1. Targus CVR600
The ‘Groove’ backpack is available in black, black and gray and brown and teal, making it a great unisex bag. The bag is also available in three different sizes, able to fit laptops ranging in size from 15.4” to 17”. Not only a laptop case, the bag has ample room to carry texts, notebooks, writing supplies and even has a pocket for your iPod. The padded shoulder straps make the bag very comfortable to carry even when packed full of your essentials.

2. Vintage Khaki Messenger Bag

This vintage khaki messenger (from right here at R.A.G. New York!) is a great bag featuring exploded an eagle print. It’s lightweight, which makes it easy to carry for long distances, and has two large pockets on outside for organization. The inside small pocket with zipper closure is perfect for pens, keys, and cell phones. A great pick for students looking for great form and function.

3. SOLO Vintage
This vintage backpack made of espresso colored leather will please anyone who wants a retro look in their bag. Able to hold up to a 15.6” laptop, the bag has room for texts, notebooks and other essentials. The bright blue lining on the interior of the bag makes your belongings incredibly easy to find.

4. Kipling Expandable Messenger
This Kipling bag regularly receives high ratings from those that have purchased it. The color variety is amazing and users are always surprised at how much the bag will hold. Able to fit up to a 17” laptop, the messenger bag is a nice break from the traditional backpack. And the best feature? All Kipling bags are easily washed in the washing machine should they get dirty!

5. The North Face Messenger
This messenger bag is roomy, stylish and completely functional. If you’re attending college out-of-state and plan on flying home, this is the bag for you. With a molded back panel, the bag slips easily over the handle of your rolling luggage. Roomy pockets allow you to carry more than just your laptop and the audio port allows you to listen to your iPod hands-free.

6. Laurex
Laurex backpacks are available in a variety of colors and styles and fit up to a 17” laptop. The Laurex line is particularly appealing to women with their cheerful graphics. The lightweight bag is paired with padded shoulder straps making it a breeze to carry across campus. Several pockets will allow you to carry a notebook and any small, non-laptop items you need for class.

The bag you choose may not seem important now, but just see how important it is when you buy a bad bag! Your laptop bag will be with you throughout the day (and your school career!) so choosing a great one now will save hassle later. Choose any one of these top five laptop bags and you’re sure to be more than satisfied.

Jenny Masterson is a career consultant and expert on all things student-related, including fashion. She’s also a content contributor for a website featuring the best colleges and their ratings and reviews.  It also provides information on a multitude of specialty programs, such as online msw degrees.

1. Build with great foundational pieces. That means classic blazers, a great pair of (great fitting) jeans, a pencil skirt, and a great blouse. All of these pieces should be good quality if you’re wanting to get some good use out of them, so spending a tad more on these than you do the rest, is a wise choice.

[vest] [skirt] [blazer] [jeans] [blouse] [dress]

2. Have fun with SHOES: I have to admit, I’ve got a bit of a shoe fetish. They’re the fun, unexpected punch to an ensemble. Not everyone pays attention to what’s on their feet, but I assure you, with the right pair, they’ll be the focal point! For fall, I love a great pair of riding boots because they’re classic and warm.

[heeled boots] [booties] [loafer heels] [wedge booties] [wellies] [flats] [riding boots]

3. Accessorize: The easiest and best way to add your own personality into your wardrobe is with accessories. It allows you to mold your basics into a new outfit. i.e. pair your jeans with a scarf and messenger bag, or switch it up with jeans, gold watch, and satchel. And, fall ushers in new use for all kinds of accessories! Warmer hats, scarves, gloves, and chunky socks. So fun!

[bangles] [messenger bag] [ruffle scarf] [shoulder bag] [wayfarers] [floppy hat] [watch] [scarf] [cat eye glasses] [structured satchel] [infinity scarf]

One of the simplest ways to revamp your wardrobe is to mix up the foundational pieces you already have and layer on accessories. Find yourself right on trend with some great classic pieces that feature ladylike structure and a warm color palette. Go get em’ dahling!

Author Bio: I may not be a professional stylist, I pride myself on choosing fashion that looks polished and classic, and I’m always helping friends make a new outfit out of things they already own, or helping shop for fun accessories to freshen up a new one. Although I’m a writer for Handbag Heaven by day (styling fabulous handbags, hello! love it) , I’m enjoying life as a newlywed, and eing a momma to my precious puppy, Luna.

2. Students, lose the backpacks.
There’s enough controversy going around about the detrimental effects of heavy backpacks on students’ backs. Studies show that wearing excessively heavy backpacks on a daily basis can cause serious problems in the neck, back, and shoulder areas. Don’t risk getting a back injury at such an early age. Get you and your friends to try putting some of those heave books into cute messenger bags instead and carry the rest. It will be worth it in the long-run.

3. Go green!
There are far too many people on the streets carrying a handbag and 3 plastic bags full of stuff. Let’s consolidate and save plastic! Put all of your newly bought goodies into a cute messenger bag, and save the environment! Being green friendly will never go out of style.

4. Show your uniqueness.
The great thing about cute messenger bags is that you can make them your own. Even if it’s a solid color, you can still add your own style and flair. Sew some unique thread into the fabric, iron a patch on, tack some pins into it. Make yourself a unique bag that no one else has! If that’s not style, I don’t know what is.

5. It’s a digital world.
Now that wireless internet is available virtually everywhere, why not bring your laptop along for the ride? There are tons of cute messenger bags specially made for laptops that will allow you to bring your digital life everywhere you go. Take a trip to the local coffee shop. Browse the web for a bit and catch up on some emails while sipping your favorite beverage. There’s so much out there on the internet waiting to be discovered, so stop leaving it at home all of the time!