When I was in college, I carried a huge bag that I made rather hurriedly out of an old skirt. It had all my school jank in it. It was kind of pretty, with painted flowers and beads on it. I got a lot of compliments on it, along with some remarks about its size.
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Now, I do everything I can to avoid carrying a purse or bag of any kind, because I know I'll set it down somewhere and forget it. So, I have keys in my front pocket, as well as random coins. In my back pocket, I have driver's license and a credit card. I hate carrying stuff SO MUCH that I memorized my library card number, just so I wouldn't have to worry about forgetting it or ever taking it with me. I memorized my credit card number, too, but that's mostly for online purchases... I swipe it at the grocery store.
I have a prepaid brick-type cell phone for emergencies, but I'll usually leave it in the car if I remember to bring it at all.
If I'm going to be gone for a long time, or if I'm planning to eat anything, or if I really ought to have my cell phone with me, I'll wear cargo pants. I know I won't forget them like I'd forget a purse.