On-trend school bag for Y7 DD

[Teets]

I know, I know - this gets asked every year - sorry! My daughter has ASD and starts secondary in September. I at least want to make sure that in terms of fashion choices she can blend in a bit...
Any pointers? I know Hype was massive a couple of years ago, but no idea about now. TIA

---

This thread is quite old now so some of the suggestions may be out of date, but if you’ve landed here looking for a great school bag for your DC, we’ve recently updated our best school bags page with lots of options, as bought, tried and tested by Mumsnet users and their kids. We hope you find it useful.
MNHQ

Think it depends on the school/the area and what your DD thinks and wants. Think a certain cliquey element still definitely use cheap looking type tote bags around here.

DD year 12 went against the grain from the off and has always used a rucksack of sorts in year 12 she graduated to a laptop rucksack (she has always wanted and chosen and found to be more practical). It really depends, some girls still use rucksacks other girls use totes. It depends how they see themselves whether they want to be popular and are desperate to fit in or whether they prefer to think for themselves. Although I don’t think I would advise having anything that draws too much attention or making too much of a statement.

I asked DD (after reading this thread) what is the "in" bag at school and she looked at me like I have two heads. I work at the school and people definitely carry ruck sacks (both shoulders, they're heavy) and in myriad styles, colours and brands. I couldn't name those brands however! DD says she's genuinely never paid attention and her friends couldn't care less what bag she has. Worth pointing out that her friends are all boys and they just don't care about what the rest of the school is doing or wearing. I'm relieved tbh because at primary (small school) she didn't fit in and was teased by the girls. She was extremely unhappy. Since going to secondary, she's shaved her head with pride and dresses to her character and style and has found friends who love her for who she is.

I'm not naive. I do work in the school after all. I know there's a lot of pressure around perfume (and spraying it all the bloody time), hair looking perfect (and brushing it all the bloody time), make-up brands, listening to the 'right' music etc. And I see the negative effects on lots of children who are feeling the pressure. There will be an in bag I'm sure.

Shoes, according to uniform policy, are plain, no boots, no trainers and no branding. DD has DM boots though (with permission).

The key item they're most keen to get right ime, is trousers. They walk a v fine line with regards to the uniform policy and the new head who is challenging them on it is proving unpopular. Trousers should be business like/formal. The girls prefer skin tight, slightly cropped, trainer socks (not allowed) and low waisted. Skirts are one style only and have the school logo. You then roll them up as far as public decency will allow!

Everyone (boys and girls) have sports backpacks here. Adidas, Nike, Under Armour. Usually black.

Thank you all so much! Feels less daunting now...well, for me, anyway!
Really appreciate your help.

DC’s school (S London comp) decreed navy or black and no visible branding or logo.

Nobody gave a monkeys.

Bags need to be sturdy, roomy (check PE kit plus books etc fit) , and somewhat waterproof.

DD has to have an "approved" bag with the school badge on which is £30 and lasts "not-quite-a-year" so I'm envious of al, of you who can pick your own.

Under armour rucksack / back pack or tote bag for dds here

Black trainer / shoe hybrids are in as well

Straight hair down, short skirts and no make up but lip balm round here

Middle class countryside area but a good mix of ppl

When I've seen the secondary school girls leaving school recently, most of them have handbags. The type you'd take to work in an office.

Some of the younger ones probably had rucksacks like Adidas ones.

I would say that the year 7s in my area have a mix of branded rucksacks and handbags (Primark etc). Definitely drive or walk by and have a look.

Re shoes, I wouldn't go for velcro. I can't remember any year 7 having velcro shoes when I was at school. What about some chunky brogues? If laces are an issue, you could look for some with a buckle.

If laces are a problem you can swap them for those elastic ones that zip tight.

Kanken, especially the recyc ones, big corduroy bags or Seventeen London backpack (loads of colours - see Amazon)

Our secondary school doesn't allow tote style bags and specifically says backpacks. I think that's great as it's better for their backs- they all wear them on two shoulders as well so they can hopefully avoid the back problems that plague those of us who lugged heavy bags to school and would have suffered social death wearing a backpack on both shoulders

I proudly owned number 9. The bit between the main bag and the zip off end was great for hiding contraband (and sanpro)

vans

Black Hype and black Nike bags here. All kept simple

@CeeceeBloomingdale Snap! Even as a very tall 11 year old I remember it being huge.

Thanks all! We went for an Under Armour one in the end. Nice and big with lots and lots of different compartments. Very snazzy. Recommended. www.underarmour.co.uk/en-gb/p/women/ua_hustle_5.0_backpack/194512964186.html
Good deal on at Sports Direct at the moment. Got a third off.