For us at A Magazine, nothing says back to school like a brand-new outfit to flaunt around campus.  Nothing, that is, until a heel gets wedged between bricks on the sidewalk and snaps off, or a torrential downpour leaves that new outfit soaked to the skin. If trudging through campus has left you with one or more wardrobe malfunctions on numerous occasions, we feel your pain.

Luckily, some precious gifts were built to last and endure the most seasonal of elements. While fashion brands continue to work on connecting functionality with aesthetic, the latest being Adidas with its announcement of Adidas Athletics, we’ve done the same. Check out our must-have picks of fashion with functionality that will not only serve you well in the real world, but even better in the ever-brutal and shifting world of fashion.

1. Sneakers

Consider this the most obvious item on the lis

t. A pair of tennis shoes will always be the best choice for navigating campus hills, but sometimes, pulling off that sporty-chic look isn’t as effortless as Kendall Jenner makes it seem. Fortunately, a good pair of Adidas Stan Smiths has you covered. These pristine white shoes made a comeback, and it doesn’t appear to be dying anytime soon. Comfy and neutral, they’re versatile enough to complete almost any outfit. Not a fan of the sporty look? Skip the laces and opt for slip-ons with some flair, like these quilted ones by Steve Madden.

2. Loafers

One pair of shoes to wear on that treacherous hike to class is never enough. Plus, with these shoes, the feeling is a lot less like a hike and a lot more li

ke walking on a cloud. Hand-sewn in the U.S. and made out of genuine leather, G.H. Bass offers a wide range of loafers for men and women that are both comfortable and classically stylish, especially with their signature Weejun style. As an added bonus, G.H. Bass has an outlet store at Aurora Farms Premium Outlets, located about 20 minutes north of Kent State. If you already have blisters after the first week breaking in the new shoes your mom bought you, you can pick up this pair sooner rather than later.

3. Backpack

Remember the days you begged your mom to buy you a new backpack so you could have the coolest one in class? Cue rejuvenation of that backpack love

with these picks that will amp up any outfit without falling apart. Before Herschel, there was L.L. Bean, a brand that still has a rep for durable fashion, as seen in its teardrop backpack. If you’re looking for something with more personality, check out Kipling backpacks for a variety of prints made out of multifunctional nylon, like this fun metallic one. They’re a bit pricier than L.L. Bean, but you’ll be thanking us when those bad boys get you through your four years of undergrad and beyond.

4.  Watch

Phones die, but watches are forever. Don’t let the dreadful combination of a late night and forgotten phone charger keep you running behind schedule. A timepiece adds a certain je ne sais quoi to any outfit, whether you’re going for a vintage or minimalist vibe. Check out this collection of whimsical watches by Olivia Burton to add some art to your arm, or this collection for men by Ted Baker for a splash of color.

5.  Hair tie

While we’re talking about wrist wear, can you believe it’s 2016 and we’re still flaunting hair ties on our wrists? They leave marks, and when they inevitably break, the sad-looking elastic rubber band underneath is revealed. These hair tie cuffs are neutral enough for both men and women to use and versatile enough to look good with any outfit. Th

ey’re specially approved for man buns and preventing hair from whipping back and forth.

6. Raincoats

There’s really nothing worse than buying a nice-looking raincoat that isn’t waterproof, and even though spring is known as the rainy season, fall can be just as bad. Save yourself the grief and find a fashion-forward coat by a reputable brand, like this rubber rain coat from Nike, available in a neutral black or a bold orange. For women, you can’t go wron

g with a coat that cinches at the waist to eliminate some bulk that comes with jackets, like with this Ralph Lauren anorak.