Baggu red backpack

Photo: Courtesy of Baggu

Carry Something Bright
Yes, you can pull off a Crayola-inspired knapsack after you've graduated from elementary school—as long as it isn't covered in kiddie designs or doodles. (It doesn't hurt that this stylish option is made entirely of recycled cotton.)

$32, BagguBag.com
Poketo striped backpack

Photo: Courtesy of Poketo

Carry Something Soft
Nautical summer stripes look ready for fall when they're splashed across durable sweatshirt fleece and trimmed in vegan-friendly faux leather.

$58, Poketo.com
Need Supply denim backpack

Photo: Courtesy of Need Supply

Carry Something Denim
This durable jean pack is ideal for schlepping around heavy legal briefs or textbooks. Plus, the top handle makes it easy to slip over your wrist if you're toting a light load.

$62, NeedSupply.com
Cambridge Satchel neon backpack

Photo: Courtesy of Cambridge Satchel

Carry Something Neon
This vintage-style backpack, handmade in the United Kingdom, comes in highlighter-like shades and is quickly becoming a cult favorite among fashion aficionados. For a more personalized touch, get it embossed with your initials.

$154, CambridgeSatchel.co.uk
Olivia and Joy silver backpack

Photo: Courtesy of Olivia and Joy

Carry Something Multipurpose
This pewter satchel is like getting three bags in one: The detachable strap allows you to sling it over your shoulder or quickly turn it into a backpack. Plus, the traditional handle works if you want to tote this like a purse.

$98, OliviaandJoy.com
Patent leather Coach backpack

Photo: Courtesy of Coach

Carry Something Shiny
Water will slide right off this patent leather Poppy carryall if you get caught in the rain. And don't let this bag's all-business black exterior fool you—inside you'll find bright pink lining scattered with hearts.

$298, Coach.com
ASOS floral backpack

Photo: Courtesy of ASOS

Carry Something Floral
Faux-leather trim toughens up this canvas backpack covered in ultrafeminine roses.

$64, Asos.com
M Z Wallace safari green backpack

Photo: Courtesy of M Z Wallace

Carry Something Spacious
It's the little things that count—like six interior pockets (to keep small things from getting lost), magnetic closures and a drawstring top (to ensure your belongings stay secure), a Teflon-coated exterior (to prevent coffee spills from setting in) and easily accessible side pockets (to make getting to and turning off an accidentally ringing cell phone in the middle of class or a meeting a whole lot easier).

$193, MZWallace.com
Deux Lux Backpack

Photo: Courtesy of Deux Lux

Carry Something Structured
We love the boxy shape of this wool and faux-leather Deux Lux knapsack. It's big enough to hold your notebook or laptop without adding extra bulk.

$59, UrbanOutfitters.com
Marc by Marc Jacobs leather backpack

Photo: Courtesy of Marc by Marc Jacobs

Carry Something Classic
The traditional shape you loved in middle school looks all grown-up when it's made of buttery-soft, cream-colored leather.

$458, Couture.Zappos.com
Herschel Supply gray backpack

Photo: Courtesy of Herschel Supply

Carry Something Rugged
Padded straps ensure this mountaineer-style pack won't dig into your shoulders when you're making the trek to the office. Plus, it's big enough to handle all your gear for a weekend away (whether those plans include an uphill hike or some well-deserved R&R).

$85, HerschelSupply.com
The Row leather backpack

Photo: Courtesy of The Row

Carry Something Luxurious
In our back-to-school dreams that include George Clooney as our English professor and Ryan Gosling as our study buddy, we'd show up on the first day carrying this modern leather backpack with sleek gold hardware on our shoulders.

$3,900, TheRow.com
Published 08/05/2011