Best Purses for College Girls

The best purse for college girls is a large tote bag, that can hold your laptop, wallet, makeup, sunglasses, and other essentials (this is our favorite).

You could also consider a smaller crossbody purse (such as this), if you don't have much to carry.

Another great option is a smart backpack (like this one), that maintains a stylish appearance while being practical.

If you want a more refined look, then choose a purse made from full-grain leather.

Learn more below:

Practicality Meets Style: A Must-Have Combination

Starting college brings a heady mixture of excitement, nerves, and joy.

Once there, your success is up to hard work and dedication, but upon arrival, you’ll be relying on the power of the first impression.

Make the most of this first impression with the perfect purse for this exciting phase of your life.

To help you choose the right purse, we’ve put together this handy set of tips and factors to consider.

1. Size and Capacity

• You want to strike a balance between a manageable size and adequate capacity.
• Your goal should be a bag that holds everything you need on a regular basis, with room for maybe a small item or two that you buy, or occasionally need.
• You don’t want a lot of empty space in an under-filled bag, as that will cause a misshapen, awkward-looking bag that flops around and steals your elegance and grace.
• A too-small bag is not better either, as overstuffing looks ill-prepared and can even wreck your bag by stretching it out of shape or breaking seams.

2. Durability

• Some materials are more durable than others, so look for the best ones, like full-grain leather, ballistic nylon, or coated canvas. Here at Von Baer, we prefer the look of full-grain vegetable-tanned leather, and use it in all of our bags.
• Choose a durable material that best suits your look and style.
• Straps, zippers, and other hardware should be light and strong, able to stand up to a loaded purse and the jostling that might occur on buses, in crowded hallways, and when hanging from chair backs or hooks at home.
• Robust stitching is a must.

3. Comfort

• Even lighter purses feel heavy after a while, so an ergonomic design is essential.
• Look for a padded strap to more evenly distribute the weight.
• An adjustable strap ensures the purse fits you properly and hangs at the right level for you.

A well-designed bag will look great and feel great, letting you get on with all aspects of your college life.

Fashion Forward: Express Your Personality

A purse is a functional item, but it’s more than that too; it’s an expression of your personal style.

Classic elegance, trendiness, or a dive into the quirky – each of these (and more) is available among the many style options.

Tote Bags

The design of a tote bag is made for simple, easy access and reliable function.

A structured bottom makes it more stable when set on a flat surface, and zipped inner pockets keep things organized.

The above image is of the Elegance Tote.

Crossbody Bags

If you’re the mobile type, always on the move, the hands-free convenience of a crossbody bag will keep your items safe over a commute and keep your back and shoulders from getting too sore.

Lockable zippers and RFID protection ensure that you can even wear it on your back and still keep your items safe (learn about RFID here).

You can see good examples of these here.

Backpack Purses

Cute and trendy, with some designs crossing into the realm of the elegant, these stylish designs are comfortable to carry and keep your hands free for holding on during transit, or anything else you need both hands for during the day.

Laptop Bags

A more traditional laptop bag is also a great choice, and gives you a padded compartment to hold your tech, while also providing room for other daily essentials.

It's likely the most formal option.

You can see good examples of these here.

Smaller Purses

You may also be interested in smaller purses like zip-around or wristlet purses. These are perfect for nights out, allowing you to keep your cards with you without carrying a heavy bag.

The style choices are almost limitless, so you’ll be able to find the style you love with the features you need.

You can see good examples of these here.

The right bag will boost your confidence and keep your items close at hand, safe, and accessible for when you need them.

Organizational Heaven: Keeping Everything in Place

A minute or two now and then to keep your purse organized will save you a lot of stress and bother later on – which is especially important if you’re in a hurry or trying to make a good first impression.

Consider these great organizational features.

• Laptop Sleeve: A padded laptop sleeve will keep your device safe and looking good, without adding much weight or bulk to your purse. Some sleeves are removable, too, so you can use them when traveling with a larger suitcase or take them out when you’re going to a social event without your laptop.
• Zippered Pockets: Zippered pockets keep the little things stowed safely away and handy in a moment when needed. This keeps you secure against thieves and makes sure you can access your things easily.
• External Pockets: Some purses have external pockets for water bottles, keys, IDs, umbrellas, or even yoga mats! Choose one that fits your needs and keep those items at the ready.

A little organization will save you time and stress, and keep your purse looking chic and stylish.

Real-Life Anecdotes: Purses in Action

Imagine you’re on the run between two classes and throwing your books into your bag's ample storage space.

Over your shoulder, and you’re off in a moment. Now, picture strolling along on your day off, looking for a special treat or a cozy place to sit and review the week's notes.

The same bag, well chosen, can be perfect for both situations and can even serve as a stylish accessory that night when you meet new classmates for refreshment and a chat about the class content – or the gossip.

College life can be one of the high points in a person’s life, with all the freedom of adulthood and only a few of the responsibilities that may arise in years to come – let your purse enhance that time and help you make the most of it.

Budget-Friendly Options: Style Without Breaking the Bank

College can be expensive, especially if it’s far from home, so budget wisely to get the most from your available money.

• Sales and Discounts: Seasonal sales are a great time to choose a bag, and you may even be able to get a student discount!
• Second-Hand Shops: Thrift stores, both online and down the street, are great places to look for deals. Discount stores are great places too, sometimes offering prices low enough to get two purses, each one specialized to a certain need in your life.

It may take a little more research and patience, but you can find some great bags at great prices if you look around a little.

Wrapping Up

Your college journey is academic and social at the same time and occurs at the start of your adult life, so set the tone right with a stylish and useful purse that fits your budget.

Your purse will be a trusted companion piece, an item that will become tied to some great experiences and interesting adventures.

We also created a guide on gifts a college girl would love here, and Christmas gifts here.

What is the Best Size for a College Purse?

A medium-sized purse is the most popular, as it can usually hold a 13-inch laptop, notebooks, and whatever personal items you need with you that day.

It isn’t so large that it is bulky and difficult to carry, but is large enough to hold all you need it to.

You may also be interested in our school bags here.

How Do I Maintain and Clean My Purse?

Occasional cleaning and proper storage are essential for keeping your bag looking good and lasting as long as possible – for your use or even for resale later on.

Leather, for example, should be conditioned when you first get the bag, and then again two or three times a year.

This only takes a minute or two and you can set a calendar alarm to remind you. To clean your purse, a gentle wipe with a soft, damp cloth is usually all you’ll need to keep it looking great.

Fabric purses can be washed or drycleaned (see the label).

Store any purse out of direct sunlight, and away from sources of extreme heat or cold.

How Do I Choose a Purse That Complements Different Outfits?

The most versatile purses are in neutral colors, like black, beige, or perhaps navy.

A sleek, modern appearance usually transfers well between different situations and settings.