The Graduate

No matter how long it's been since your last semester enrolled, September's arrival will always usher in that Back to School rush, and along with it comes the mission to find the perfect everything bag. This season, fall's fresh class of bags presents new versions of old favorites: duffels, totes, and messengers. Whether fashioned in supple distressed leather or heavy-duty nylon, the best carryalls offer loads of wearable, functional options like adaptable straps, extra pockets, and nifty zippers in unexpected places. Our favorites among them: Salvor Projects sleek Marsupium bag—a brilliant play on the standard backpack—and YMC's Zip Bag, a fully functional tote that's sure to become a co-ed classic. Light years beyond the briefcase, all these back-to-school bags score straight A's for style.

Common Projects Leather Utility Bag, $580. For availability go to www.commonprojects.com. Marsupium coated-canvas backpack, $380, by Salvor Projects, available at Odin, 199 Lafayette Street, New York City; 212-966-0026..

Want Les Essentials De Gaulle leather computer bag, from $975, available at Opening Ceremony, 35 Howard Street, New York City; 212-219-2688 and 451 North La Cienega Boulevard, Los Angeles; 310-652-1120. Acne Jeans Senior leather bag, $1,499, available at Blackbird, 5410 22nd Avenue NW, Seattle; 206-547-2524.

A.P.C. bag with multiple pockets (can be used as a backpack or tote), $183, available at www.apc.fr. NDC leather caryall, $525, available at Barneys New York, 660 Madison Avenue; 212-826-8900. YMC Zip Bag (with inner pocket for pencils), $349, available at Blackbird, 5410 22nd Avenue NW, Seattle; 206-547-2524.

Billy Kirk canvas and leather Tool Bag, from $325, available at Hollander & Lexer, 358 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn;718-797-9190. JAS MB Medium Old School distressed leather messenger bag, about $450, available at Douglas Fir, 8311 West 3rd Street, Los Angeles; 323-651-5445 and at Blackbird, 2208 NW Market Street, Seattle; 206-706-4555. Onla Executive Overnighter leather laptop bag, $550, available at All Purpose, 144 South Flores Street,
Los Angeles; 323-866-1828.

—Christene Barberich & Piera Gelardi

For class or the cube, the latest back-to-school totes take top honors.