Annabelle Aree Lee
Edited By Leah Champagne
A “school bag” plays an important role in our formative years as students. From kindergarten to whatever level of education we choose to pursue, there is a tradition of having one designated bag for school. Regardless of how we choose to dress each day, the school bag is a constant. I think one’s selection of a school bag can reveal a great deal about who they are. Personally, each school bag I’ve carried represents a distinct era in my life.
Are you looking to change things up with a new school bag? If you’re on the hunt, you’re at the right place. Drawing from what I’ve seen on the McGill campus, I’ve curated a list of stylish bags that would perfectly carry your everyday school necessities.
Polène: Cyme ($520)
Designed by the up and coming French leather goods company Polène, the Cyme tote is the definition of refined taste. The simple yet elegant bag is made out of Italian textured calf leather and is available in various classic colours, such as black, taupe and “cognac”. It can be worn as a handbag or a shoulder bag, with the option to pinch the ends in or out, according to preference. While it is not yet a staple like the Goyard Saint Louis bag, I anticipate it will rapidly gain widespread popularity—get it now to stay ahead of the curve!
Longchamp: Le Pliage Original L Tote Bag ($200)
Yes, you might find yourself amidst a row of girls at McLennan Library sporting the same bag, but don’t let its popularity deter you from choosing this versatile canvas bag. I’ve carried this bag for the past five years, and it still looks as good as new—making it worth every penny. If you are committed to maintaining your uniqueness, consider opting for the light blue or dark red options; these colours are far less common than black or navy.
lululemon: Everywhere Backpack 22L ($78)
As we get older, there seems to be an unspoken boycott against backpacks as school bags, with a preference instead for totes or crossbody bags. However, for some of us, a backpack is the unquestionable choice for its undeniable convenience and comfort. I love this new lululemon backpack for its slick colour and design, and I appreciate that it doesn’t give an overly athletic vibe. This is an important aspect to consider; unless you are opting for athleisure for class, your outfit might clash with your backpack.
Balenciaga: City Bag (og. retail $3900)
While certainly not the most affordable choice on this list, it’s worth mentioning for its status as an It Girl favorite over time. Despite lacking a flashy logo or brand name, the bag is instantly recognizable by those interested in fashion. Its grunge aesthetic has the ability to transform even the most ordinary outfit into one that exudes style. If you’re not looking to spend thousands of dollars on a bag, there are many City Bags circulating on the second-hand market. Consider browsing through platforms like The RealReal or Depop, where you can find options as low as below $500.
Il Bisonte: Talamone ($575)
I’m constantly surprised by how few people are familiar with Il Bisonte. It is an Italian leather goods company known for the exceptional quality of their leather; the feel and scent of the leather is truly remarkable. Most of their bags feature only a stamped logo, making it non-flashy. This particular bag is on the smaller side, which is perfect if you don’t carry a lot of items. The interior is suede, which I think enhances the tasteful aura.
While a bag certainly does not define who you are, nor is that deep of a matter, having a bag for school that you genuinely adore can definitely add a touch of excitement into your everyday life as a student.So, why not explore different styles that speak to you?
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