I’ve seen multiple threads about which bags are appropriate/inappropriate to wear in a work setting. But in this case, I’m asking about jewelry/watches on a college campus setting. I really love my designer jewelry, but have made an effort not to wear much of it on campus for the most part. I’ve never worn any of my watches. The most I’ve worn to class is my MOP VCA pendant or Chanel costume earrings. There are other pieces I wish I could wear, but I can’t seem to get over potentially appearing ostentatious or show-offy to my peers. Does anyone have any takes or advice on this? Many girls carry Goyard or Longchamp bags to class at my university, but I’ve never seen any with designer jewelry outside of, maybe, a cartier love bracelet or ring.
What pieces are appropriate to wear on campus?
- Thread starter pinkmilq
- Start date
TPF may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, and others
University/college was a long time ago for me now as I’m in my early 40s, however I would err on the side of less is more in that setting.
Students come from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds and many (most?) won’t be as lucky as you to own ANY fine jewellery, let alone designer fine jewellery, at such a young age. You don’t want to alienate your peers. I know technically we should be able to wear what we like and not care what others think, but the reality is that we do need to consider our environment and also show due care and consideration to the feelings of others who may be struggling financially. This can be the case at any time in life, of course, but when you are older people do tend to view you differently and factor in things like career development/success, family money, inheritance etc.
Personally I think you have got it exactly right already and would focus on wearing your other jewellery when socialising with your family and friends at home, on vacation etc.
Students come from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds and many (most?) won’t be as lucky as you to own ANY fine jewellery, let alone designer fine jewellery, at such a young age. You don’t want to alienate your peers. I know technically we should be able to wear what we like and not care what others think, but the reality is that we do need to consider our environment and also show due care and consideration to the feelings of others who may be struggling financially. This can be the case at any time in life, of course, but when you are older people do tend to view you differently and factor in things like career development/success, family money, inheritance etc.
Personally I think you have got it exactly right already and would focus on wearing your other jewellery when socialising with your family and friends at home, on vacation etc.
Adding to what @Onebagtoomany said, I would leave the fine or designer jewelry at home. It’s really not possible to keep stuff secure in your room. Whether it’s roommates, friends, parties, there are always lots of people going in and out of dorms. And if you wear lots of expensive items, you may be setting yourself up as a target.
As a mother of a now 30-year-old daughter, I would not let her bring expensive items to school. Even when she was in medical school, she rarely toted around the Hermes Double Sens I bought her — and that was her choice — as she was extremely conscious of her privilege.
As a mother of a now 30-year-old daughter, I would not let her bring expensive items to school. Even when she was in medical school, she rarely toted around the Hermes Double Sens I bought her — and that was her choice — as she was extremely conscious of her privilege.
I graduated years ago, but I suppose it depends on where you go to school and the students body. It was very common to see cartier stacks in particular on campus, along with G wagons and Porsches and other “flashy” things.
I wore my jewelry/bags/watches all the time in university and nobody gave it a second thought. Depends on the university obviously but most of the time if you aren’t wearing pyjamas to class you are already going to stick out. 🤣
What @etoupebirkin says is very true too. Depending on your social habits/living arrangements theft might be a very real issue. Unfortunately lots of things get stolen so it’s something to keep in mind. I was lucky enough that my room had a lock and key but from the common areas I had items stolen many times.
You might get the odd TA that might make a comment but never got one from a professor. (Mainly my diamond encrusted pens 🤣)
What @etoupebirkin says is very true too. Depending on your social habits/living arrangements theft might be a very real issue. Unfortunately lots of things get stolen so it’s something to keep in mind. I was lucky enough that my room had a lock and key but from the common areas I had items stolen many times.
You might get the odd TA that might make a comment but never got one from a professor. (Mainly my diamond encrusted pens 🤣)
I wore almost no jewellery when I was on campus - just a small simple pair of studs (like 0.6ctw) or diamond huggie hoops. Even watches I kept it simple. Maybe a band ring here or there. I didn’t own any designer jewellery in college but I did have some nice fine jewellery pieces. But I saved those for off campus - I lived in common housing, and I didn’t want to risk losing any of my things or not being relatable to my other classmates.
What to you tend to see other students wearing on your campus?
At work I have toned down my jewelry; I wear silver or if I wear gold/rose gold, i pick dainty pieces so as to “go with the flow”. I had noticed it was drawing attention and I felt it was best for me to divert that attention before it possibly turned into uncomfortable attention. It is a decision that has worked well for me!
At work I have toned down my jewelry; I wear silver or if I wear gold/rose gold, i pick dainty pieces so as to “go with the flow”. I had noticed it was drawing attention and I felt it was best for me to divert that attention before it possibly turned into uncomfortable attention. It is a decision that has worked well for me!
NYU freshman stole, sold $51K in luxury items from roomie whose millionaire dad has Putin ties: suit
The first-year NYU student allegedly stole roughly $50,000 worth of her roommate’s pricey stuff, selling it off for a quick buck, according to a lawsuit.
nypost.com
I have gifted my daughters jewelry and handbags over the years and they are both very aware of wearing them around campus. The jewelry they do wear more frequently but the handbags that are much more readily recognizable at a distance they do not. I think it depends upon the school and living circumstances like in a dorm vs neighborhood apartment
I really think it depends on the campus and the city you live in. One university I went to I was dating an NFL players brother and he was always wearing expensive items and driving expensive cars to class. It was not uncommon to see other students carrying amd wearing designer items. At another university I went to the town's socioeconomic status was not high. I never wore jewelry there. It just depends.