Everyone loves a good North Face backpack — they are some of college students’ faves. But it’s time to let go and move on. Totes bags save the day when you’re not a fan of carrying around a 15-pound backpack. You might be wondering, how will a tote bag carry all my crap? Tote bags are available in different sizes, shapes and designs, and many of them have enough room for all of that crap! I’ve found totes that fit all the necessities, such as laptops, tablets,, and lunches. Sometimes, wearing a backpack clashes with your favorite outfits, but a classic tote keeps your look on point.
Leather and nylon are common materials that totes are made of, which is why they keep their shape and are easy to lug around. Tote bags are a wardrobe essential, and should be a part of everyone’s closet, regardless of lifestyle or fashion preference. Just because you’re a student doesn’t mean you have to enter the corporate world and buy a sophisticated leather tote for work, but school is a good excuse, too. Whether you’re meeting your friends at the park, grocery store, or gym, tote bags are the way to go. No matter the size, it’s always versatile. Here are some of the cutest totes to replace your backpack with this year, so you don’t have to worry about finding one.
- Madewell Medium Transport Tote ($160)
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This tote bag is sustainable and vegan-friendly! Madewell came through with this Transport Tote. The bag has the traditional two straps with an additional detachable shoulder strap if you want to hang it longer or across your body. I’m not sure if it’s from consuming too many early-2010 television shows, but carrying around a bag like this makes me feel like I’m in an episode of Pretty Little Liars. So, if that’s your vibe, here you go!
- L.L. Bean Boat And TOTE ($35)
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You may have seen this tote on your favorite influencers’ feed when traveling to the Hamptons this summer. The L.L. Bean Boat and Tote has been worn several times by celebs such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Reese Witherspoon. The bag is versatile for any occasion, not only school. It’s the perfect bag for your laptop, groceries, and even a soccer ball. Whoever said a canvas tote bag isn’t fashionable and durable is seriously disturbed. (Legally Blonde fans, where you at?) If you’re feeling spicy, for only $8, you can embroider your tote with your initials, name, or a funny phrase.
- Baggu Duck Bag ($30)
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The Duck Bag from BAGGU comes in several different colors and patterns. This green-and-cream-colored tote with a longer shoulder strap is my go-to beach and school bag. It can fit a 15-inch laptop, includes an adjustable strap with a length of 40 inches and a zipper pouch, and it’s machine washable. Another canvas tote saves the day! BAGGU also has protectable laptop cases in crazy patterns like strawberries, smiley faces, and geometric designs, so if you’re feeling fancy, buy it now!
- Longchamp Le Pliage Original L tote Bag ($155)
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She’s a classic. The Le Pliage Original L Tote from Longchamp is so chic — you’ll be the It Girl of the semester. The nylon material keeps away coffee stains and spills, and it’s easy to clean. While it’s a great school bag, it’s also great for traveling because it comes in a bigger size for an easy carry-on.
- Zara Compartmentalized Tote Bag ($40)
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Zara has excellent options for bags and purses, and this faux leather tote is popping off. I was inspired by a friend using this bag for school because it has divided sections with pockets that fit her laptop. It’s a sturdy bag, so it doesn’t collapse if you set it down on the ground, but it also hangs from your chair without falling. Sometimes, having a shoulder bag that doesn’t fit between your arms and shoulders is the hardest part of finding a tote to fit your laptop and textbooks in, but this one is great. And it comes with dividers!
- Queenoris Woven Tote Bag ($70)
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Amazon has reliable prices and quality for everything, especially for bags. I bought my school tote this semester from Amazon and have been satisfied. For all of the fashion girlies out there, this Bottega dupe with woven vegan leather detail is for you. Available in over 10 colorways, you can match your minimalist outfit with this tote, or pair it with bright colors and become the next Victoria Paris. This bag is great for those who want a bag they can stuff without being bulky due to its light material.
From someone who was a loyal backpack girl, I will say converting to a tote this semester has been for the better. I wasn’t sure at first if I could fit everything I needed in a tote because I didn’t want it to be bulky or heavier than my backpack. Coming from someone who is the epitome of Mary Poppins, I highly recommend one of these totes.
While some of these bags have dividers, pockets, or zippers, some do not. Amazon sells section dividers, so you can get any tote and still have spots for all your trinkets and lip products. If you need more space for your tote (which we all know I do), don’t forget to add this to your list when purchasing a tote for the school year.
