Hats, Heels, and... Pencil Cases?

Welcome to college. The days of Staples-brand binders, rolling backpacks, and school-administered agenda books are behind us. And as many have recently realized, the emergence of college classes and dorm rooms has opened up an entirely fresh and unconquered domain for fashion and self-expression. But, how you choose to represent yourself in this new world has become increasingly integrated with what brand of pencil case you have and which Urban Outfitters throw pillow you buy.

There are entire websites dedicated solely to selling stylized dorm room couture. For some, this means reinvention. For others, myself included, this means bankruptcy. When I think of fashion, I imagine floor length dresses, amazing shoes that kill my feet but that I wear anyways, quirky sunglasses, and that Free People top I convince myself I need. But since starting college this year as a freshman, I’ve realized that fashion is not simply limited to what you wear-- but what you write with, carry, or take notes in as well. Over my short eight months at Northwestern, I’ve seen fashion in a new light.

Now, I don’t mean to criticize buying for a brand name. I, myself, have recently fallen into the world of Burberry glasses, Kate Spade agenda books, and Kipling backpacks. However, academic style, like any, will always be accompanied by designers’ high priced contributions. For example, this Louis Vuitton small ring agenda cover (priced at $365), while very stylish, costs about the same price as all my school supplies and books for a quarter put together.

Louis Vuitton Small Ring Agenda Cover $365

While definitely very cute in my opinion, I draw the line at over $30 for any type of book cover (and $30 is honestly pushin’ it). However, not all the popular pieces of academic couture which I’ve seen are merely bought for the label. This ECOALF backpack (priced at $129) is made from polyester and recycled PET bottles. In this case, the backpack’s label means more than meets the eye. ECOALF’s mission works to produce high quality recycled and sustainable materials to create what they call “a new generation of eco-friendly products.” While the backpack is definitely pricey, this piece of academic couture is also the more environmentally-friendly option for the planet. What does your backpack say about you?

Olso Backpack by Ecoalf $129

Looking at the somewhat less-expensive designer school supplies, this Longchamp ‘Le Pilage’ Pouchette (a super fancy/french way to say “pencil case”) was the most sought-after piece of academic couture in my high school. Coming in a variety of colors, this trendy mini-tote is definitely effective at holding a number of pencils and pens, maybe even a couple flashcards, but as to whether the label is worth the money, that’s for you to decide.

Nordstrom Longchamp ‘Le Pilage’ Pouchette $55

Overall, designer-anything makes a statement. Coming to college and attempting to represent yourself in new and maybe extremely different ways always has its challenges, but whether you view this new outlet for fashionable self-expression as liberating or just deprecating (mainly to your bank account), is a personal choice. And maybe with some trial-and-error, that new and unconquered outlet will become a valued and appreciated aspect of your identity.