Universal Standard Sample Sale 2024: Shopping Tips, What to Buy, & Discount Code

I know I am not the only one who loves the clothing brand Universal Standard.  Offering elevated wardrobe staples and unique silhouettes in sizes 00-40, Universal Standard is striving to democratize fashion. All this, and the Universal Standard Sample Sale is happening right now with up to 90% off luxe items.  This is a final sale that runs through August 5, 2024. AND if you use promo code INFS-SS10ALISON at checkout you get an additional 10% off your purchase!

While the sale starts today, additional styles will be added throughout the first few days of the sale. If you don't see what you want today, keep looking back at the sample sale page and use the filter to search by “Newest.” However, don't wait if you see items you like now as items don't get restocked and they sell out FAST. It's okay to do multiple purchases; I do myself!

This post was originally published in 2020, but I update it whenever there is a Universal Standard sample sale to ensure the most up-to-date content is on Wardrobe Oxygen!

5 Tips to Shop the Universal Standard Sample Sale

1. Know Your Size

For those not familiar with Universal Standard, know that the brand has a unique sizing system. Originally a brand that only sold sizes 8-32, their sizing was based on 18-20 being the middle size available, AKA size M. Each garment has its own unique size chart; know your measurements to get the best fit and don't assume because you're one size at other retailers you will be the same here.

For reference, I am usually a 14 or 14 petite in most brands, occasionally choosing a 16 petite in rigid pieces like suiting trousers and blazers. I wear an XS for dresses and knits for Universal Standard and an S for non-stretch pants and blazers. For Universal Standard jeans, I am usually a size 12, finding they fit best when I go down a size from what I wear with other brands.

Know that with any brand of denim including Universal Standard, dark and dyed jeans will run smaller and more rigid than faded or distressed washes or light colors like white and cream.

2. Filter Down.

When you visit the landing page for the Universal Standard Sample Sale, you will see all 500+ items listed. However, at the top is a menu where you can narrow your search by apparel category. You can also use the sidebar to filter by what size you wear with Universal Standard, what color you desire, and details like sleeve or inseam length, color, and style of garment.

3. Stay on Track

That dress is so pretty and still available in your size and preferred color… but does it fit into your life? If you need jeans, don't spend your budget on sweaters. Read laundry instructions and be sure you live a life where you can properly maintain these garments. I don't care how cheap it is, if it doesn't fit your body or your life it's too expensive to purchase.

4. If It's a Fail, Don't Fret

Even as someone who knows Universal Standard apparel really well, I have bought final sale items from the brand that ended up not working for me. And I have found the clothes have a high resale value and move quickly.

In the past, I have sold Universal Standard pieces I purchased and no longer wanted on Poshmark and eBay. 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. In fact, if you don't see what you're looking for in this sample sale, I recommend you check these sites.

5. Use My Universal Standard Promo Code

The folks at Universal Standard have provided the Wardrobe Oxygen community a promo code to save sitewide (sample sale and anything else you purchase). Use promo code INFS-SS10ALISON at checkout for an extra 10% off your order!

My Picks from the 2024 Universal Standard Sample Sale

Please remember that this is a final sale. No exchanges for size, no returns for store credit, so no shopping willy-nilly. Because of this, my picks below are focusing on pieces I think would be useful additions to many wardrobes instead of snazzy flashy choices. If I own these pieces, I will link to where you can see it on me to help you determine size and fit.

Iconic Geneva Dress

Some days you just want a dress that is simple as a t-shirt but has a little extra something. Style with heels for a social event, with leather flats for the office, with sneakers for sightseeing, with sandals for the weekend. The Geneva Dress is a great choice; the colors Crocodile and Lapis and the black velvet version are part of this sale. For inspiration, see my post where I styled the Geneva dress for day and night.

You will find long-sleeve, v-neck, one-shoulder, and other styles of the Geneva and I think they too are great. However, I wouldn't buy any of them if you're not familiar with the original Geneva. I do think the one-shoulder Geneva is a great choice for cruises, girls weekends, a trip to Vegas, and other situations when you know you'll be with plenty of ladies in cheapy tiny dresses and you don't want to do that but you still want to look fashionable and fun.

Next to Naked Activewear

If you haven't tried the Universal Standard Next to Naked (also known as NTN) collection, you are missing out. This fabric is amazing; it doesn't stretch out, it stays opaque even during squats, it seems to mold to your body and you feel like you have nothing on but you also feel gently supported and contained. Check out my Universal Standard Next to Naked Bodysuit review; I still wear that same bodysuit several times a week.

In the Sample Sale, you will find NTN bike shorts, stirrup leggings, jackets, cap sleeve bodysuits, dresses, sport tanks, and other NTN pieces in the Bright Cobalt color. I love the Bright Cobalt color and have the dress and jacket in that color; it's more like a bold cornflower than classic cobalt but still pretty.

The NTN dress is not one of my favorite athletic skort dresses. The thin straps and body-fitting shape makes it less versatile. But I do have one in XS and do wear it on vacation and when rowing on my Hydrow. I think if I had a smaller bust I would wear it more often; I do appreciate the adjustable straps and pocket but I can't hide a bra under it.

Bellport Sateen Crossover Dress

I own two of these dresses, which may seem like overkill, but I think they are so adorable. This one is made of stiff, heavy poplin, but because of that, it sits away from the body. The straps are adjustable, the back is elasticized/smocked, and there are deep pockets that can carry heavier things without hurting the silhouette. If in doubt size down, especially if you have a small bust. But this is a lovely day wedding/special occasion/want to be all twirly and girly while still looking like a grown-ass woman dress.

Outerwear

Full disclosure, Universal Standard sent me three things of my choice that are in the Sample Sale to promote it on Instagram. I picked The Swimsuit, the Bellport Dress I mentioned above, and the Harlow Classic Wool Coat because it's a classic wool coat and I think it looks expensive and timeless. If I didn't already own a long wool coat from US I'd get the Jackson. If I weren't allergic to down, I'd get this jacket during this sale. And if I didn't already own a Universal Standard long puffer coat, I'd be getting this one.

I have a lot of Universal Standard outerwear and am not disappointed in any of them. High quality, great cuts, unique details to make pieces more comfortable yet stylish, and often in chic timeless colors.

Perfect Chambray Culotte

If you are 5'3″ or shorter these are fabulous pull-on casual pants. If you are taller, they will be culottes on you and that's a personal preference, but for my fellow shorties the rise isn't ridiculous on these and they end up a cropped to full-length pant that is breezy but can be worn three seasons of the year unlike linen and gauze.

The Swimsuit

As mentioned above, I got The Swimsuit because I love orange and I did a Universal Standard swimwear review sharing that I loved this swimsuit but wished for it in a darker color. And in a darker color, this swimsuit is awesome. I wore it recently to Ocean City, and it didn't shift or get weird and held me together without feeling like I was being sucked in. And during this sale, the palm print one is only $19. For reference, I am usually a 14 in swimwear but need bra-sized for my 36 F boobs, and with this suit, I feel confident in an XS.

Any of the swimwear is good quality and while the fabric is a bit more matte than traditional swimsuit fabric, it can mix and match with other brands.

Farrah High Rise Flared Jeans

Again, to my short sisters, these are flared jeans that won't need to be hemmed if you are… eh, around 5'5″ to 5″. I love these jeans so much I have two pairs for the two sizes I fluctuate between. FYI, my larger pair is a 12 in the vintage distressed; if I had the darker colors I'd likely do 14.

Universal Standard jeans in general are awesome, I just highlighted these because they are short person friendly. Remember that dark and black jeans, in general, run more rigid/small than faded, distressed, or light colors. Read the reviews, note the size chart, and don't buy just to buy. But if you need jeans, Universal Standard is one of my absolute favorite for denim.

Is this all that is good in the Universal Standard Sample Sale? Heck, no! Amazing dresses, classic tees and tanks, sweaters, and more are in the sale. But these are some items I stand behind. But I'd like to hear from you! What are your favorite items in the sale? Any tips for fit and color? What are you getting from the sale? And don't forget to use INFS-SS10ALISON for an extra 10% off during the sale!