The world’s most size-inclusive brand is back with one of its most popular promotions: Mystery Boxes.
Heads up!: Mystery Boxes have sailed away for good, but Universal Standard just dropped a fresh take on this fan-favorite - and I've got a preview and a discount for you! Save an extra 10% on any purchase (even sale!) with code INFS-AMBWAYWARD.
Although today is the first official day of the promo, I recently lucked into a sneak peek at one of the 2023 Mystery Boxes. You know I don’t gatekeep any information, so today I’m doing a full reveal of what was in my box, a mini-review of each item, and sharing an exclusive discount code (in case you’re thinking of taking a chance on a Mystery Box of your very own!).
Disclosure: I was gifted a Mystery Box from Universal Standard, but this post is not sponsored. This post contains affiliate links and gifted products; all prices listed were valid at the time of publication.
ABOUT UNIVERSAL STANDARD’S MYSTERY BOXES
Through February 22, Universal Standard is offering a collection of themed Mystery Boxes in their full 00-40 size range. Each box is categorized into concepts like The Outfit Box, The Best-Sellers Box, and The Petite Box and each one contains two or three mystery pieces from their line.
Boxes start at $58 but can have a value of up to $1100. Since the contents are well, a mystery, you’ll simply select a category of Mystery Box and your size – and let Universal Standard do the rest! And a pro tip from someone with prior Mystery Box experience: some sizes and boxes will sell out, but there’s a good chance new boxes will drop throughout the sale.
Just here for the discount? You can use code INFS-AMBWAYWARD to save 10% on your entire order (including sale!).
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:
WHAT I RECEIVED IN MY MYSTERY BOX
This year I received the Dresses Mystery Box, in a size 3XS (in the past, I chose a 2XS based on the size chart, only to wind up with items that were a little too large; I took a gamble and sized down this year). Priced at $174, the contents of this box can have a value of up to $484.
Below is what I received in my Mystery Box:
Halie T-Shirt Dress
Halie T-Shirt Dress Size | 3XS Color | Brick Red Material | 94% Cotton, 6% Spandex Price | $88
Let’s start with the good: Pockets! The Halie T-Shirt Dress has ’em, and they’re surprisingly not wimpy credit card-sized pockets. The fabric is a soft yet substantial cotton with a touch of stretch. I have been trying to dress in natural fibers as much as possible over the past few years, and I love that this dress is primarily cotton. The Brick Red color isn’t one I would have chosen for myself, but it is lovely.
[Looking for another example? See what I got in my Mystery Box last year]
As for the fit, the bottom half of the dress clings a little too close to my hips and bum, the fabric pulling across in a way I don’t enjoy. And though it’s not sized as a Petite, I don’t think someone much taller than I am (5’4″) could wear it. As it stands, I don’t think this dress is something I would wear out of the house – but I’m not getting rid of it! It’s currently sitting in my sleepwear drawer, to serve as something soft and cozy to sleep in.
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Foundation Long Sleeve Square Neck Dress
Foundation Long Sleeve Square Neck Dress Size | 3XS Color | Black Material | 94% Lenzing Micromodal, 6% Elastane Price | $92
With the same charming square neckline as the Foundation Short Sleeve Square Neck Tee (reviewed here), the Foundation Long Sleeve Square Neck Dress is a long-sleeve version meant for wearing on its own or laying. The silky-soft fabric feels so nice and cool on my skin, but that is the garment’s downfall when it comes to fit.
Because it’s so light and thin, it shows every lump and bump and leaves me feeling a bit naked while wearing it. I might feel better about the fit with the addition of shapewear, but I’ve sworn off constricting clothing. And I think sizing up would render the top portion of the dress too big. It’s a shame because it’s otherwise an incredibly versatile and comfortable dress.
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Plunge Neck Twist Dress
Plunge Neck Twist Dress Size | 3XS Color | Black Material | 94% Polyester, 6% Elastane Price | $168
The Plunge Neck Twist Dress is like every piece of “dressing for your body” advice encapsulated in one dress. It highlights my curves, hides my tummy, and is “flattering” in black – but I don’t like it.
The material is rough and surprisingly sheer, cheapening the dress. And although it is more conventionally “sexy” than most of my other clothing (thanks to the V-neck and curve-hugging fit) this dress ages me. I feel quite matronly in it – and that’s not how I want to feel in my clothing.
*this item is no longer available and a similar product is linked
FINAL THOUGHTS + A UNIVERSAL STANDARD MYSTERY BOX PROMO CODE
After tallying up the retail value of my box ($348) and comparing it to the price of the discounted box ($174), I would save exactly half the cost by buying the box versus buying each piece individually. That’s a great deal – if you love your pieces. I, personally, struck out on my Mystery Box this year.
Find all of my favorite Universal Standard styles in one place!
Given that the brand has been running sales with increasing frequency, if you’re on a strict budget it might be worth waiting to have the opportunity to choose what pieces you’d like at a discount (and scope out the fabric content beforehand). But if you truly love a surprise, urgently need to fill a gap in your wardrobe, or decide to go “in” on a few boxes with friends – this could be a fun way to do so. If so, you can save even more on your Universal Standard order – 10% – by using code INFS-AMBWAYWARD.
Enjoyed this post? You may also like:
- I Just Tried Universal Standard’s New Style Club – and Here’s What I Discovered
- A Reveal of Universal Standard’s FINAL Mystery Boxes
- Universal Standard Denim Review
- Universal Standard’s Mystery Boxes are Back for 2022
- Universal Standard’s Extra Credit Sale + Review of Sally Liquid Shirt Dress and Dylan Luxe Twill Joggers
- Effortless Summer Style: An Honest Review of Universal Standard’s Size-Inclusive Linen
- Review of Universal Standard’s new Foundation and UltimateS lines
- Style Reviews Index
- Exclusive Discounts + Promo Codes
Are you ordering a Mystery Box this year? I think we’d all love to hear what you received in the comments below!
