Disclosure: I did a sponsored post for Instagram for this sale, but wanted to share it here as well. I’m not being compensated for this post, however, there are affiliate links. This means that if you click through and order anything through them, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help me continue my work here, and I greatly appreciate the support!
Universal Standard continues to be one of my all-time favorite brands. Their commitment to maintaining sizes 00-40 in all items and their excellent quality and fit, means that they are the most frequently worn items in my closet. They are classic styles – some with a twist – that can live in heavy rotation in your wardrobe. I love that I can recommend this brand to all of my readers, not just my plus-size ones.
About the Universal Standard Sample Sale: This is an annual sale, where a wide range of US styles are on deep discount, with some items up to 75{967bf23b37ec6a673a83041540b3f904a815b4119ddf673afb961c1e7592ebdd} off. The 2022 Universal Standard Sample Sale dates are July 20-August 1st. Sizes and colors sell out quickly, so I encourage shopping early if you had your eye on something. Styles in this sale are final sale, but there’s a pretty robust US fan base on Facebook, Poshmark, and other resale sites that you can tap to sell items that truly don’t work out.
About Universal Standard sizing: US has the most size-inclusive range of clothes available right now (other than custom/bespoke options). They have sizes 00-40, with incredibly detailed measurements for each item. Their S, M, L, etc labels are different than you’ll be used to, so if you’ve not shopped them before – please consult the size chart! I am 5’10 and usually wear a 28 in Lane Bryant and ELOQUII. My measurements fall between the US XL and 2XL. I have size labels on all the photos below for reference. Questions about sizing? Let me know!
I own a lot of Universal Standard pieces, many of which are included in the sample sale. This particular sale has a good mix of long-time US staples plus new pieces. Here are some of my favorites that you can score at big discounts. Shop the entire Sample Sale here – tip: sort by size to quickly items available since they go quickly.
Long Sleeve Stretch Poplin Shirt Dress
This stretch poplin shirt dress is a total classic. Wear it on its own, wear it open or half open with pants, belt it, roll the sleeves, wear it open over a tank dress, or throw a blazer or cardigan on top – it is versatile and won’t ever go out of style. I’m wearing the size 2XL in the blue and white stripe.
Whitney Super High Rise Seam Tapered Leg Jeans
I have a really difficult time finding denim that I enjoy wearing. I have a very long torso but shorter legs, and also an apron tummy/B-belly which means denim often hits at a strange spot. For this reason, I prefer high rise denim that is ACTUALLY high rise. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve tried on high rise denim for it only to end up midrise on my stomach, cutting me off in a strange spot. Universal Standard already made my favorite pair of jeans, the Joni High Rise Curve (also included in the Sample Sale) – but these super high rise Whitney jeans have bested those. They are so comfortable – there’s some stretch but nothing that leaves you “droopy,” and the waist goes to exactly where I want it. I’d love a plain version of these jeans without the center seam down the leg, but also think that the center seam creates a nice visual line for the body. These are the darker wash, but there is a lighter wash available as well.
Lightweight Merino Tunic Sweater
I saw this sweater show up on social media when Universal Standard had Mystery Boxes, and I became obsessed with it. The drape, the cut, the material – *chefs kiss* It comes in some beautiful colors and I can’t wait to wear it in heavy rotation when the weather cools a little. It’s a very soft lightweight merino and will wear well in fall as well as into winter.
This dress is a regular go-to in my warm-weather wardrobe. I now own it in 3 colors and find myself constantly reaching for it when I want something casual, but still with some shape. It’s as comfortable as wearing an oversized t-shirt, but way nicer! Size-wise, I have this in both the XL and 2XL and prefer the 2XL so I have more length.
I recently purchased this dress and immediately fell in love. It’s so comfortable for summer and could easily be layered with a denim jacket into fall. The fabric is such a nice jersey with a lot of stretch but still holds shape. I also love that the straps are wide enough to wear a standard bra with it.
This is linen, but better since it has a little bit of stretch to it. You can find my full review of this dress and 4 ways to style it here.
Activewear and Next-to-Naked bodysuit
I wish I could scream to the rooftops about how good the US Next-to-Naked fabric is. I don’t know how they managed to make fabric so stretchy, but also thick and supportive – and not hot! I never in my life thought I’d want to work out in a bodysuit, and it’s one of my favorite things for the treadmill or Peloton bike. I also have the bodyshorts, shorts, and tank in this fabric and am ordering more as soon as I finish this post. Resist the urge to size up – it’s form-fitting but has so much stretch.
This is such a breezy, long tunic that can be worn in many ways since it has buttons down the front and sides. When you want an extra layer but don’t want anything heavy, this is the go-to. I’ve worn it over my bodysuit (above), over a dress, and over denim and a tank.
I could honestly keep going with all the pieces I love, but this should be a good place to start!
Shop the entire Universal Standard Sample Sale
