At a university like Vanderbilt, students come from all different areas and backgrounds. When these perspectives come together on campus, visually captivating dynamics emerge. As a result, creative expressions and individuality are often seen through students’ fashion choices. Even thebag someone chooses to carry can tell a story. Below, we have noted four of the top totes Vandy students have been carrying this fall.
Longchamp
You can’t spend one second on Vanderbilt’s vast campus without spotting a Longchamp tote. The tote you’ve mostly seen is Longchamp’s Le Pliage bag, which means “to fold” in French. This specific style was released in 1993 and offers a nylon body that is often noted for its foldable and lightweight design. Even though this bag has been around for over 30 years, its popularity has lasted the test of time. The La Pliage had its heyday in the mid-2000s to early 2010s, as notable figures were often spotted donning it.
Kate Middleton, known as quite an icon for her 2000s style, was often spotted with the bag in her college days at the University of St. Andrew’s and even after she garnered her royal status. It’s important to note that the Y2K style has surged in popularity amongst members of Gen-Z. Its practical, lightweight structure, along with its 2000s influence, explains the widespread love Vanderbilt students have for this tote.
Its popularity around campus is what led first-year Lola Holderness to make a decisive swap.
“I switched from a backpack to my Longchamp bag mostly for aesthetic purposes,” Holderness said. “It does hold a lot and looks great with my outfits, but it is not by any means more comfortable than a backpack. Another benefit is that I can open it to take out items without taking it off my shoulder. Overall, I prefer using my Longchamp bag for a more college and professional look.”
L.L. Bean Boat Tote
If you are looking for the preppiness of the Le Pliage Longchamp but with more of a classic Americana style, look no further than the L.L. Bean Boat and Tote. The Boat and Tote, originally called “The Bean Ice Carrier,” emerged for utilitarian purposes in 1944 as a bag designed to transport ice. Its sturdy canvas structure and classic design caused it to become popular in the fashion realm, as it began appearing across many classic New England destinations. For this reason, L.L. Bean decided to rebrand the bag in the 1960s as the “Boat and Tote.” The bags, which are handmade in Maine, have been seen on the arms of many impressionable individuals.
The minimalist fashion icon, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, was a notable fan of the Boat and Tote. Bessette-Kenedy, who was married to John F. Kennedy Jr., was spotted with the tote while roaming the beaches of Hyannis Port, Massachusetts. She had served as a fashion publicist for Calvin Klein and was known for a simple and timeless style. As Bessette-Kennedy’s wardrobe has become popular on social media, it is understandable why the tote with which she is synonymous would surge in popularity, as well.
Additionally, the fashion world has seen a spike in popularity surrounding classic Ivy League preppiness with the reemergence of rugby shirts and boat shoes. These collegiate and timeless style characteristics can be encapsulated in the bag’s enduring design and the brand’s New England association. At an elite university like Vanderbilt, it makes sense to see a tote that is both classic and preppy.
Coach
A buzzword of recent generations is “vintage.” Whether you spend hours thrifting or find a bag sorting through your mom’s closet, it’s not hard to assume that what’s old is being made new. The brand Coach has only benefited from this resurgence and is a very high-demand item when hunting for vintage. While the bags come in many forms — from a wallet to a shoulder bag — it’s easy to notice floods of Coach totes being used around campus, most of which were made decades ago. These vintage bags, which once carried pens and papers, are now holding laptops and tablets.
Coach’s resurgence is credited to many factors, including social media, but regardless of how it infiltrated the ranks of college students, it seems the bags are here to stay. While there is not one bag that comes to mind when referencing these, an easy mark to spot from across a class is if there’s a monogrammed “C” pattern stitched on. Although Coach is known for being a more affordable option, the exclusivity in vintage fashion makes it more sought out than ever before.
Though a modern tote bag is totally up for the taking, it’s more common to hear about getting a steal of a deal on one versus acquiring a bag straight from the shelf. If an old-school look is your vibe or you just frequent one of the many thrift stores near Vanderbilt, keep your eye out for a Coach bag that is calling your name.
Goyard
Goyard totes are extremely roomy, often monogrammed and are easily spotted for their iconic pattern. The Maison Goyard brand emerged from the production of travel trunks in the late 18th century and grew exponentially into an esteemed fashion brand used by many royals worldwide. The tote is beloved for its large size and fun colorways. The canvas texture is great for everyday use. The buzz on campus is understandable, as its convenient nature is perfect for students.
The brand Maison Goyard has an option for most products to be initialed or customized through hand-painted detailing, since it can only be purchased from official boutiques or the Goyard website. The lightweight and carefully crafted bag is popping up everywhere on campus, and it’s easy to see why Vanderbilt students are inclined to purchase.
The tote’s material and quality are what appealed to sophomore Yennie He.
“[The Goyard tote is] really light and durable. You can put everything inside,” He said. “I’ve already used it for three or four years, and it’s held up so well because of the waterproof material.”
Day to day, you see lots of students carrying bags to class, and these four are some of the most spotted at Vanderbilt. While it can be difficult to decide if you want to finally get rid of your backpack, once you have your favorite tote, there may be no going back. These bags aren’t just fashionable; they are also convenient for your everyday walks across campus. From daily routines to late-night study sessions, having a practical and fashionable bag can make life at Vanderbilt just that much more enjoyable.