Universal Standard Mystery Box: It’s Back!
Last February, Universal Standard had the coolest promotion called Mystery Boxes. Starting at $50, you'd buy a box of a certain number of pieces of clothing, share some details about your size, personal style, and current wardrobe and Universal Standard would curate a box of fashion for you that was worth way more than the price you paid. I had the opportunity to try the Universal Standard Mystery Box last year and received some great pieces. I am so thrilled that Universal Standard brought back the Mystery Box promotion. It starts today and the promotion is for only seven days so don't dilly dally in getting your own! Below I share what I received in my 2020 Universal Standard Mystery Box, and at the bottom of the post I share a promo code to save 10% on your Mystery Box!
This post is not sponsored by Universal Standard, however, I received a free Mystery Box and compensation in exchange for showcasing this promotion on Instagram.
Like you if you buy one, once I agreed to get a Mystery Box, I was sent a survey. It asked things like what size I wear, what colors I love and will never wear, what is missing from my closet, and what I don't need any more of in my wardrobe. Universal Standard editors took this information along with my purchasing history to curate a collection of three items for my Mystery Box. Even though I did this last year and received great items, I was still nervous. I'm very particular with what I wear and… well I own a lot of Universal Standard! What would they send me that I don't already have and will love? Please know because I was part of this promotion I didn't know what kind of box I was getting but based on what I received, I think it was The Premier Box.
I opened the box and as soon as I saw the shiny black quilted fabric I knew it was their Kanda Puffer. This coat is SO COOL and I know some of you own it and love it. I rented it from Rent The Runway Unlimited last month in a different color to test it out and loved the unique and modern silhouette. I was thinking about buying this jacket after renting it; it was like Universal Standard read my mind! It's lightweight but super warm. It has a zipper closure and snaps and then a tie that can be knotted or in a bow. There are two pockets and this puffer can compress down to nothing in a suitcase or even a small reusable tote.
The other two pieces worried me when I pulled them out of the box – pale blue, ribbed… I didn't know what they were. I realized it was the Luz Ribbed Turtleneck Sweater and Ana Ribbed Sweater Skirt with Pocket, both in Powder Blue. Uh oh, I was nervous. I had to wear this on Instagram for the campaign, I had seen the pieces when they launched and they did NOT look like my style. I put them on, I tried the sweater untucked… frumpy. Tucked in the skirt and bloused out the sweater a bit… not cute. Tucked the turtleneck in smooth and hiked the skirt up to the smallest part of my torso… oh dang this is cute! The heavy rib didn't add bulk and also smoothed my curves. It is super comfy, warm but not claustrophobic, and I wore it for five hours sitting and standing and walking around before this shoot to be sure it didn't stretch out and get all wonky. Nope, it held its shape!
These two pieces would also look great separately – the turtleneck with most anything, the skirt with a graphic tee knotted at the waist and a pair of sneakers, with a black turtleneck sweater and a wide black elastic or obi belt, or with a top and denim jacket with ankle booties! In fact I took this look and added the belt bag from yesterday's post to it as a possible outfit for NYFW.
If you have yet to try Universal Standard, this is a great way to try the brand (but please note all Mystery Box purchases are final sale). If you know the brand and love it, you know this is an amazing deal. Universal Standard will look at your purchasing history to make sure they don't send duplicates. Last year, those who had one thing they didn't adore swapped with others in the WO2 Community on Facebook, but still felt the Mystery Box promotion was an amazing deal.
Use promo code WARDROBE_OXYGEN10 at checkout to get 10% off your Universal Standard Mystery Box!
And shop soon, this promotion ends February 21st!
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Was so excited to try two boxes, I understood sizing, but most of my pieces are WAY too big for me. I emailed them and hoping for help, I cannot find posted policy to exchange these. Either I’ll be happy new customer going forward, or resentful donation to Goodwill, praying for the first!!
Thanks so much for your discount code, Alison! I appreciate it and just wanted to share some thoughts about this experience. I’ve followed US from the very beginning and really admire what they set out to accomplish. This was not my first purchase but WAS my first Mystery box – ended up ordering three: Luxe, Athleisure and Classic.
Package arrived yesterday and an extra item was enclosed as a ‘thank you for your patience’. Nice touch. My overall impression was…it’s fine, but? Of the 10 items received, I’ll definitely keep the Athleisure leggings & tank, the Kanda Puffer (!) and probably the Foundation long sleeve crew (maybe the thank you item?). The Bae Cropped Boyfriend denim was sent 2 sizes too big (I’ll shoot them an email). The rest were misses for me: either for personal style (Rodarte ‘Pirate’ Blouse), was too big (Pleated Midi Skirt) or had been part of the collection for a looong time (Equator Sweatshirt) etc…
Please know this – I am not complaining! It was fun to try and, assuming I can get the denim sorted, I’m definitely coming out ahead financially. But I’m also trying to be more conscious of my consumption both materially and financially. It feels a bit wasteful to now have 4 or 5 items I can’t/won’t wear. I know I can try to trade or sell on WO Community or simply donate them and I will.
