Color Me Impressed, Universal Standard
We all know by now I am a fan of Universal Standard. Since 2017, I have been a customer of this revolutionary apparel brand that has helped democratize fashion. Offering elevated basics and the occasional unique piece and designer collaboration in sizes 00-40, Universal Standard makes fashion truly size inclusive. But dang, has it been kinda boring as of late.
No offense, Universal Standard, you know I love you. But I get your emails with catchy phrases that make me click to see your new arrivals and I see nothing that appeals to me. The colors are kinda muddy, the silhouettes a bit too safe. Where is the sophisticated workwear? The Cool Girl pieces that elevate basic jeans, black pants, or a white tee?
Where is the architecture and interesting details that caused Universal Standard to steal my heart almost a decade ago? Sure, I want elevated comfort, but I also want to find some joy in my closet with color, silhouette, and the subtle unexpected.
Clockwise from top left: Universal Standard blazer and pants, dress, blazer and wide leg trousers, sweater and pants
Color is big for me. It's easy to find black and muted neutrals, and when you're in larger sizes, it's sometimes all that is available. Grown-ass women were raised on the archaic style rule that black makes us look slimmer, so wearing bold color is cathartic. So it's thrilling to see the bold, saturated, yet very sophisticated and on-trend colors in Universal Standard's New Arrivals.
Clockwise from top left: Universal Standard turtleneck and trousers, sweater and skirt, sweater and skirt, blazer and trousers
From a mustard yellow wool coat to wide-leg work-friendly trousers in poppy, berry, and botanic green, the colors are gorgeous and work great with black, ivory, camel, and brown. Subtle differences in colors create monochromatic looks for work and play that feel elevated yet joyful.
From sweater separates to a leopard-print trench, Universal Standard has incorporated current fashion trends without making them so obvious they'll be passé in a season.
Clockwise from top left: Universal Standard blazer and pants, coat and dress, sweater and skirt, sweater and pants
And hello sophisticated workwear! So hard to find in extended sizing, and even harder to find in color, Universal Standard workwear is back with a variety of blazers, trousers, blouses, and dresses to mix and match. You can be looking for a chic night out ensemble or a power suit as a member of the C Suite and this collection will have you covered.
Clockwise from top left: Universal Standard leopard trench, belted coat, herringbone coat, blue coat, yellow trench
As a woman who is 5'3″ and a size 14/16, I know little of the Universal Standard New Arrivals will fit me without some serious alterations (what happened to Universal Standard petites?). But I had to share because this is the first drop Universal Standards has offered in a while that has made me truly excited. I'm excited to see what US continues to launch as we head further into fall and winter. Color me impressed!
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