DESIGN
The Best Bag Silhouettes for Back-to-School
It’s all about the shape.
- Color, material, size and hardware are all important features to consider when choosing a back-to-school bag.
- But one of the most overlooked elements that speak to personality is silhouette (or the overall outline or profile of a bag).
- Here’s how to discover the right bag shape for your daily campus routine.
On a quest to find your dream back-to-school bag? You’ve likely already considered color, material, size and even hardware. But if you've ever wondered what the real secret to finding the perfect bag is, we've got you covered: It's all in the shape.
From the iconic lines of the Tabby to the effortless slouch of the Brooklyn, each silhouette is designed to complement your style (and life)—not complicate it. And finding the right shape for you isn't just about what's trending; it's really about discovering the bag that fits into your daily campus routine.
Here's how to find the right bag silhouette for back-to-school season.
Slouchy
Relaxed Silhouettes: Easy, slouchy shapes that move with you and lend a more laissez-faire touch to your look.
Best For: Are you always on the move? If your schedule tends to be booked with a variety of different activities and no stops home between sunup and sundown, try an expandable shoulder bag like the Brooklyn. Or, if you’re looking for a back-to-school bag you can wear to all your off-campus endeavors, go for a smaller (yet still slouchy) style like the Chelsea.
The Highlights:
Best For: Are you always on the move? If your schedule tends to be booked with a variety of different activities and no stops home between sunup and sundown, try an expandable shoulder bag like the Brooklyn. Or, if you’re looking for a back-to-school bag you can wear to all your off-campus endeavors, go for a smaller (yet still slouchy) style like the Chelsea.
The Highlights:
- Easy to carry, an ideal “grab-and-go” bag
- Effortlessly stylish
- Ultra-spacious
Structured
Structured Silhouettes: Architectural in nature, these bags retain their shape while projecting a more polished, refined look.
Best For: Are you a minimalist? For those who only like carrying the absolute essentials, a more compact shoulder bag, like the Tabby, might do the trick, especially for nights out on campus. Or, if you prefer a spacious tote that still holds its shape (even while dashing through campus), the City Tote is for you.
The Highlights:
Best For: Are you a minimalist? For those who only like carrying the absolute essentials, a more compact shoulder bag, like the Tabby, might do the trick, especially for nights out on campus. Or, if you prefer a spacious tote that still holds its shape (even while dashing through campus), the City Tote is for you.
The Highlights:
- Easy to keep organized
- Maintains its shape
- Clean, minimalist look
Hybrid
Hybrid Silhouettes: The best of both worlds, hybrid bag silhouettes combine a more structured form with rounded edges.
Best For: Looking to balance more of a polished style with everyday utility? If you tend to crave that extra space relaxed silhouettes typically offer but still want a bag that holds its shape when stashed with laptops and books, try an expandable carryall with a hybrid silhouette like the Empire.
The Highlights:
Best For: Looking to balance more of a polished style with everyday utility? If you tend to crave that extra space relaxed silhouettes typically offer but still want a bag that holds its shape when stashed with laptops and books, try an expandable carryall with a hybrid silhouette like the Empire.
The Highlights:
- Structured form with a controlled slouch
- Firm base for easy organization
- Expands to take on a few extras
FAQs: You asked. We’ve answered.
What bag silhouette is best for formal events?
What bag silhouette is best for formal events?
Whether dressing up in your most sophisticated pantsuit or showcasing your most formal gown, the right bag silhouette should complement your personal style as well as the occasion. For a polished, refined vibe, try a structured silhouette that holds its shape like the Tabby bag. If you prefer a blend of structure and softer, rounded lines, a hybrid silhouette like the Empire bag is the perfect middle ground.
What bag silhouette is best for a casual day out?
What bag silhouette is best for a casual day out?
A casual day out running errands often leads to at least a few spontaneous pitstops. Choose a relaxed silhouette like the Brooklyn bag for an expandable style that effortlessly handles everything the day throws your way.
What bag silhouette transitions best from a daytime look to an evening event?
What bag silhouette transitions best from a daytime look to an evening event?
From morning coffee runs to midday meetings to evening events, hybrid silhouettes strike the perfect balance between structured form and rounded edges. Pair a hybrid silhouette with a cozy sweater and loafers for a laid-back lunch with friends or style it with a sophisticated pantsuit and heels for a formal evening out.