When the new school year rolls around, college students rush out to buy notebooks, textbooks, pens and pencils. How are you going to carry all of your classroom necessities as you rush from one end of campus to the other? In a backpack, of course. When I think of backpacks, I typically think of JanSport or The North Face. However, backpacks are big and bulky, detracting from the stylish aura of our outfits. While these backpacks remain classic, durable and practical, designers and retailers everywhere have ushered in a new era of backpacks that serve as a more stylish accessory to complement our creative ensembles. Fashionistas/os, I introduce to you: the fashion backpack.

I have always been loyal to my trusty black Longchamp bag when it comes to lugging my things around. When I spotted this Fashionista outside of the Exchange, I became very interested in this new backpack trend. Sometimes, my bag is so heavy that my right shoulder becomes sore. With a trendy canvas backpack such as hers, it would be easy to manage the weight while maintaining a cohesive and trendy look. Urban Outfitters offers a great selection of backpacks at an affordable price in stripes, solids, brights, neutrals, florals and prints. This Fashionista is dressed timelessly in a black sweater, black jeggings and black Cole Haan boots. Her cropped red/black plaid Chloé jacket adds a great pop of color and sophistication into her classic outfit. Her olive canvas and leather trimmed backpack remains a neutral yet essential accessory.

I’ve had my eye on this Sari pattern backpack from Free People for a while now. Southwestern prints have been a huge trend in recent seasons. The unique pattern and funky colors can help make a statement in any outfit. For something more exotic, check out backpacks from Topshop or this two-tone backpack. You can also keep it simple with a leather backpack.

Spotted: Rag & bone sent backpacks down the runway in spring 2011. Michael Kors’ spring 2012 African-inspired collection included backpacks and cross-body bags. Mary Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen designed a $34,000 alligator skin backpack that sold out!