I know I am not the only one who has fallen in love with clothing brand Universal Standard. Offering elevated wardrobe staples and unique silhouettes in sizes 00-40, Universal Standard is striving to democratize fashion. As an influencer, I was happy to see how they have handled all that is going on in our country right now and that they have done something unprecedented - they have printed their rate card for working with influencers on their website. I can't think of ANY other brand I have worked with in my 15 years that has EVER done something like this. All this, and Universal Standard is having their sample sale right now with up to 75% off items at this link. This sale runs through August 2, 2020. AND if you use promo code wardrobe_oxygen10 at checkout you get an additional 10% off your purchase!
How to Shop the Universal Standard Sample Sale
Shop quick, and shop with care. Items sell out quickly at these amazing reduced prices, but all sales are final. However, if you end up making a purchase you regret don't stress too much. Universal Standard clothing has a high resale value. I often sell my old Universal Standard pieces on Poshmark, the Wardrobe Oxygen Community has created a Sale and Swap group on Facebook where US pieces are often shared, and there is even a Universal Standard-specific Buy/Sell/Trade group on Facebook.
What are the Best Buys at the Universal Standard Sample Sale?
I own a LOT of Universal Standard; I've been wearing the brand since 2017 and it has only improved with time (as has my style... yeah don't think I'd wear that combo today!). I was even in their video when they launched petites. If you click this link you can see all my posts where I've worn and reviewed Universal Standard. For reference, I wear an XS 99% of the time with Universal Standard and I am usually a 14 or 14 petite in other brands. When US has had petite I have chosen that. For jeans I wear a 10 with US and with their pants if it's a single number I've done best with 12. I am 5'3″. While yes, I do many a commission on Universal Standard (if you click on one of my links and make a purchase I will earn a percentage of that purchase), I continue to promote this brand because you have let me know you too love the brand. So I am sharing what from the Universal Standard Sample Sale I own or have owned and what I think:
Universal Standard Tops, Blouses, Tees, Sweaters, Etc.
- Rosa Twist Tee: I think this top provides a super cool neckline and the jersey is fantastic. It washes up great, I have it in black and it the color has remained saturated even though it has been washed often and even put in the dryer. Only thing is on my body my bra strap shows, it doesn't hide under the knot. I have safety pinned it, but that's a pain. However, my taller friend has the top and finds no issue with it covering her strap. You can see me wearing it in this blog post. I also wore it in this Instagram post.
- Thames Fog Top: If in doubt, size down even though it's sheer. It's created for your shape, so don't worry that it will be too tight. I say this because I did this, thinking it wouldn't accommodate my larger arms and bust and it ended up too big for the right effect. But this is such a cool piece - put under dresses, wear over tanks, knot over a dress, it is surprisingly versatile and can look elegant, sexy, goth, rock, or romantic depending on how you style it.
- Tee Rex: This is my favorite t-shirt. I own several of this shirt, and have some that are over a year old, been in the dryer, and still look like new. I love the sleeve length, the neck width, the silky yet opaque and not clingy knit. The pale pink is quite pretty; I also have the pale pink from Everlane and this is a much lovelier color and I am not a pale pink fan. It's an unexpected neutral and very on trend right now, looking really good with black, gray, olive, white, cream, and denim.
- V Rex: Same cut but with a v-neck. I personally love a v-neck that is a bit lower so it shows a bit of cleavage, but that's a personal choice. Otherwise all I said about the Tee Rex hols true for the V Rex, it's a great shirt!
- Knit Elbe Shirt: I can't find any photos of me in the knit version of this shirt but I had it and liked it but didn't keep it because it felt too formal/corporate for my work from home lifestyle. If I still worked in an office, I'd totally rock it with wide-leg trousers or even jeans. It's really comfy yet looks really polished and fits curves beautifully. The caramel color is like a bronze which is super chic and looks great with colors like plum, purple, berry, camel, and teal as well as neutrals like black, navy, ivory, and denim.
- Foundation Long Sleeve Crew Tee: I had this in the black and white stripe and while I LOVE the Foundation line, I don't love this tee. The sleeves are super long, the cuffs a bit snug, and the stripes looked like an optical illusion in a bad way. Seriously, I own several other Foundation pieces long and short sleeved and this is the only one that I didn't like.
- Vienna Dolman Sleeve Tee: This isn't anything revolutionary but I do have it in glossy black and like that it's a satiny shiny blouse/tee that fits great and is versatile. If you want a bit of shine or polish without frou-frou this is a great choice. It's a nice piece under a blazer or cardigan, worn with trousers or a skirt, it fits curves nicely. It's nothing that will stop people in their tracks, but it's a good wardrobe basic and that good thing to put under a black suit to take it from corporate to cocktail.
Universal Standard Dresses and Jumpsuits
- Samantha Caftan Dress: I made the mistake of getting this in the snake print. The black strip down the center really ruined it for me, it distracted the eye in a not-good way. I think if it was plain black I would have liked it. The fabric is heavy and silky and gorgeous, it has pockets, the neckline isn't too long. Honestly, if I kept it in the snakeskin I would be wearing it now around the house feeling like a luxury goddess. I'm tempted to get it in solid black during this sale.
Universal Standard Pants, Skirts, Jeans, Leggings, Etc.
- Mosman Leatherette Skirt: I don't have a photo of me in this because this skirt was too long for my 5'3″ self, but it's a GORGEOUS skirt. I have never experienced such luxe leatherette as I have from Universal Standard, and then to also have it fit my curves is a major plus. The faux wrap style is what made it not work for me as it ended up hitting at my calf. But if you're taller, this skirt is a beauty!
- Danube Jersey Skirt: I received this for a promo once. It fit great, but it's too bodycon for my personal style aesthetic. It's very fitted. If you like ponte and scuba fitted skirts, this is a great alternative that isn't shiny.
- Emma Pants: I LOVE THESE PANTS! I have had them tailored twice and plan to get them tailored again since my body again has changed because I love them and wear them all the time. They're lightweight and high waisted and comfy and cool. I've worn them with a sweater, I've worn them with a graphic tee, I've worn them with a blouse. They look great with a lot of suiting fabric so you can pair them with a solid blazer for a nice suit. I wish they had these pants in other colors and prints, I'd buy them all.
Universal Standard Blazers, Coats, and Jackets
I am not paid to write this post (though I will have a paid post on Instagram to promote this sale), I wrote this blog post a PSA as I know it's scary to shop a sample sale when the purchases are final. Do share your feedback on the Universal Standard sample sale items in the comments to help out other readers, and be sure to stop by the Wardrobe Oxygen Community on Facebook where we often discuss this brand as well as other fashion retailers! As a reminder, this sample sale is only through August 2nd and if you use wardrobe_oxygen10 at checkout you will get an additional 10% off your order!
Shop My Picks from the Universal Standard Sample Sale:
