Whether you are a straight-A student, the backbencher, or somewhere in between, the beginning of the academic year is a great time to assess what you need for the coming year and a good point to start with is accessories, especially back-to-college shoes and handbags.
In this detailed back-to-college guide, we will be sharing all our tips and tricks for choosing the perfect bag and shoes, as well as providing our recommendations, from SAPPHIRE’s exclusive accessories collection. Without further ado, let’s start the academic year on the right foot (all puns intended)!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
• SHOES
Shoes are a pivotal part of any wardrobe and a necessary addition to your outfit. Not only do they help take your look up a notch, but they also provide support and comfort for those long days running around campus.
a) What to look for?
First, let’s explore how to handpick the best shoes from women to last us all year long especially during the cold winter months ahead!
1. COMFORT
The average college day consists of walking to classes and exploring campus which is why we need to invest in comfortable shoes for women, that are properly cushioned and arched. Shop everyday slides, durable sneakers, and versatile loafers to last you throughout the colder months.
2. DESIGN
Everyone’s personal taste and preferences greatly influences their choice of shoes. Opt for shoes that define your individual style while adhering to the latest trends of the season. If you are someone who tends to wear more Eastern than Western wear, slides or khussay are a good option, but if you are someone who prefers t-shirts and button-downs over kurta designs, sneakers or loafers are the way to go! Similarly, if you prefer classic colours, go for something black, tan, or white, but if you like to make a statement, a pair of bright pink shoes is right up your alley!
3. OCCASION
Different campus activities call for different types of shoes for women. Consider shopping for a mix of casual and formal options to cater to any occasion that might occur this academic year. Sneakers are a good option for everyday Western wear, embellished shoes go great with traditional suit designs, loafers are perfect for formal presentations, and mules are great for those days when you want to elevate your everyday look!
b) Recommendations:
Let’s explore the must-have shoes for the academic year below that will brave you from the cold.
1. SNEAKERS
Sneakers might be the most versatile pair of shoes for a school, college, or university-going girl. They pair well with t-shirts, dresses, and everything in between; dress up a formal look down with a pair of white sneakers or keep it casual yet trendy with black sneakers with a comfy t-shirt. The sneaker is a must-have because it is comfortable, durable, and cool!
2. SLIDES
Perfect for slipping into on days when you want to put in minimum effort while achieving the maximum effect, SAPPHIRE has slides in both basic and embellished designs. Slides pair perfectly with every kind of western wear OOTD, as well as traditional suit designs. Explore SAPPHIRE’s wide range of flats for women and find one that speaks to your personal style.
3. LOAFERS
Loafers are a must-have for looking formal and polished! Choose from SAPPHIRE’s patent leather or suede loafers to take your presentation OOTDs up a notch. The loafer is also a great walking shoe for everyday in the colder winter months of the year.
4. MULES
Mules are essentially a backless shoe with a rounded, squared, or pointed toe, making them a good option for the girls who don’t like wearing closed shoes but still want to achieve a formal and polished appearance. SAPPHIRE has a wide variety of mules in patent leather and jute fabrics in a range of shades to choose from.
• BAGS
Handbags aren’t just a style accessory but a functional part of your everyday attire. Bags for the academic year need to fulfil the purpose they were purchased for while adding to your personal style.
a) What to look for?
There are certain factors one should consider when shopping for the perfect handbag for school, college, or university.
1. LIFESTYLE
It’s important to consider one’s daily routine and activities when picking out a handbag; a bag should align with your everyday needs and accommodate all your essentials. If you tend to carry a lot of books each day, a bigger tote bag might be for you but if you prefer carrying just a laptop, a smaller shoulder bag for your cellphone and wallet may be more appropriate for you.
2. SIZE
Adding on to the last point, the size of the handbag one opts for is directly linked to their lifestyle and the perfect bag strikes a balance between size and convenience. Choosing a bag that is too big might be too much of a hassle to carry while a smaller bag might not fit in all your essentials.
3. TYPE
Different occasions on campus require different types of handbags. A tote bag might be great for days with more classes and a shoulder bag might work for outings after classes. It also ultimately boils down to individual preference and what goes best with your personal style.
b) Recommendations:
Here are some of the must-have handbags for the academic year.
1. TOTE BAG
If we had to choose just one handbag for back to campus, a tote bag is the way to go! Spacious enough to easily carry books, laptops, wallet, and other essentials, SAPPHIRE has tote bags in a range of colours and designs to choose from. Look for a durable design, preferably with multiple compartments to keep all your things in place.
2. SHOULDER BAG
A shoulder bag is a medium-sized handbag which is great for students who only use a laptop for their daily tasks. In this case, a compact shoulder bag has all your other essentials such as cellphone, wallet, etc.
3. CROSSBODY BAG
If you want an option that’s even more compact, a crossbody bag is a great handbag style to choose. Keep your hands free for busier days and keep your cell phone and wallet in the bag for a hassle-free experience.
4. WALLET
A wallet is a necessity, regardless of whatever handbag you decide to buy. SAPPHIRE has quality wallet designs with multiple compartments for cards, cash, and everything in between.
• CONCLUSION
Selecting the right kind of shoes and handbags for school, college, or university requires a balance of comfort, style, and functionality. Explore SAPPHIRE’s wide range of accessories online or in-store to build the perfect back-to-campus wardrobe now!
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