But after thinking about it for a night, maybe I’m better off just straight ordering what I want and having the ability to exchange it if the sizing isn’t quite right? Such a novel approach, right?! This is the knowledge you gain in your 50’s, ladies! lol Thanks again for sharing your code; this was a fun roll of the dice (and great distraction) for the dregs of February/March in the upper midwest. Cheers
Huge thank you for the US promo code! While I love the inclusivity of US, I had never made a purchase, but took the plunge on a tops and surprise me box. Because I had no purchasing history with US, I made a wish list, and mostly included items at the lower end of their price range due to the value of the boxes I purchased. However, I included one “dream item,” the $365 talfer coat, on the list. Let me just say that all six items I received were an absolute hit! I was initially very disappointed to receive a pair of Seine jeans, as I have a birth defect that makes jeans uncomfortable. Yet when I tried them on I almost cried as they are a fantastic fit and very comfortable. But the best part was that at the bottom of the surprise me box was the talfer coat! I couldn’t be happier with my mystery boxes and look forward to making many more purchases from US.
Oh gosh I am so glad this was a positive experience for you! How wonderful, thank you so much for giving me an update!
Thanks for the code! Got my two boxes today and I am so glad I ordered them! FYI most of the items were from my US wish list, so I think that helps in getting items that you wanted.
Yay, I’m so glad you had a great experience, Susan!
Hey Allison! I received my dress mystery box and it was terrible . I was hoping to get something other than a t-shirt dress, a slip dress and some other dress made out of satin.. All black. Especially after my answers on the questionnaire. My box last year was a disappointment as well. I probably won’t get another box next time. But I do appreciate you sharing your looks from the company!!!
Oh nooo! I am so sorry! Are you in the WO2 group? They set up a spreadsheet to swap and sell items that don’t work out. I hate that you had a bad experience, I hope swapping can help!
I just joined! And I’m sorry for misspelling your name, after all these years I should know the correct spelling…lol
Oh gosh I didn’t even notice. It’s all good, thank you <3
I ordered the dress mystery box. I just received mine and im so dissappointed. Why would they send out 3 sleeveless dresses? i don’t wear sleeveless dresses to the office. i can understand one sleeveless, but not all 3. so very dissappointed.
Ugh, I am so sorry. In the Wardrobe Oxygen community on Facebook we’ve created a swap for the mystery boxes. What you got maybe someone else’s dream and vice versa and you won’t lose out completely.
Thanks so much. I will definitely give it a try !
I finally received my mystery box too and am TOTALLY disappointed. 2 pairs of jeans? One v neck tee (which I’d already purchased) and a black silky blouse.. so bummed I waited so long for it to finally arrive.
Thank you for the discount code! I ordered the Premier box and it just arrived today. They included an extra item too! So I got 4 items total. A jumpsuit, which I immediately thought “no way” but it actually looks great on me! A dress that is meh, not great fitting around the waist. A pair of velvet trousers which I would never have bought for myself but are fantastic and with a little tailoring in the waist should be good (wish I’d gotten petite). And a white drape top, which is nice and a bit large/boxy on me, but I can make it work. Thanks again for the push to try something out of my comfort zone!
I’m so glad it went well for you! Thanks for coming back to share what you got, I know many are excited to also get their boxes! And if you wish to trade anything you got, head over to the Wardrobe Oxygen community on FB (group) and we’re setting up a reader swap!
Thank you for the discount code! I’ve visited US before and love their size range and inclusive modeling but haven’t ever felt like their prices worked for me. This year with the code, I tried the classic box and the surprise me box. They didn’t ask as many questions as I had hoped, so I’m crossing my fingers. I was impressed by their responsiveness to a couple of questions, though, especially at a time of year that must be really busy!
Thanks for your review, and the discount code. You’ve given me the courage to try a brand that I didn’t think would work for my body type (super inverted triangle). I have to admit that their post-purchase questionnaire scared me a bit because it didn’t ask me anything about my fit challenges outside of a basic street size number and color preferences, so I’m worried that it’s going to be a disaster. But, I liked what you received, and I ordered the same box, so I’m still hopeful. That blue skirt/top set look fabulous on you!
I became a US shopper from back when you first recommended the t-shirts. The quality is amazing. I ordered 3 mystery boxes last year and loved them. I easily sold the things that weren’t perfect for me. This time I ordered 3 again: the Luxe, Premier, and Classic boxes. I can’t wait to see what I get. Thank you for the promo code!
My pleasure, can’t wait to hear what you got!
I think you’ve said before you are around 5’3″? Do you find that you need to purchase petite items from Universal Standard? I’m the same height and am wondering if a petite mystery box would be more ideal. Thank you!
Hi Regina, yes I’m 5’3″. When it comes to things like outerwear and casual knits I do okay with their regular sizes. However, for pants, blazers, and dresses I do better with their petites.
Well between trying to get over this damn flu and tending hubby after his knee replacement, I have been waffling about whether to order, since I have never even ordered anything from US. I decided to take the plunge, mainly based on the recommendations of you and your readers, as this seems a savvy bunch of ladies, both fashion and budget wise. Fingers crossed, and such a great idea to have a swap/sell thread when they start arriving. My belated Valentine’s Day gift to myself, thanks for the discount code!
