Universal Standard’s Mystery Box Sale Is So Good We Had to Try It
We love the thrill of receiving a delivery notification from USPS just as much as the next person—but nothing quickens our pulse quite like a limited-edition line that also happens to be on sale. Universal Standard gets us, and its Mystery Box sale is back and better than ever.
If you’re new to Universal Standard, the brand is known for minimal silhouettes in an impressively inclusive size range—we’re talking 00 to 40—and mission-driven projects with J.Crew and Rodarte. Right now, its wardrobe-boosting essentials are even more accessible with the Mystery Box sale. For the next eight days, you can shop 10 different outfitting boxes, valued up to $650.
The Universal Standard Mystery Box sale runs from February 13 until February 20, and it’s fully loaded with desk-to-dinner tops, bottoms, and dresses. Other than elevated office attire, you’ll also find weekend-ready activewear and reliable options for petites.
So what’s the deal?
There are plenty of sales coming up for Presidents’ Day, but the main draw for Universal Standard’s Mystery Box is the price—you get more items for less than what it would cost if you bought each piece individually. Plus, it’s an easy, noncommittal way to experiment with personal style or nail an unexpected gift.
Boxes start at $50 for tops, $60 for athleisure, $85 for bottoms, $90 for dresses, and $175 for luxe styles. But surprises aren’t for everyone. So to make sure this deal is actually worth your money, we got our hands on three Classic Style boxes, priced at $95 each.
Each box contains three pieces to wear as an outfit or style individually. The first box, for a 4XS (00–0), had a leather biker jacket, a black midi skirt, and a black bodysuit. We love a silk skirt around these parts, but the leather jacket was a sleeper hit since it retails for $425. The box comes out to $595, so you’re saving $500. [Holds for applause.]
Hard to go wrong with all-black everything
Courtesy of Talia Abbas
The next box, curated for a size 3XS (or a regular size 2–4), included a white turtleneck, a navy blazer, and amatching tracksuit pants. It was clean, crisp, and modern. The three pieces total $445, and can easily be dressed down with a pair of denim (as shown).
Up close and personal
Shanna Shipin
The last box we unwrapped was for a 2XS, or a 6–8 size. There was a black turtleneck, a gray cardigan, and skinny jeans. Together it felt basic in a good way, and the tissue turtleneck proved a great layering piece under a printed dress later in the week. The total value of this box is $275.
The full lewk
Courtesy of Erin Parker
Is the Mystery Box worth it?
We’re into it. At best, you’ll walk away with stuff that’s six times what you paid for. And, at the very least, you’ll break the “I have nothing to wear” cycle by having a curated outfit at the ready. Altogether, the Universal Standard Mystery Boxes felt consistent despite their contents being a surprise, and we got more mileage out of our pieces by styling them with things already in our closet. Our only caveat is that the garments run large, and sizing can be confusing if you’ve never ordered from the brand before—so make sure to double-check your measurements before adding to cart. Get into the Mystery Box sale here. Time for your best Nancy Drew impression.