125 x 125 Style

From Slime To Sublime
Relief for the stylistically challenged

I recently got married, and now wear a wedding band. The problem is, I've worn my college ring for the past twelve years now and I'm not too keen on retiring it. If I wear both, is that too much? My wife says I look like a pimp but I don't think it looks too bad. - Jose G., Union City, NJ

It's all a question of priorities. Do your memories of that keg party your senior year outweigh the importance of your marriage? We think we know the answer. Ditch the ring; it's the last vestige of your former existence as a rakish, yet immature college boy.

Goldie shows us that if you spend all his money on jewelry, you'll lose your shirt.

College rings are, perhaps, one of the most grotesque manifestations of male jewelry ever created. Aside from their garish design, they're downright offensive in size. They'll attract attention to your hands and away from your smiling mug -- never a good thing. Plus, we've yet to find one outfit or other piece of jewelry that they go well with, other than your varsity jacket.

We pray that you're still not wearing that jacket.

When it comes to male jewelry, less is more. Some purists argue that the only jewelry an adult man should wear are his wristwatch and a wedding band. Although we won't go to such extremes, one tasteful and discreet ring is acceptable. So is a necklace, as long as both the chain and charm are understated. In other words, make sure your chain isn't thick enough to belong on the Amistad and your crucifix isn't big enough for Jesus to hang from. In short, jewelry should lend a subtle accent of elegance to your attire, Puff Daddy notwithstanding.

As for the ring, store it alongside your varsity jersey, yearbook, and that tie-dyed T-shirt you picked up ten years ago on Spring Break. If you've done the college thing right, these items will serve as fond reminders of a time when you enriched your mind, put your body through hell, and had a grand old time doing it. Time to embrace your new life with your new wife.

One last thing. On second thought, throw out that T-shirt.

Got a style question? Send it to us at comments@ffwdmag.com.