by Matthew John Phillips > University of Maryland, College Park

With the countless numbers of gadgets and books needed for that A (or just to look great), the right bag for college is essential. Forget that JanSport backpack you brought from high school—college is about looking great and developing your own style. It’s also about preparing for the professionalism of the adult world, so don’t be afraid to spend a little extra for quality that lasts. With the countless numbers of gadgets and books needed to get that A, or just to look great, the right bag for college is essential. And the great thing about a lot of the following trends is that they are not gender-specific, so men should forget their trepidations and finally embrace the man-bag.

To start off, saturated colors popped this season. Whether it’s vivid teal or punchy yellow, designers are wholly embracing color. Yet one color dominated the rest: red. And since it’s such a bold color, incorporating red into an accessory is an easy first step. Looking at designers like Lacoste and Baby Phat, shape isn’t important; whether it’s backpack, tote, or satchel, just make sure it’s red hot.

Coming down from the summer, totes aren’t just for towels and trashy novels on the beach. The popularity of designer Anya Hindmarch’s “I’m Not A Plastic Bag” has proven what every college student should already know: totes are the perfect bag for everything. Canvas totes have always been popular because they’re easy to care for, affordable, and come in varied shapes, designs, and colors. But to really stand out from the crowd, look for leather, suede, or even durable nylon. They even function well as laptop bags, just be careful not to overload them and put too much weight on your shoulder.

If you’re looking for something a little less trendy and a little more Oxford, throw on a messenger bag. Designers as strangely distant as the tailored Marc Jacobs and the rebellious Rock & Republic prove that anybody can pull off a messenger. If the color is kept mellow, it allows for your own personal style aesthetic to dominate the foreground. And guys, there is nothing more masculine than a simple chocolate-leather messenger.

And if you just need a two-strapped backpack, consider something with a military appeal. With all that’s happening in the world, designers have tapped into this global unrest and produced military designs that are both edgy and modern. Designers like Giorgio Armani and Alexander McQueen prove that military doesn’t just mean camouflage—it’s all about attitude and a futuristic design. For a more affordable version, stop by your local military surplus store and no matter your political stance, you’ll look great.