The rumors are true - this is Universal Standard's FINAL round of Mystery Boxes. Here's everything you need to know - PLUS an exclusive discount!
It feels a bit like the end of an era, doesn’t it?
That may seem a smidge dramatic, considering this post is all about a shopping promotion – but when you stop to consider that said promotion has enabled people to shop stylish clothing in sizes not frequently carried by other brands at a discount, well, it’s not nothing.
This post is not sponsored, but I received a preview Mystery Box from the brand. This post contains affiliate links and I may receive a small commission (at no cost to you!) if you make a purchase after clicking one of these links. Thank you for your support!
I’m sure I’m not the only one feeling all kinds of ways about the announcement that this round of Universal Standard’s Mystery Boxes would be the last, but I can say I’m glad to be joining in the fun one final time. Here’s all the info you need to know about the final Mystery Boxes:
ABOUT UNIVERSAL STANDARD’S MYSTERY BOXES
Through October 1 October 2 (the sale has been extended!), Universal Standard is offering one last collection of themed Mystery Boxes in their full 00-40 size range. Each box is categorized into concepts like The Denim Discovery Box, The Best-Sellers Box, and The Dresses Box and each one contains two or three mystery pieces from their line.
Pricing for this round of Mystery Boxes starts at $75, but the contents inside can have a value of up to $970. Since the contents are well, a mystery, you’ll simply select a category of Mystery Box and your size – and let the stylists at Universal Standard do the rest! And a pro tip from someone with prior Mystery Box experience: some sizes and boxes will sell out, but if past sales are any indication, there’s a good chance new boxes will drop throughout the sale.
Just here for the discount? You can use INFS-AMBWAYWARD to save 10% on any Universal Standard order
Before choosing your box, be sure to compare your measurements to Universal Standard’s size chart, as their sizing works a little differently. The brand places size Medium at the average woman’s size, which is size 18. From there, sizes are grades up or down. Check out the chart from Universal Standard below to see how this works:
ABOUT THE SURPRISE ME BOX
This year’s Surprise Me Box just dropped, and it includes three styles for a retail price of $98. This box is sort of like the biggest mystery of all the Mystery Boxes. It could really hold anything – even items with a value of $970!
Despite my very best efforts, I can’t predict the future. But I can open up my very own Mystery Box and show you what’s inside! [note: for fit reference, you can find my measurements here]. Ready to unravel the Mystery? Here’s what I discovered in my Surprise Me Mystery Box:
Roitfeld Ribbed Tank
Roitfeld Ribbed Tank Color: White Size: 3XS Materials: 92% Pima Cotton, 8% Elastane Original Retail Price: $52 Also wearing: Denim | Belt | Loafers | Sunglasses | Hoop Earrings | Stud Earrings | Necklace* | Bracelet
A timeless casual classic: the Roitfeld Ribbed Tank. Unlike a lot of similar tanks from other makers of late, this version is bra-friendly thanks to high-cut armholes and wide straps. The fit is just right on me in this size, as it’s meant to be worn quite close to the body. If I had to find fault with it, it’s just too sheer to wear as a top without a nude-to-me cami underneath (it may not come through in photos – but it definitely is visible in real life!). Personally, I don’t love seeing my bra through my clothing, so I will either wear this as an undershirt or with said cami.
—
Coastal Linen Blazer
Coastal Linen Blazer Color: Bleu Scolaire Size: 3XS Materials: 55% Linen, 42% Rayon, 3% Elastane Original Retail Price: $228 note: this style is currently sold out Also wearing: Roitfeld Ribbed Tank | Denim | Belt | Loafers | Sunglasses | Hoop Earrings | Stud Earrings | Necklace* | Bracelet
I probably let out an embarrassing “ooOOOoooh” when pulling the Coastal Linen Blazer out of the package. It’s been a particularly blazer-full year for me, and I’m not mad about it continuing. I was worried that it might be too snug (I’m always caught between a 3XS and a 2XS in Universal Standard), but it very nearly fits like it was made for me. The sleeves are ever so slightly longer than they should be, but that’s nearly always the case for me.
