Unlocking the Mystery: My Review of the Universal Standard Surprise Me Box
Today I’m super excited to share my latest adventure in the world of fashion: the Universal Standard Surprise Me Box 🎉 For anyone unfamiliar, Universal Standard is known for its inclusive sizing and high-quality pieces that cater to women of all shapes and sizes. And every year, they take the fun of fashion a step further by offering a mystery box. Yes, you heard that right—a box filled with surprise pieces from their best-sellers list at a fraction of the price! Who doesn’t love a good mystery, especially when it’s paired with a discount? 🙌
So, what can you expect from the Universal Standard Surprise Me Box, and more importantly, is it worth your hard-earned money? That’s exactly what we’re diving into today with my plus size clothing review and try-on haul!
First Impressions: Opening the Box
When Universal Standard reached out to ask if I wanted to review their Surprise Me Box, I was like, *YES, PLEASE!* I’ve dabbled in Universal Standard before and have tried a few of their pieces, but I’d still consider myself a newbie in their fashion world. So, getting the chance to explore more was right up my alley.
Here’s what I got:
1. ComfortDenim Drawstring Jean Trousers
Okay, I need to start with these ComfortDenim Drawstring Jean Trousers because, girl… I have feelings. 😂 I’ll be honest: drawstrings and denim? That’s a combo I’m just not here for. It’s like mixing oil and water; they just don’t belong together in my book. And from the moment I laid eyes on these jeans, I had a strong sense they weren’t going to be my favorite.
Don’t get me wrong—I tried to stay open-minded because, hey, sometimes fashion surprises you. But spoiler alert: these jeans didn’t surprise me in a good way. The fit wasn’t what I hoped for, and the drawstring just wasn’t my vibe. I mean, if I’m reaching for denim, I want structure, not something that feels like loungewear.
I will say, though, that the quality of the fabric was top-notch. You can definitely tell these are made to last, which is a huge plus. But I would not pay $128 for these on my best day. This took me back to high school when there were so few options available to plus size girlies, and I felt like I was always having to dress older than I was. Not a great feeling, but we march on!
2. Cooling Stretch Cupro Button-Down Blouse in Berry
Next up, we have the Cooling Stretch Cupro Button-Down Blouse in this absolutely gorgeous berry color. Now, this piece had me smiling the moment I pulled it out of the box. First impressions? The color is so rich and perfect for fall, and the fabric is just as soft and luxurious as you’d expect from Universal Standard.
I’ve always been a fan of their quality, and this blouse doesn’t disappoint. It feels smooth against the skin and has just the right amount of stretch to be comfortable without losing its shape. I can work with this.
Style tip: Pair it with some tailored trousers (obviously not the denim drawstring ones) or tuck it into a high-waisted skirt for an effortless, chic look. You can dress it up or down, making it super versatile. And that color? Chef’s kiss👌
3. Green Shirt Dress
Okay, lovelies, this next piece had me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. It’s a green shirt dress that I couldn’t even find on the Universal Standard website (maybe it’s sold out?), but when I first saw it, I thought, “Is this more summer than fall?” But then the deep green color had me like, “No, this is ALL fall.”
Here’s the thing: I’m a sucker for green. Me and green? We go together real bad 💚 The dress was flowy and breezy, but also felt like it could transition well into fall with the right styling. It was a tad oversized (which I don’t mind), but I could’ve definitely gone down a size. For reference, I’m typically a 22/24 on top and a 24/26 on the bottom, so I ordered a large, but I could have easily gotten away with a medium in this one.
If I had to style this in two minutes? Easy! Throw on a fedora, some cute cowboy boots, and a chain belt to cinch the waist. Top it off with a faux leather jacket, and you’re ready to take on fall.
Quick Note: Universal Standard does things a bit differently—and honestly, I love them for it. Unlike many brands that start their sizing at the smaller end of the spectrum, Universal Standard designs with the average American woman’s size in mind, which is 18/20. And that size? It’s their Medium.
Let me break it down for you:
A size 18/20 is considered Medium at Universal Standard.
A size 22/24, which is what I typically wear on top, is a Large.
For bottoms, I’m a 24/26, which translates to a Large or XL.
This sizing approach is a refreshing change from many fashion brands that consider a size 18 the upper limit of their range, not the middle! Universal Standard offers sizes from 00 to 40, meaning they have something for every body. So, if you’ve ever struggled with sizing inconsistencies, this brand might just be your new best friend.
4. Upstate Stretch Cotton Twill Manor Jacket
Last up is the Upstate Stretch Cotton Twill Manor Jacket in black. Y’all, black is always a good idea, right? It’s classic, it’s chic, and it works with practically everything. When I tried this jacket on, it gave me serious corporate vibes, but not like corporate baddie vibes! The fabric felt sturdy and premium, which is what I’ve come to expect from Universal Standard.
I will say, the fit wasn’t 100% perfect for me—it was almost there, but missing that “wow” factor. Still, the jacket is versatile and can definitely be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Whether you’re pairing it with jeans for a casual day out or throwing it over a dress for a more polished look, it’s worth keeping.
Is the Universal Standard Surprise Me Box Worth It?
So, after trying on all the pieces, we come back to the original question: Is the Universal Standard Surprise Me Box worth it? If you’re new to the brand, I’d say absolutely YES. It’s such a fun way to explore their styles, and you get a nice variety of high-quality items at a discounted price. Plus, there’s something exciting about not knowing what you’re going to get until the box arrives.
However, if you’re already familiar with Universal Standard and know exactly what you like, you might want to skip the mystery and just purchase the pieces you know you’ll love. That way, there’s no risk of getting something that’s not quite your style (like those drawstring jeans for me 😂).
Final Thoughts
Overall, I had a blast unboxing and trying on these pieces for you. The Universal Standard Surprise Me Box is a great way to dip your toes into the brand if you’re curious about their size-inclusive fashion. Their quality is undeniable, and while not every piece was a home run for me, I’m still impressed by the thought and craftsmanship that went into each item.
Have you tried the Universal Standard Surprise Me Box yet? I’d love to hear your thoughts! And if you’re curious about snagging your own box, make sure to use my discount code INFS-SURPRISE-ELLIE for an extra 10% off. Let me know which pieces were your favorite in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe for more fashion reviews, try-on hauls, and style tips!
Until next time, lovelies, byeeeee! ✨