My pleasure, hope you love what you get!
I love the blue separates on you! So much so, you convinced me to place my first order with US, the “surprise me” mystery box. Thank you for the discount code!
My pleasure, hope you adore your purchase!
I tried the Tee Rex on your recommendation & now have several. The modal elevates them & they have a nice assortment of colors.
While there are other pieces that I’m curious about I just haven’t felt certain about trying.
The mystery box price point is too good to pass up. I’ve ordered the classic. Let’s see what I get.
I hope you get great pieces! This Mystery Box proved to me that I think I know my style but sometimes an outside opinion may have a better idea!
Oh, dang it! Why didn’t I read Wardrobe Oxygen BEFORE ordering my mystery box? I could have saved some coin! Will I ever learn?
While I have had my eye on this set, as a shorty, I too was concerned if it would work with my body. But you are fierce!
Can’t wait to see what I receive!
Yay! Hope you love your Mystery Box!
I am so excited. I just ordered my first Mystery Box (thank you thank you for the code!!) I’ve often wanted to try this company, but I am cost conscious, sadly. I can’t wait to see what arrives!! Thanks again, Alison!
My pleasure, Annie! Hope you love what you get!
You look amazing darling! So much so that I took the plunge and ordered a Mystery Box. I cannot wait to see what’s sent my way.
Thank you Chrishana!
Okay….rolling the dice. Just ordered my first Mystery Box! So excited to see what happens next 🙂 Thank you for the promo code, Ice Blue Queen!
My pleasure, Ann!
You intro’d me to this brand and I LOVE them — clothing is great, as is customer service and their overall ethos. I’m headed to Mexico tomorrow and am really trying not to shop given the expense. But this is sooooo tempting.
And closing note? Everyone who has commented is correct. You look amazing in all three of these pieces.
Thank you so much! Have a great trip!
I agree with others, you look amazing in that blue, and I love the way you put the outfit together to give such a classy yet sexy look too with the black boots. Amazing!
Thank you Paula!
Like other posters commented, I also thought that you were wearing a knit dress. You look fantastic in it! The color is great against your complexion. Knowing now that it is a two-piece set makes a difference. I own two knit piece outfits I purchased a couple of years ago. They look okay on me because I have to wear the top out and it never looked as professional as I had hoped. The jacket was on my wish list as well and looks fabulous on you. I may take you up on the Mystery Box offer.
Thanks Sonia!
You look amazeballs in that blue “two-piece dress.” I would never think to raise the waistline. Brilliant!
Thanks Linda!
Girl, your last two outfit posts….yes ma’am!!! That powder blue is STUNNING on you!
Thank you so much Melissa!
Thank you so much for the code! I ordered the petite box. The T-rex, V-Rex, and the tanks have become staples in my summer wardrobe. The Seine petite jeans are another favorite. Fingers crossed for a pair of pants! I never would have tried US without your recommendation!
Yay I hope you love what you get, Wendy!
I totally thought this was a dress! You put it together perfectly. Curious what type (if any) shapewear you added. This color is so pretty on you; a pop of something different. Thanks also for the discount code and the heads up in the FB group yesterday. I waited until today to order. I got the Classics box (I need to update and replace some staples) and the dresses box. After getting some US dresses in my Rent the Runway, I have my fingers crossed for a Geneva dress!
Thanks for kicking ass for all of us!
That blue is so pretty!
Thank you Krista! And for this time I wore it no shapewear, just Soma vanishing high-waist briefs so they wouldn’t segment or give VPL. However, I did pack it for NYFW and was going to wear it with the Spanx higher power shorts which reduced the jiggle and the visible belly hang but didn’t show lines.
I’m not shopping right now but I had to come here and say you look FANTASTIC in these pieces.
Thanks so much Kim!
I’ve ordered one box, and I’ve ordered before. I wasn’t asked any questions about color or style. Did I do something wrong? Thanks for the discount!!!
Oh gosh I don’t know what happened, people in the FB group said they got surveys. Feel free to reach out to their customer service. They don’t open until 10am ET but they are amazing with personal support!
I got it! It just came a bit later… Thanks so much!!!
I ordered both the Premier and Classic Style mystery boxes with your promo code, Alison. Thanks so much for sharing! Although I definitely prefer pants to skirts, I love this “dress” look on you. I’ve tried the Seine jeans and own multiple Tee/Vee Rexes thanks to your recommendation and can’t wait to find out what else their stylists curate for me in my box.
I’m so glad Universal Standard has worked for you! I know your boxes are going to be great and if there is one thing that isn’t perfect, we’ll be doing swaps in the Facebook group!
ha, until i read your post, i thought this was the perfect knit dress, you know the one that fits both the top and the bottom, with the dresses waist and your waist actually aligned and the knit close fitting but not molded to your body. of course, its 2 pieces, so just the perfect allusion of a dress, but everything else i thought is true. and the blue is a great color for you….off to investigate
Right? The two pieces is what gives it such a good shape with a custom fit!
i’ve been wanting to try this brand. thanks for the heads up and the promo code on the mystery box. Classic box ordered
Awesome!