Universal Standard is an upscale plus-size brand with the best exchange policy EVER.
Its Universal Fit Liberty program allows you to exchange items from the Core Collection for an entire year if your size fluctuates. The collection ranges from $40 to $230 per piece and fits sizes 10 to 28.
The Universal Standard color palette is full of basic blacks, whites, grays, and gem tones, but I went straight for bright yellow.
This is the Crepe Augusta Geneva dress ($180) in a medium, which is equivalent to an 18/20.
When I first saw the dress online, I thought it would wrap around my stomach awkwardly. The angled hem was also a concern, but I loved it once I put it on. This is one of the most comfortable dresses I've put on in a while.
I paired it with thigh-high boots, but I would also wear it with sneakers.
As a woman with a fuller belly, button-ups don't always fit right. So I went into this shirt dress with low expectations.
Again, this is a medium, and although I considered sizing up, it fit perfectly.
Georgia dress in emerald, $120
A dress with pockets is great, but being able to actually put my hands in said pockets and not have the dress pop open was even better.
To truly get a feel for the brand, I had to try on an LBD. This is the Katy dress in a medium.
Katy dress in black, $160
The faux wrap was nice and roomy, but the dramatic sleeves really sold me on this.
You may have seen this "naked dress" on social media stars; it's a top seller!
The naked dress had less stretch than I expected, but it was still comfortable enough for me to move around. I did size up to a XL, which would be a 24/26, for a loser fit.
I decided to layer it with the Hudson knit cape.
The sweater was thick and the design was shapeless, but oversize is a trend right now and I'm here for it.
I tried layering again with a rose-colored naked dress and the Wheaton sweater dress.
This sweater was more form-fitting, so I sized up to an XL for a slouchier look.
Mixing and matching is key when you're dropping this much cash on clothes.
Some may call this boring, but plus-size women need well-made, stylish basics. Universal Standard does that expertly.
I paired this one shoulder cut-out with wide leg pants.
Beaufront pants, $130; Candice top, $90
Plus-size model Candice Huffine designed this top.
I LOVE this side slit on the pants.
The last and final item I tried on was this Ebro shirt.
After getting a great fit with the shirt dress, I gave this button-up a try in a medium as well. Success!
Ebro shirt, $80
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Pros:
- I love the fact that I can swap my clothes if I lose or gain weight
- The designs and styles are very minimalist
- Having enough belly room was amazing
- Most of the items mix and match with anything in your closet
- The quality is top-notch
Cons:
- Super expensive compared to the rest of the plus-size market
- You won't find a lot of exciting colors, prints, or trends
