Back-to-School Fashion: Backpacks or Messengers?

(CANVAS STAFF REPORTS) - Gone are the days when you had one bag option to choose to lug your books and school supplies around. Today's market is inundated with different styles and designs of backpacks to finish off all of that back-to-school shopping you've just completed.

There are still choices to be made in size and style. And after purchasing all those stylish clothes for school, you don't want to disappoint in the backpack department – because it will be the item that will be the most prominent.

If staying with the trends is important to your tween or teen girl, The Stir blog described the must-have backpack as being the leather mini backpack which has made a comeback from the '90s.

And for the girly-girl, a Vera Bradley bag will never disappoint in fashion or versatility. In fact, moms and daughters might even fight over it.

For boys, think skulls.

The Toronto Sun featured a backpack with skull patterns that emulates that macho message. Skulls are also being seen on lunch boxes as well.

But step outside of the box for a second. Messenger bags are also an option and they are gaining quite a following.

The messenger bag is a choice for boys or girls and comes in an array of choices, too.

About.com explains that the messenger bag can be found in a variety of materials all the way from canvas or velvet to silk or nylon.

The messenger bag often holds more than a traditional backpack and its large flat surface provides wearers the ability to personalize and decorate it to make it their own.

Whatever your choice, messenger or backpack, your child is sure to be in style.