DESIGN
What Should I Look for in a Back-to-School Bag?
The best bags for campus are spacious, durable and versatile.
- The best back-to-school bags are spacious, durable and versatile.
- Look for a handbag color that can be easily integrated into your existing wardrobe.
Before the school year starts, one thing to check off your list is finding a great everyday bag. This is the bag you’ll reach for every morning, whether you’re heading to class, an internship, a study date or anything in between. To find the right one, there are several things to look for. Follow this guide below and you’ll end up with the ultimate bag for school (and beyond).
Pick a spacious silhouette.
The perfect school bag has plenty of space for all your essentials: notebooks, pens, lip balm, glasses, wallet and water bottle, etc. The ultimate style is one you can toss anything in without overthinking, leaving you more time for all the other things you’re juggling as a student. Coach has many bags that hold everything and more, so you can be sure your school bag is as stylish as it is functional.
Spacious favorites include the effortless Brooklyn bag, which comes in 3 convenient sizes. The biggest size, the Brooklyn 39, is guaranteed to fit it all—even a laptop. The mid-sized Brooklyn 34 is also roomy and easily carries your must-have items. The smallest Brooklyn in size 28 is good for your smaller essentials—but if you really want one bag that fits a lot, choose the 39 or 34.
More spacious bags: Empire Carryall 40, Lana Shoulder Bag, Gotham Backpack
Spacious favorites include the effortless Brooklyn bag, which comes in 3 convenient sizes. The biggest size, the Brooklyn 39, is guaranteed to fit it all—even a laptop. The mid-sized Brooklyn 34 is also roomy and easily carries your must-have items. The smallest Brooklyn in size 28 is good for your smaller essentials—but if you really want one bag that fits a lot, choose the 39 or 34.
More spacious bags: Empire Carryall 40, Lana Shoulder Bag, Gotham Backpack
Make sure the material is durable.
When you’re running from one activity to the next, you want your school bag to be highly durable. After all, this is a bag meant to be used daily rather than gathering dust on your shelf. Durability is ensured with our signature Coach craftmanship, but it’s also helpful to pick a bag material that is especially suited for frequent use.
Bags crafted of natural grain leather, pebbled leather or Signature canvas are all excellent choices. These materials are designed to keep up with your day while elevating your look. A material like natural grain leather even gets softer and more beautiful with time, so the more you use your bag, the better it gets.
Durable bag favorites: City Tote in Signature canvas, City Tote in pebbled leather, Brooklyn 34 in natural grain leather
Bags crafted of natural grain leather, pebbled leather or Signature canvas are all excellent choices. These materials are designed to keep up with your day while elevating your look. A material like natural grain leather even gets softer and more beautiful with time, so the more you use your bag, the better it gets.
Durable bag favorites: City Tote in Signature canvas, City Tote in pebbled leather, Brooklyn 34 in natural grain leather
Choose a versatile shade.
A bag you’ll use often is a bag that goes with anything. When picking your back-to-school bag, opt for a neutral shade that will complement any look. This way, you can use the same one over and over again, saving time and energy on the daily. A classic option is black, which is easy to wear and goes from day to night with ease. Other neutral favorites like white or brown are also versatile and timeless. Just consider your entire wardrobe and pick the shade you naturally gravitate toward.
Neutral bag picks: Brooklyn Bag 34 in Maple, Station Tote in Sand, Taylor Backpack in Black
Neutral bag picks: Brooklyn Bag 34 in Maple, Station Tote in Sand, Taylor Backpack in Black
FAQs: You asked. We’ve answered.
What should I pack in my going-out bag?
What should I pack in my going-out bag?
Whether going out consists of dinners in the city, happy hours that turn into evening drinks or late nights in your college town, don’t forget to pack the essentials.
- Essentials: Phone, wallet or card case, ID, keys
- Tech: Digital camera, portable charger
- Miscellaneous: Lip gloss, hair ties, clips
How can I style a clutch for a night out?
How can I style a clutch for a night out?
Make a statement with your clutch for a night out with friends by choosing a style with beading, embellishments or quilting. Match your bag’s hardware finish to your jewelry or clothing hardware—think belt buckles or metallic straps on your shoes. Carry your clutch in your hand or under your arm for a polished, put together look.
How can I dress up a crossbody for a night out?
How can I dress up a crossbody for a night out?
To transition your crossbody from a convenient, hands-free daytime bag to a sophisticated, polished evening piece, you can add accessories, match your straps to your outfit or even convert your bag into a statement clutch.
- Add Accessories: Detachable straps, charms and keychains are the on-trend way to transform any bag without making permanent changes. For a dressier look, try chain-link designs or stands of pearls. Check out our guide to accessorizing for more unique ways to personalize your bag.
- Choose a Chain Strap: Match your bag’s chain strap to your jewelry for a sophisticated touch.
- Convert to a Clutch: Drop all straps and transform your crossbody into a statement clutch for a stylish going-out bag.