Personality, in a School Bag

From statement to practical pieces, an everyday bag mirrors the innermost style of every individual. Totes, briefcases, backpacks–what does your school bag of choice say about you? VALLEY has analyzed some of the most common bags seen across campus, exploring how they often serve as an extension of someone’s personality.

Anonymous Tote

Maybe you picked it up at a bookstore during your semester abroad in London or ordered it off of Etsy during quarantine. Somehow, the anonymous tote entered your life after years of dormancy, the straps now ready to snap at any moment.

The anonymous tote may belong to a student resonating Ms. Frizzle from “The Magic School Bus.” With so many classes and magical adventures to attend, a practical bag is the least of your worries.

After about a week of carrying around just your ipad and a pack of gum in a regular sized backpack, it was time to downsize. As the days go on the straps continue to stretch, and with them, your patience. Constantly slipping off your soldier, fraying at the corners, it may be time to upgrade to a more sustainable piece.

Le Pliage Original L Tote Bag in Navy (of course)

In true Penn State fashion, the Longchamp tote in navy was the only plausible choice to bring into your third year. After the strap finally broke on your tote, you decided it was time to splurge (thanks Santa!) on something you had seen on almost everyone’s shoulders for months.

This bag pairs perfectly with a year old pair of platform Uggs and a dousing of Sol de Janiero’s 68 perfume. Although your Macbook Pro is slightly too big for the clasp to ever close, you can still fit in your Owala that has only spilled into your bag about three times over the last month, no big deal!

This bag is the entry level ticket for any soon to be corporate professional. In the next year or so, you may be trading out your Uggs for kitten heels and Sol de Janiero for YSL’s Black Opium.

The Maximalist

Pins, keychains, maybe even a Tamagotchi, the maximalist bag really has it all. Though the name brand varies, one thing is consistent: it’s the bag heard across campus.

With every step taken, a story is told through the jangling of keychains and clashing of pins. Even with sound-cancelling headphones, this bag can be heard from miles away.

If you decorate your backpack in a maximalist fashion, you may also choose to ride your bike to campus and speed through the stop in front of Willard. Not to worry, any pedestrian who dares to cross will likely be warned by the jingle of your backpack as you gain speed in front of the HUB.

Though these bags may go hand in hand with Doc Martens, the creative maximalist approach is something everyone should try at least once, who knows, you may be inspired to bike to campus next?

The Classic

Last but not least, likely to be the most common bag ever spotted between humble Park and College Ave., is the one and only North Face Bookbag. With a variety of colors, this bag has infiltrated the rolling hills of central Pennsylvania. The only backpack that somehow manages to say both freshman and graduating senior at the same time, is one that will likely continue to thrive.

The fresh out of the packaging look is really one that can’t be replicated anywhere else, yet at Penn State it seems to be the only possible way to style this piece. 

The Classic truly needs no further explanation, but with encouragement from its predecessor The Maximalist, it may be time to ditch the fresh factory look and add some personality! It’s never too late to adopt a lifelong Tamagotchi.

What does your school bag say about your personality? Tag @VALLEYmag on Instagram!

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