looking. They also come in a variety of patterns and colors. They are made out of nylon, the same material as parachutes, which says a lot about their durability. Longchamp bags are a pricier option regarding school bags at $145.
Other Ideas:
Canvas backpack - a more bohemian looking backpack which can also carry a lot of things.
Messenger bags - available in many fabrics, designs and price ranges.
Oversized purse - a regular purse that is, well, big enough for your books.
Ecote Canvas Rucksack, Urban Outfitters, $68
Your bookbag is a great way to express your own personal style and keep organized at the same time! In the end, you don't need to have a certain brand or type of backpack in order to look good and feel good about yourself.