Universal Standard’s Mystery Boxes are Back for 2022!

The world’s most size-inclusive brand is launching one of its most popular promotions today: 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% with code INFS-AMBWAYWARD sitewide (even on sale!).

I recently received a sneak peek at one of the boxes, and thought I’d share a little more about this great deal and what I received and I have a promo code so you can save on the Mystery Box of your choice later in this post!

This promo only lasts for a week, so let’s dive in:

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links and I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking one of these links at no additional cost to you. I received this Mystery Box in exchange for a social post, however this blog post is not sponsored. Thank you for reading and supporting wayward!

I'm leaving this post here in case you're looking for a review of one of the three items I received: the Eco Rio Blazer, the Stephanie Wide Leg Stripe Pants, and the Anywhere Luxe Dress.

About Universal Standard’s Mystery Boxes

Screenshot from Universal Standard's Mystery Box Page — source: Universal Standard

Starting today, February 16, Universal Standard is offering a collection of themed Mystery Boxes in their full 00-40 size range. Each box is categorized into concepts like Luxe Lounge, Elevated Luxury, and Athleisure and contains three mystery pieces from their line. Boxes start at just $68 but can have a value of up to $851. Since the contents are well, a mystery, you’ll simply select a type of box and your size – and let Universal Standard do the rest! [2/21 UPDATE – they’ve just dropped some new boxes, including one titled Smart Traveler(!)]

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 below to see how this works:

But what will you receive in a Mystery Box? Well, I can’t really say, but I can share what I received in my Elevated Luxury Mystery Box, size 2XS. The boxes are final sale, so it’s definitely a bit of a gamble. But if your wardrobe has a lot of holes (say, thanks to a recent lifestyle change, or weight fluctuation) or if you’re feeling stuck in a style rut, this could be a fun adventure!

Curious? On the fence? Want to live vicariously through someone else? I’ve got you:

What I received in my Mystery Box from Universal Standard

I was a little nervous opening my Mystery Box (which in my case, was actually a plastic mailer bag). What if I chose the wrong size? What if things didn’t fit? What if the pieces came in colors I hated, or what if the style was so outside of my usual tastes? That would certainly make it difficult to write this post, as I kind of hate those very spiny blog posts where you can just tell the author actually dislikes the product and is smiling through gritted teeth. I’m committed to sharing how I really feel about things in this space, regardless of partnership status or comped product.

So, it was quite a relief when three black folded lumps of fabric fell out of the packaging.

(In case you’re new here, black is my favorite color).

The three items I received in my Mystery Box were: the Eco Rio Blazer, the Stephanie Wide Leg Stripe Pants, and the Anywhere Luxe Dress. Combined, the retail value of the items in my box is $581 (somewhat shy of the possible $851 value). The cost of an Elevated Luxury Mystery Box is $248 – a savings of $333. If you price it out per item, the cost is just under $83 each. But how do I feel about the pieces in my box? Let’s take a look:

Looking for more honest style reviews? Check out my index of reviews, sorted by brand

Eco Rio Blazer

Two images of Alyssa wearing a pair of white jeans, black crop tops, black strappy sandals, and a black blazer — Eco Rio Blazer | Top | Jeans* | Sandals* | Necklace* | Earrings

I’ve been scouring our local thrift shops for the perfect oversized blazer for months, but I kept coming up short. Needless to say, I was thrilled when I discovered one of my Mystery Box items was this blazer. In a size 2XS, it is generously oversized on my frame, but I actually really like the bum-covering length of this, and look forward to wearing it with jeans and miniskirts alike.

The one downside to it being so long, though, is the sleeves are too long for my arms (I’ve cuffed them here). It’s something a tailor should easily be able to handle, however. The coolest part of this blazer (other than the fact it’s made from recycled fabrics)? That it has a hidden interior pocket, which you know I love.

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Stephanie Wide Leg Stripe Pants

Two images of Alyssa wearing a cropped top, wide leg pants, and Birkenstocks — Stephanie Wide Leg Stripe Pants | Top | Sandals | Necklace* | Earrings

Remember when I said I’ll always keep it real here? When I first opened these pants, they unlocked memories of some not-so-great childhood fashion. The pull-on style, swishy fabric, and vertical side stripe are reminiscent of a 90s track pant (thankfully there are no snaps running down the legs!). But in this colorway, the stripe also reminds me of a tuxedo pant.

After wearing them around the house for a while, the fancy/sporty vibe of these pants made them start to grow on me. They definitely need to be hemmed (something I’ll probably attempt myself), but I’m inclined to give them a fair shot in my wardrobe. One ding to note, though – they don’t have side pockets (boo).

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Anywhere Luxe Dress

Two images of Alyssa wearing a long, flowy black dress with block heels — Anywhere Luxe Dress | Heels* | Necklace* | Earrings

I’ve saved my favorite piece for last! This drapey, gorgeous dress is buttery-soft and skims the body nicely. Also, it has pockets!

It’s longer on me than it is on the model, but I don’t really mind. It’s a very substantial dress (it’s quite heavy), so this isn’t something I’ll be reaching for in warmer months. But for these shoulder-season times, it’s perfect for a glam night out or a stroll about town. The belt is removable, but I don’t see myself wearing this dress without it, as there is a lot of fabric at the waist (I’d be unable to size down, though, because it fits nicely in the hips and bum).

*Many of the items in my wardrobe are several seasons old and no longer available from the maker; I've linked to a comparable product.

Is Universal Standard’s Mystery Box worth it?

Well, I likely would not have selected these three items from the website, as they are all made from synthetic fibers (Universal Standard does carry a range of products in natural fibers like cashmere, cotton, and leather).

However, I’m actually really impressed with the quality of all three pieces – enough to make me reconsider my stance on some synthetic garments. Yes, $83 for polyester, viscose, and rayon seems steep when the clothes are designed to fall apart after just a few wears, à la fast fashion. However the fabric of each of these garments is dense, and the inclusion of lining in the dress and blazer (and the placement of darts and seams) indicates a higher quality of production practices. So while I may not have chosen these items from the website, if I were shopping in a store with the ability to try them on, I think $83 per piece is a steal for the dress and blazer but perhaps steep for the pants.

Find all of my Universal Standard picks in one place!

As for the sizing, I feel like the size chart for these pieces is accurate (I certainly couldn’t have gone up or down a size). But my height is somewhat of a problem. At 5’4″, I wear both standard and petite sizes, and I likely would not need to tailor any of these pieces if I ordered a Petites Mystery Box. My tall friends, however, would likely be thrilled with these standard-size pieces. Thankfully, all of these items would only need minor tailoring to suit my size.

Universal Standard Mystery Box Promo Code

Ready for a surprise – at a discount? Readers of wayward can save 10% sitewide at Universal Standard by using code INFS-AMBWAYWARD (it’s even valid on sale items!). Thank you for reading along, and supporting the brands that support this blog!

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Are you a fashion risk-taker? Have you ever ordered a mystery box or grab bag from a brand before? What did you think of the experience?

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