The raffia bag goes back in the closet. The dinner bags are demoted to weekend duty. Summer had one job, and it did it. Now comes the next: finding a bag that can hold a laptop, a water bottle, a charger, the random protein bar, and, probably, no pens. The criteria is: tote bag, comfortable, versatile, large enough to fit a laptop alongside your fifty other essentials (we know uni days can get long).
Here’s what actually works:
LONGCHAMP
Believe it or not, there’s more to Longchamp than Le Pliage. We encourage you to explore other options like the beautiful Le Smart L tote. We do realize, though, that Le Pliage might be the most student-budget-friendly option. In which case, here’s what you do. Get a large size with the longer strap option – trust us. Longchamp’s Le Pliage gets dismissed as the basic option, which is unfair, because defaults earn that status for a reason. We like it in Lime for a pop of color you’ll likely need by midterms season. It nylon-folds down to nothing when you don’t need it and expands to fit everything when you do.
POLÈNE
Polène is reliable, sturdy, and understated. The Cyme tote gives an impression that you’re someone who has her life together, even if her life is currently three overdue readings and a contribution to a group project. Structured enough for a laptop, soft enough to not look like you’re on your way to a law firm.
PARFOIS
Parfois’ shopper with a removable pouch comes in three different colors, is oversized, with its own detachable pouch. We like it in Ecru or Camel and totally think it’d be cute even off campus for a casual day out.
ZHIVAGO
Zhivago’s Bianca tote is subtle with a hint of pizzazz. Faux suede, studded, a star charm dangling off the side. This is the bag for the version of you that treats a 9am lecture like a red carpet, which, respectfully, is the correct attitude to have about most things.
H&M
This H&M tote in dark brown or dark red exists for the mornings you have exactly zero capacity for decision-making. Roomy, unfussy, two colors with enough depth to not come off as boring. Some days the bag just needs to hold things. This is that bag. Other stunning options like the H&M Spacious Bag are also available.
PALMA
Palma’s Tangerine Garden Quilted Tote is reversible, which means it’s technically two bags, making it the closest thing to cheating this list allows. The print is reminiscent of Isabel Marant quilted jackets, at a fraction of the emotional and financial commitment.
LACOSTE
Lacoste’s Anna reversible tote comes with a pouch, two textures, grained on one side, embossed piqué on the other, and the quiet superiority of a bag that is actually two. We recommend the blue color in particular.
NAZ HANDBAGS
Naz Handbags’ cowhide tote is an excellent choice for when you need your university bag to have a big personality. Made from genuine cowhide with a naturally unique pattern, it’s roomy enough to handle the usual laptop-and-everything-else situation, with a magnetic closure to keep the chaos somewhat contained. And because every cowhide pattern is naturally different, no two bags will look quite the same.
GEORGES SARA
Georges Sara’s Gouna is the grown-up choice for anyone who wants a university bag sturdy enough to last, and chic enough to be taken anywhere. Made from premium full-grain calf leather and available in a particularly eye-catching turquoise, it’s spacious enough to fit the necessities without looking bulky or too serious.
NUNIZ
Nuniz’s The Carreta with a hand-embroidered handle is made of premium full-grain pebbled leather and comes with a snakeskin shoulder strap, and enough pockets to suggest that they really thought this bag through. Its best feature? It comes in ten colors, so there’s something for everyone. Handbag, shoulder bag, work bag, uni bag: it’s making a compelling argument for all four.
