Disclosure: This blog post is not sponsored by Universal Standard, but I did receive a free Mystery Box in exchange for showcasing the outfit on Instagram. If you use my link or coupon code in this post to make a purchase, I will receive a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work!
Universal Standard Mystery Boxes are back! I’ve got the rundown for you about the most popular US sale of the year. Already know the deal and only here for a discount? Use code INFS-10EMMIE at checkout for an additional 10{967bf23b37ec6a673a83041540b3f904a815b4119ddf673afb961c1e7592ebdd} off Mystery Boxes AND also applies site-wide if Mystery Boxes aren’t your jam.
Who is Universal Standard?
Universal Standard is of my favorite brands. I fell in love with them in 2015 when they first hit the scene and have purchased so much since then. I always hesitate to call a company “size-inclusive” because unless you offer custom options for anyone, someone is always going to be excluded. BUT they are absolutely the most size-inclusive major brand with every item offered in sizes 00-40. As someone who is very often excluded from styles as a size 28, it is extremely appreciated. The styles are classic and high quality, and some of my favorite things in my closet. There isn’t a week that goes by that I don’t wear US at least twice. If you want more photos, you can find my Universal Standard archives here.
What is a Universal Standard Mystery Box?
Just as it sounds, a Universal Standard Mystery Box is a package you receive where you don’t select the items. For a limited time, you can purchase a themed box at deep savings not available from Universal Standard at any other time. You give up control, and they give you a discount. The 2023 Mystery Boxes begin 2/14 (early access) and will go through February 22nd, unless they sell out earlier. There are 13 themed boxes you can select from, including Best-Sellers, Coastal Chic, Luxe Forever, Wanderlust, Athleisure, and more. All boxes come in sizes 00-40 and come with 2-3 wardrobe essentials that fit the box’s theme. Prices start at just $58 and boxes are valued up to $1,100.
Boxes DO sell out throughout the sale, so if you want to get a specific box, I suggest shopping early. (Learn from my mistake of missing out on the Luxe box last year!)
What I received in my Dresses Mystery Box:
Universal Standard gifted me their All-Occasion Dresses Box in exchange for me sharing the contents on Instagram. This box includes 3 dresses for $174, making them $58/piece. I ordered my usual US size, a 2XL, and they all fit perfectly. I’ve ordered a lot of mystery boxes throughout the years, and have to say this one was my favorite. Reminder – your box will likely be different! I’m just sharing what I received as an example of the items you could get:
Tesino Long Sleeve Jersey Dress in Midnight – retails at $112
This long sleeve jersey dress is so, so comfortable. The knit is nice and stretchy but doesn’t stay stretched out. It has a nice weight to it, so there’s no sheering in the fabric. It is the perfect dress for running errands when you want to look put together but feel like you’re in your pajamas. I paired it with a pair of sneakers and a belt bag worn crossbody style. You could also wear it with a denim or moto jacket with sneakers, flats, or boots.
Clean Column Maxi Dress in Faded Plum – retails at $138
THE DRAPE OF THIS DRESS!! It’s so good. I have a hard time with straight/column cut dresses because I have a larger belly and hips, but US always gets the proportions right. This is a silky stretch jersey fabric that drapes and moves beautifully. I’d absolutely wear this dress out for an evening occasion. The v-neck and front slit are somehow sexy but still chic. For this photo, I quickly grabbed some neutral pumps and a brown leather bag which totally works, but this is a dress that I’d love to style with a textured clutch, strappy heels, hair up, with some sparkly earrings.
New Standard Jersey Wrap Dress in Black – retails at $138
This is another wardrobe essential – a little black dress that can go anywhere! This one hits all the high notes: a thick stretch jersey material that will stay wrinkle-free, a TRUE wrap style that affords adjustable coverage in the bust and at the waist, and a length just below the knees that is appropriate anywhere. It is a real classic. Dress it up or down – this can do it all.
The value of the dresses if purchased separately is $388 vs the cost of the box at $174!
BEFORE you buy a Universal Standard Mystery Box:
- All sales are final. There are no returns or exchanges with any of these items. If you’re OK with that risk, go forth and purchase! If you have experience with selling online, US items typically sell quickly on Poshmark and in Buy/Sell/Trade Groups on Facebook.
- US sizes are DIFFERENT! Triple-check your size if you’re not familiar with it: I find their size charts to be extremely accurate, but their sizing scale is labeled differently from other brands. If you’re close to my size, I wear a size 28 in most retailers and do so as well for the numeric labeled items at US, and in their alphanumeric sizing, wear either an XL or 2XL depending on how I’d like the item to fit.
- It’s truly random what is selected for you. Items will fall in the theme of the box you purchase, but the specific items/colors could vary from person to person. If you’re ultra-selective or are only looking to fill a narrow gap in your wardrobe, this might not be the right sale for you. But again, if you’re comfortable selling online or with any other US-obsessed friends, then it should be easy to swap or sell what didn’t hit the mark for you.
- Boxes sell out – If there’s a specific one you’re interested in, I suggest buying early. Sizes and styles become limited.
- Shipping can be slow – between 2-4 weeks. If you are looking for Amazon Prime speeds, this isn’t it!
- View the 2023 Mystery Box FAQs here for more details.
Universal Standard Mystery Box discount – coupon code:
Save an additional 10{967bf23b37ec6a673a83041540b3f904a815b4119ddf673afb961c1e7592ebdd} off your Universal Standard Mystery Box purchase, AND anything else site-wide with code INFS-10EMMIE at checkout. This is valid through 2/22/23.
Have questions? Let me know and I’ll try to answer them!