Remember the days of the LL Bean backpack? You really weren’t cool unless you had one; and you were even cooler if yours had your initials embroidered on it. I had the deluxe size. Which not only made me cool, but it also most likely permanently damaged my posture and caused me to knock over any small child who crossed my path.

In high school, I went through the, “I’m too cool for a backpack” phase and I carried my books everywhere, stopping at my locker in between every class. But that wasn’t really feasible in college. Walking across campus to class, it was impossible to juggle my books, laptop, cell phone, snacks, Venti Latte and various other staples.

Unable to carry it all - and completely unwilling to pick up another LL Bean monstrsity - I needed something cute and functional.

I searched high and low. The good news is: there are tons of cute bags out there. The bad news is: I bought them all.

5 Hot Bags For College:

1) Kate Spade Belle Meade Cana Tote- Kate Spade will have you actually feeling excited to gather your books and head to class. The Belle Meade Cana Tote is made from tumbled cowhide, which pretty much just sounds awesomely luxurious. Of course, the tote packs a pretty price tag at $425, so you may not be able to afford your books after purchasing it. But hey, you can always throw in a few sheets of loose-leaf paper and borrow a pen from the kid who sits next to you. This tote is worth it.

Image from katespade.com

2) LeSportsac Travel Tote- The travel tote by LeSportsac is sure to fit all your books. And look at all the fun patterns you can choose from! My friend’s classmate told her that her LeSportsac tote kept him from getting bored in class because it was so fun to look at. So, the tote is multifunctional- carry your books,prevent boredom…and flirt with boys! And for $88, I would say that’s worth it. Plus, the bags are made with nylon, so they are completely durable and washable, which will be necessary after carrying it around to all those classes you’ll be attending.

Image from lesportsac.com

3) Lacoste New Classic Horizontal Shopping Bag- This is another extremely cute and durable bag that is just perfect for your textbooks. If you’re feeling super preppy, you can even match your polo shirt to the bag. Trendy, classic, and always stylish, I love Lacoste. At only $140, I’d say it’s a steal…especially for this brand.

Image from top-selling-brands.com

4) Guess Sorority Tote- It’s called the sorority tote, so you obviously need to get this one if you’re in, or are planning on joining, a sorority. It’s not exactly discrete with its shiny leather finish, but since when have you ever wanted to be discrete? Guess is always pretty affordable and stylish and this tote is only $85; not even close to the fees you’ll be paying for your sorority membership.

Image from Guess.com

5) North Face Jester Backpack- Sometimes backpacks are the most convenient for carrying books to class. They can comfortably hold all your books and have multiple purposes, like bringing on weekend camping trips, or toting beer to a frat house party (What? Not like I’ve ever done that!). But if you’re going to carry a backpack, it needs to be a fashionable one. And, please be extra careful if you take public transportation. There’s nothing worse than a clueless backpack carrier on the train, swinging that thing loaded with biology books back and forth. My favorite backpack is the Jester from North Face. It’s only $49 and is much cooler than that old LL Bean business.