My Review of the Universal Standard Geo Trio Box
Universal Standard is a size-inclusive (00-40!) clothing brand carrying a proprietary catalog of high-quality garments in shapes and cuts that are engineered to feel good and flatter. They have a broad range of clothing to choose from: everything from basics to dresses, jeans to outerwear!
In April, Universal Standard announced a mystery box sale that would include best-selling items in different US regions. You could choose a Premium Jersey box ($95) or a Luxe Essentials box ($145) containing most-loved silhouettes from the Northeast, West, Midwest, or South. This is a review of the Premium Jersey box with items from the South for $95.
FYI: These Geo Trio mystery boxes are officially sold out.
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About the Universal Standard Geo Trio Box
The Box: Universal Standard Geo Trio Box
The Cost: $95 to $145 depending on the materials you choose
The Products: 3 pieces of clothing from Universal Standard. Universal Standard offers sizes from 00-40. You just select your size, and the items will be a surprise; but with emphasis on dresses.
Ships to: The US for free.
Good to Know: This is NOT a rental service, nor a subscription, but rather a one-time mystery box purchase.
My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
How does the Universal Standard Geo Trio work?
I had actually never heard of Universal Standard until recently, but after seeing what Megan got in her Mystery Box, then what Brandi got in hers, I was definitely piqued! Plus, I am all about the inclusivity of this brand. The Geo Trio is a mystery box in that you don't know what you're going to be sent, but it differs from the two Mystery Boxes Megan and Brandi reviewed in that you don't get a say in color, pattern, or material preferences—boxes are predetermined to include specific best-selling items from four regions, either in all premium jersey materials or more luxe materials, so you select which materials and which region you want to take a chance on, then simply order according to your size. There was no survey to follow, just a classic confirmation email.
My Universal Standard Geo Trio Box
I knew I wanted to go for the Premium Jersey materials since I'm spending so much time at home, but I wasn't sure how to select a region. In the end I let myself be persuaded by the image they included for the South box—I thought the waist tie in that green dress looked really flattering, and while I figured it probably wasn't very likely I'd receive that exact dress, I took a chance.
I heavily relied on their sizing chart to choose which size to order. I typically wear size 4-6, but their sizes are broken down into the equivalent of either 2-4 or 4-6. That's a tough call to make. I figured if I receive a top I'd rather it be a little more fitted so I went for 2-4, which with their Universal Sizing system equals 3XS. Something about that alpha size made me feel the urge to size up—it didn't seem possible that I could fit into a 3XS—but I stuck with it.
My box came quickly, without a shipment notification, and without any marking on the package, so it really was a surprise! The receipt didn't include any details about the items I was sent, just a confirmation of my order in general. Ready to see what I got?
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Long Sleeve V-Neck Geneva Dress in Storm, Size 3XS - Retail Value $130
When I first pulled my items out of their package and they were still folded, this piece stood out to me in both good ways and bad. I liked that the V-neckline offered variation from the other two garments I was sent, but the color doesn't fit into my usual earthy and warm-toned palette, so I had already written it off as something I would probably pass along. Everything changed when I unfolded it to reveal its asymmetrical hemline. I was so in love with the Geneva Dress Brandi received in her Mystery Box that I considered buying it right then and there but ultimately stopped myself from following the impulse. Now I'm glad I waited!
I couldn't believe how loose-fitting this dress was when I put it on, given that I chose a size I thought might be too small for me. If anything, I feel like I could even stand to go a size smaller, but knowing that items from the Geo Trio promotion are non-returnable, I feel I can make this work. There's a time and a place for a unique, baggy, totally comfy dress, and chillin' at home during quarantine is definitely it (but also art festivals and park picnics when social life picks back up eventually). If it helps for length reference, I'm about 5'3". Brandi is a bit taller, and her Geneva Dress' hem hit a little higher on her legs.
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Misa Jersey Dress in Scarab, Size 3XS - Retail Value $80.00
Well, how about that? Luck struck again and I received the very dress that drove me to select the South box! Dudes, I am pretty pumped about this dress. Can you tell by the look on my face? I feel it is the perfect color and fit for me, and is an exciting bit of newness to go along with the changing seasons. I'm also confident that this cut would be flattering on just about any body type, including for maternity. The waist ties satisfyingly stayed securely tied for me—and I got a chuckle out of the fact that they really look like repurposed long sleeves sewn onto the sides of a dress.
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Who's to stop you from tying them in the back if you so choose? The Universal Standard site doesn't show them modeled that way but I snapped a few photos of how that would look. I think I feel a little more comfortable with it tied in the front, but this is a nice option. I also included a picture of the inside of the neckline here to show how much care and quality and attention to detail is put into these products—I love that there's a small loop sewn in so that the removable tag is guaranteed not to put a hole or a stretch in your new clothes.
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Maia Stovepipe Sleeve Tee in Black, Size 3XS - Retail Value $50
My third item is this simple black tee, which I was eternally on the hunt for until this one arrived. It is a dream to wear—it's simple and comfortable, but also pulled-together. I am always looking for basics that have just a slight uniqueness to them so that my simple outfits have a hint of style. For me, the stovepipe sleeve and back seam of this comfy tee offer exactly that. If I could make one tiny tweak, I might have made the length a little shorter, but I stand at a below-average height, so it's probably a great length for most. In the third photo, I have it untucked to show the length.
Was My Universal Standard Geo Trio Worth It?
Absolutely, yes, 100% would recommend. While ordering a mystery box comes along with that inherent risk of not liking what you're sent, I was hopeful that this would be a positive experience based on my colleagues' reviews—but my experience went beyond simply "positive." I was very impressed with the quality, fit, and wearability of these three items! Elevated is definitely the word for it. While I can't wait to experiment with styling them all sorts of ways in the coming season, I would feel completely confident walking out the door in them as-is. I know I'll get a lot of wear out of these pieces, and I appreciate that one of the dresses was something that eased me a little out of my comfort zone.
As for value, the promise was a value of up to $260 and my three items totaled $260 on the nose. I'm perfectly pleased; I feel that paying $95 for $260 worth of clothes is a great deal, especially when you consider that they're such high-quality pieces and that they're all still available to purchase on the Universal Standard site full-price (so it's not like they're clearance items).
Value Breakdown
My Universal Standard Mystery Box cost $95. Here is what I paid approximately per item:
- Geneva Dress: $47.50
- Misa Dress: $29.23
- Maia Tee: $18.27
Alternatively, each item had an average cost of $31.67 per item.
Would you like to see more Universal Standard reviews? Have you ever tried their 1:1 styling service?
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