How to Style Your Back-to-School Bag

• Get ready for back-to-school season with a style companion that matches your on-campus style.
• Read on for our Coach recommendations, with styling tips for the new semester.

The best part about transitioning between seasons? Swapping out your wardrobe—and that includes your perfect plus-one. The bag you take with you for back-to-school season needs to check off a few boxes. First, it should have enough space for your campus essentials (think laptops and notebooks). Second, it should be comfortable to carry for long walks through campus. Lastly (and probably most importantly), it needs to match your personal style.

Whether you have your back-to-school bag picked out already or you’re still on the hunt for the one, read on for our top three styling tips for the new semester.

The color of your back-to-school bag should complement (rather than clash with) all your go-to campus looks. And it all depends on your personal style.

For Bold, Patterned Wardrobes

If no color or pattern is off limits in your wardrobe, you’ll want to choose an adaptable bag—one that plays well with everything from dramatic, moody hues to pretty pastels and lively patterns. Thankfully, the neutral colors of today are anything but boring. Try hues like creamy ivory, maple or dark chocolate for the perfect plus-one that won’t steal the show. 

Style Picks: Lana Shoulder Bag, Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 34, Chelsea Shoulder Bag 36,

For Neutral-Toned Wardrobes

Neutral-colored wardrobes are extremely versatile. For a sleek, monochromatic look, pair neutrals with more neutrals—just don’t be afraid to mix and match textures for added visual depth. If you want to inject a pop of color via your bag, the possibilities are endless. Choose a bold shade like fuchsia or marigold or make a statement with a striking pattern like checkerboard or cherry print.  

Style Picks: Tabby Shoulder Bag 26 with Quilting, Tabby Shoulder Bag 26

Back-to-school season is all about layering different materials—think chunky knits with lived-in leather or cozy shearling with warm corduroy. When it comes to your bag for the season, try one of these rich textures for added dimension.

Suede

A suede bag adds rich texture and timeless elegance to any look, any season (especially fall). Style suede handbags with cozy knitwear or smooth leather for a layered look with depth.

Shearling

Shearling is a luxuriously soft material considered a symbol of American cool (and one of our house codes). Style with chunky knits and other cozy fabrics for the ultimate autumn vibe.

Natural Grain Leather

Natural Grain Leather only gets better with time. When worn often, your bag will mold to you—taking in the sunlight, air and oils from your skin for a naturally “broken in” look that complements the rich color palettes and cozy layers of autumn.

Your back-to-school bag should serve as an extension of your own personal style—and bag charms take that to the next level. If you love to show off your personality wherever you go, why limit yourself to a single bag charm, strap or keyring? Luckily, charm layering gives you the power to incorporate more than just one aspect of who you are into your everyday bag. Look for charms that speak to you, whether that’s through your hobbies and interests or taste in jewelry.

For the Sports Enthusiast: If you’re always on the run—literally—choose a sports-inspired charm like our Small Tennis Racket Bag Charm or Soho Sneaker Bag Charm.

For the Bag Collector: If you consider yourself fashion-forward, go with an accessory that mimics your favorite bag—like the iconic Mini Rowan Bag Charm.

For the Animal Admirer: If you’ve always been a lover of all sorts of critters, we've got you covered. Try our Teddy Bear Bag Charm or Fuzzy Bag Charm.

For the Jewelry Lover: Do you have a favorite pearl necklace you always wear on special occasions? Sport a matching Short Pearl Strap on your favorite going out bag.