As the fall semester begins, the courtyard fills with students showcasing their new styles– from sneakers to hairstyles, nails, and even water bottles. While uniforms can limit students’ ability to express themselves to the fullest, accessories are the main outlet for creativity and to make a lasting first impression.
This year it’s all about your bag, not your backpack.
At Notre Dame High School, the transition from backpacks to purses has become a popular trend.
For the longest time, ND students have worn a variety of backpacks — such as JanSport,
lululemon, or Herschel backpacks. Seniors even make an homage to their last year of high school by reverting to a kindergarten backpack.
In 2025, we see a palpable change where students have ditched their backpacks for purses and leather tote bags. This full-blown wave of self-expression through authentic shoulder bags can be seen in every corner of the school.
We are seeing beautiful large crossbody bags, designer purses, and even floral vintage handbags adorning the shoulders and arms of our ND students. Students often will carry their ipads and other school supplies in their bags while either storing their lunches in the locker room or holding it separately.
We wondered why the shift happened, so we asked a few students to share the reason behind this evolution. For many people, the shift is simply an opportunity to make a fashion statement.
“My purse reflects more of who I am because it gives me the opportunity to showcase my own fashion in my everyday uniform. Which obviously doesn’t have much variety, and so this way I can wear the same polo as everyone else but I have a little touch of what I like and something that I find cute and chique,” says Elena Carli ‘27.
For others, it was a practical choice. Since iPads have replaced many heavy textbooks, students no longer need large backpacks. A shoulder bag has enough space for the essential school supplies, and in some ways more accessible with organizational sections that make it easy to find everything.
Lastly, this form of self-expression had deeper signals of maturity and confidence, as it better reflects one’s individuality and stage of life. Selah Boze ‘27 said, “I feel more mature and it’s like a step up from middle school where I used a backpack all my life. High school is a more mature place, so I chose to bring a purse to represent that.”
For her, this choice marks her personal growth.
Despite the popularity of the trend, there still are a few backpack holdouts. Many don’t care for change and like to stick with the traditional school backpack.
The students that have more to carry, such as athletes, as they are finding it easier to stick to the backpack. It’s practical to not worry about where you put it down and it is easier to carry on your back.
Whether driven by practicality, self-expression, or simply wanting something new, the transition from backpacks to purses has only just begun. What has been labeled as a “trend” has now become a silent yet powerful statement on individuality.
Whether it be a backpack, purse, tote, cross-body bag or even a kindergarten backpack, each choice reflects a small piece of who they are and adds a unique layer to their personality.
Overall, students have found meaningful ways to express their style and originality through the usage of shoulder bags. What may seem like a simple fashion choice is actually a step in furthering students’ confidence and self-esteem.
