As summer winds down, younger fashion fans await the most important season of all-back-to-school. Wearing fall’s coolest blazers is easy enough, but the true sartorial student incorporates style into every aspect of his or her life, and that includes school accessories. But how does one stand out in a sea of three-ring binders and boring composition notebooks?
It used to be that backpacks were tragically un-hip. Everybody had the same thing: a solid-color nylon backpack from the same two or three brands. That meant style-conscious students shifted toward alternatives, like messenger bags or oversize tote bags. Now it’s all about the comeback-pack, though book bags have evolved greatly since JanSport’s heyday in the ’90s.
This season’s backpacks come in bold prints, bright colors and unique textures. The MARC by Marc Jacobs Pretty Nylon Backpack ($188) in peony combines all three; the hot pink, quilted, leopard print backpack is sure to turn heads, but its roomy interior makes it just as functional as it is fashionable. The ASOS Backpack with Aztec Print ($60.34, ASOS.com) transcends gender with its slouchy silhouette and colorful geometric print. The canvas material makes the casual backpack perfect for school or the beach. For young hipsters, Fjallraven’s Kanken ($65, fjallraven.us) backpack is a must-have for girls or guys. The Swedish daypack comes in a variety of colors and it comes with Scandinavian street cred.
For a look that is classic and effortlessly cool, leather or leather-trimmed backpacks are timeless. Madewell’s Leather Railway Rucksack ($235) brings to mind the casual-chic style of icons like Jane Birkin, and the material means the bag will last long after school is out. Topman’s Navy Altitude Rucksack ($60) with its leather-look trim and unique shape looks like a camping backpack from another era. The bag has old-school charm but still packs a rugged edge.
If you bring your laptop to school, there’s no excuse not to dress it up. Laptops now wear jackets nearly as distinctive as those of their owners. Girls will love Juicy Couture’s Sunnies Laptop Case ($98), which evokes iconic 1960s movies like “Lolita” or “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” with its oversized sunglasses image and little red lips. Guys who want to channel “Mad Men’s” Don Draper can look to Jack Spade for the Glen Plaid Windowpane Computer File Case ($276.50, jackspade.com) that is made of plaid suiting material with leather trim. For girls who dream of the ‘70s, the laptop case by Missoni for Target ($29.99, available Sept. 13) is perfect with its iconic rainbow of whimsical swirls.
Don’t forget the little things; details like stylish notebooks and luxurious writing instruments will keep you at the top of the class-in terms of style, at least. Jonathan Adler combines fashion with function with his colorful mini notebooks ($9.95, barnesandnoble.com) and pens ($13.26 to $15.16, barnesandnoble.com); they come in a variety of ‘70s-inspired prints and will brighten up even the dullest course. Students looking for truly attention-grabbing notebooks can order from Topshop, whose notebooks feature illustrations of a cat dressed as Lady Gaga or a dog as Mr. T ($12).
Sophisticated young men looking for something more understated can snag J. Crew’s Field Notes notebooks ($14.50 for three-pack, jcrew.com); the simple, ascetic notebooks have a vintage, old boys club look to them. Soft-cover Moleskine notebooks ($12 to $19.95, moleskineus.com) are also a great option for those seeking a sleek, pared-down look-they were good enough for Hemingway, after all.
This fall, start school with a new (school) year’s resolution: Let your personality shine from head to toe, backpacks to erasers. As Laguna Beach star Lo Bosworth once said, “Every day is a fashion show.” Show Mr. Salinger a little respect and dress up for class.
Andrea Park is a freelance journalist based in New York City. She is a recent graduate of Columbia Journalism School and has experience in television production and print journalism. She currently works at CNN as a production assistant. Her life revolves around fashion and food, and she can usually be found either in the kitchen or at a clothing store.