School shopping was always one of my favorite times of the year. Even though I'm long past the days of lists sent home telling me what I need in my pencil box at school, I still like to refresh my office supplies while they're cheap. A lot of the sales are pretty good this time of year, too.

Vineyard Vines Tech Backpack: I bought this backpack nearly two years ago in a bright blue/green (you can find one here). It's a great basic backpack that's made well and is attractive. This is a good pack if you need something on the larger side but not too big. 

L.L. Bean Classic Campus Pack: I just bought this backpack because I wanted something more...understated than the nearly neon Vineyard Vines backpack I already own. When I first pulled it out of the box it looked tiny. I wondered if I could even get a binder in it. Looks are deceiving with this bag as it holds quite a bit. It's Bean so of course the quality is there and for $40 you really can't go wrong. 

Burberry Blue Plaid backpack: A stylish, leather-trimmed bag that will last you from college student to urban commuter. Granted the price is a bit steep ($850), but this is very easily something you'll be using well into your thirties without still feeling like an undergrad.

Lacoste tote/backpack: This innovative bag can function as a tote or a backpack. Great for the student who likes to shake things up or has changed majors several times--in one semester.

Nike Sport Backpack: For those who want only one bag to hold books and their gym clothes. The bottom shoe compartment can hold, well, shoes or maybe a lunchbox. Outside pockets help keep the little things from getting lost in the cavernous inside.  As far as aesthetics go, I think this is the best looking pack out of the bunch.