A couple of aesthetic choices surprised and delighted me: the shoulder pads and the buttons. The shoulder pads are closer to their 80s forebears than the thinner, modern-day lining in most blazers. I love a strong shoulder and I am here for it. The buttons have an almost crescent moon vibe going on, and I think it tones down the stuffy nature a bit. I suppose the linen fabric does as well; it’s very un-fashion bloggery of me to come out and say I tend to prefer a linen blend over 100% linen, but oh well (and thanks for sticking with me!). I haven’t had the chance to really get out and wear this around for the day, but I generally find that blends are less wrinkle-prone and I suspect it’s the same here.
—
Casual Stretch Twill Pants
Casual Stretch Twill Pants Color: Vintage Khaki Size: 3XS Materials: 54% Cotton, 40% Rayon, 6% Elastane Original Retail Price: $145
Since I received a preview box, I was fortunate enough to specify my sizing for tops and bottoms. Because I’m between sizes, whenever I shop for the brand’s bottoms, I typically take my size chart size (2XS) in letter sizes and size down (3XS) for everything else. But there are times when I can size down to a 3XS in pants, so I felt a little lost. I waffled and wound up with a 3XS in the Casual Stretch Twill Pants and they are way too small (a good reminder that just because something zips, doesn’t mean it fits!).
Lo and behold when pulling the names of my Mystery Box items for this post, I caught that the notes for this style recommend to size up. There’s no accounting for that when selecting your items for a Mystery Box – and it’s a good reminder that it really is a bit of a gamble. Thankfully there are plenty of great resale options, like this wonderful Buy/Sell/Trade group on Facebook!
—
As a whole, I appreciate the thoughtfulness that went into curating my box. Together, they form an entire outfit that would have cost $425 if I purchased everything individually at retail price; at the Surprise Me Box price of $98, that feels like a steal – so long as everything fits!
*this item is no longer available and a similar product is linked
A LOOK AT PAST MYSTERY BOX REVEALS
I came to the Mystery Box party late – only participating in 2022 and early 2023 – but I think a look back is a helpful indicator of what to expect this time around!
IS A MYSTERY BOX WORTH IT?
The answer to this question can only be given by you – I have no idea what’s inside your closet or how your finances look, so I’m not qualified to give a definitive answer. But I’m happy to help walk you through your decision-making!:
If you’re on a budget with little wiggle room, frankly, you might be able to find a better price per garment by thrifting. And if you’re the kind of person who frequently feels unsatisfied with their purchases? It also might be best to sit this one out.
But if you suffer from decision fatigue, struggle to find clothing in your size, or just love the thrill of the unknown (hey, we’re all human!), a Mystery Box could be a great way to boost your closet with potential cost savings.
AN EXCLUSIVE UNIVERSAL STANDARD DISCOUNT CODE
Universal Standard has generously given readers a promo code for even more savings! Simply use code INFS-AMBWAYWARD at checkout to save 10% on anything sitewide.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON UNIVERSAL STANDARD’S MYSTERY BOXES
Yes, it feels like the end of an era – but I’m hopeful that new opportunities for saving on inclusive clothing are on the horizon. In the meantime, if you order one last Mystery Box, be sure to come back here and share everything you received (I can’t wait to see what you got!).
Update: Universal Standard just dropped The (US) Club – an all-new monthly Style Club designed to curate a fresh wardrobe for the season. I’ll have a review for you soon, but I do have good news for now: my code INFS-AMBWAYWARD works on these boxes, too!
Where to next? You may also like:
- Universal Standard’s Mystery Boxes are Back for 2023!
- Universal Standard’s Mystery Boxes are Back for 2022!
- Universal Standard Denim Review
- Universal Standard’s Extra Credit Sale + Review of Sally Liquid Shirt Dress and Dylan Luxe Twill Joggers
- Review of Universal Standard’s new Foundation and UltimateS lines
- Shop My Closet
- All Style Reviews, Sorted by Brand
- Exclusive Discounts + Promo Codes
The mystery box sounds like such fun! It’s great you got so many wearable pieces in yours! I love that blazer! It’s a shame that they are no longer going to continue with the mystery boxes and this is the final round though!