Gone are the days when bags, especially school bags, came in boring hues of khakis and blues. Nowadays, the market is flooded with satchels of vibrant colours, fitted with smart contraptions, giving them a definite edge. From ethnic jholas defining the college goer’s attitude to chic briefcases adorning corporate workstations, this indispensable accessory now sports a lot of spunk and sports it in style.

Take a stroll down Commercial Street or Brigade Road, and you will be bombarded with unusually-shaped bags of all sizes and designs. Be it the ubiquitous backpack with numerous compartments or the immensely popular cross-sling or body bag, the humble haversack of yore has indeed come a long way. To witness this evolution, hop into Bata or Wildcraft and be prepared to get carried away. For a sportier look try Nike, Reebok or Adidas stores.

While school kids sport bags that have successfully combined trend with practicality, college-going junta find in these accessories a good excuse to flaunt their fashion statement. Bags made of natural fabrics like jute and cotton—in vibrant hues, embroidered or embedded with mirror or bead work reflecting ethnic motifs—are widely popular. Jute Cottage, Fab India, and William Penn are some of the places where you’ll find such bags.

Office goers might like to try something different at Hidesign, yet another brand popular with both men and women. Hidesign stocks a wide range of formal and informal bags, from trendy executive cases to little clutch purses.

Travel bags too have undergone a drastic change. The staid grey and olive-green holdalls have given way to sleek suitcases, duffels and night cases in bright hues of red, orange, pink and yellow, not to mention the vibrant prints adding a touch of uniqueness to the travel kit. Do check out the VIP and Samsung showrooms for starters.

Time to bag it, wouldn’t you say so?