As a college student, I understand how difficult it is to fit all your most loved clothing items and accessories into a tiny dorm room closet. Capsule wardrobes have proven to us all that it’s important to prioritize quality over quantity. While most capsule wardrobes focus on clothing pieces, we can’t forget about how an accessory has the power to elevate any outfit in seconds. Here are CF’s top five, must-have bag styles to complete a college wardrobe. You’ll never say you have nothing to wear again!
A Black Shoulder Bag
The first bag and probably the most useful bag in your collection is a simple black shoulder bag (bonus if the bag has an adjustable strap / extra strap to become a cross-body). With one reliable black shoulder bag, you can feel confident going out for dinner, going out on the town or even going to the grocery store. There are endless options of black purses out there, but here are a few that scream effortless and fashionable.
Harlem Bag Black
$45
JW Pei Women's Ruby Shoulder bag
$99
Short Buckle Handle Bag
$59.99 $39.99
A Neutral Mini Bag
There’s nothing like a good neutral bag to pull any outfit together. A beige, nude, white or brown bag can follow you through any season and match almost any outfit. Perfect for brunch, the beach, a walk in the park — from a sunny farmers market day to a cold winter snow-bunny moment, a neutral bag will always have your back.
Crossbody bag with flap
$39.99 $19.99
Oval Short Handle Bag
$49.99
Peta & Jain Jaden Crossbody Bag
White Croc
A Colored Statement Bag
Having one bright and colorful bag in your collection is the perfect way to add a little something extra to any look. A fun piece will always allow you to experiment with color and keep outfits fresh and exciting.
The G Small Shoulder
$298
Gessi Pico Vegan Crossbody Bag – Appleskin
$145 $87
A Fun Sparkly Bag
No collection is complete without one over-the-top sparkly bag! FYI: Sparkles aren’t just for New Year’s Eve. Girls’ nights out, birthdays, date nights – even sweatpants can be paired with sparkles and shimmer — trust me.
Gabbi Artificial Crystal Medium Ruched Hobo Handbag
$129
Lustro Shoulder Bag
$80 $64.98
Jessica Soft Crystal Mesh Croissant Bag
$110
A Classic Tote Bag
From going to class to carrying groceries in a sustainable way, tote bags can elevate any look and serve a practical purpose in your closet. A great way to stock up on tote bags is to buy them as a souvenir whenever you travel to a new city! This makes for the cutest tote bag collection and serves as a memory bank as well. However, if you don’t have any travel plans and want to get started on your tote girl era, here are some favorites.
Take Your Time Tote Cream
$25
Sporty & Rich Off-White Fitness Group Tote
$90 $35
Sid Slouchy Vegan Tote
$88
Featured image via Princess Polly. Design by Her Campus Media.
