A couple of weeks ago, I went to New York City. Packing for the trip proved frustrating because I realized I own a lot of clothes that are commuter-friendly, not pedestrian friendly! I needed to pack clothes that would work for the warm weather, be super comfortable, and be easy to walk around in, while not being too casual. It’s no surprise that nearly everything I took on this trip was from Universal Standard, and it was perfect. These are the styles that I reach for over and over again when I just need to be comfortable and not worry about fit issues. I wear US items at least 3X per week. They’re styles that I don’t feel bad about buying in multiples because they offer fit, comfort, function, and polish which are the keys to no-brainer dressing. Sure, I share a lot of caftans or sequins or things that require strapless bras… but those aren’t the wardrobe staples that get reached for daily. These US items are.
Disclosure: I’m not being compensated for this post, however, there are affiliate links. This means that if you click through and order anything through them, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help me continue my work here, and I greatly appreciate the support!
For Customer Appreciation Week at US, they let me put together a collection of my favorite US pieces, and you get to save 30% on them with code INFS-EMILY30 through Monday, June 26th.
About Universal Standard sizing
US has the most size-inclusive range of clothes available right now (other than custom/bespoke options). They have sizes 00-40, with incredibly detailed measurements for each item. Their S, M, L, etc labels are different than you’ll be used to, so if you’ve not shopped them before – please consult the size chart! I am 5’10 and usually wear a 28 in Lane Bryant and ELOQUII. My measurements fall between the US XL and 2XL. I have size labels on all the photos below for reference. Questions about sizing? Let me know!
Universal Standard Favorites
I’ll share a few of my favorites from the collection here, but you can go straight to my favorite US pieces here to shop. Don’t forget the 30% off code: INFS-EMILY30.
This look is actually 3 of my favorite items! The Nailah Button Down Tunic – available in 4 colors – is so versatile to throw over any look. I’ve worn it over dresses closed, over dresses open, over the next-to-naked bodysuit, and here with the foundation tank and Joni High Rise Curve jeans.
Nailah Button Down Tunic with black joggers and a black tank top with sneakers
Next up is the jumpsuit that finally fit me! This Promenade Linen Jumpsuit is truly the most comfortable piece, and is easy to get on and off. It’s a stretch linen that is cool and doesn’t wrinkle as much as you’d epect from linen. Wear it on its own, or add any layering piece like another US favorite, the Kelsey Denim Jacket. This particular color was from last year, but they have it in 5 more beautiful shades right now.
Speaking of the Kelsey Denim Jacket, here is is with another favorite, the Athena Dress. Ignore the very messy room – this was mid-packing to NYC. I took photos of everything I was putting in my suitcase to avoid overpacking. I wore this look on the flight home with the sleeves cuffed to the elbow.
Next is a dress that I’ve purchased in 5 colors throughout the years, including the beautiful cerise (hot pinkish) color they have right now. The Misa Jersey Dress is so comfortable, cute, and is designed to offer a little shape that elevates a t-shirt dress. There are pockets, it’s a nice jersey knit, and is the perfect piece when you just want to grab-and-go, but look put together.
I bought this next dress right before my trip, and it arrived just in time. I don’t have any other photos handy in it, so my beautiful friends are coming in for an assist with this photo. The Hamptons Smocked Shirtdress is so, so good. It is available in this stripe, as well as white solid and black solid. The stretch poplin is nice and packable, and the smocked waist gives definition without having to add a belt or something else like you might be temped to with a straight shirtdress. This would be perfect for work with some nice pumps and jewelry, or casual like I wore it here.
If you would have told me years ago that I’d fall in love with a bodysuit, I’d laugh in your face! This Next-to-Naked bodysuit is so incredibly comfortable. I wear it for workouts – alone or with a tee over it – and as a casual outfit layered with the Nailah tunic, a jacket or other loose cardigan. The entire next-to-naked range at US is a must-have. I have the tank, shorts, bodyshort, leggings, and this bodysuit. Once you feel the fabric, you’ll understand!
What I own the most of from US is Foundation. Their Foundation range of tees, tanks, and dresses are made of a dreamy thin stretch knit. I like that they’re stretchy and have shape. If you don’t like anything clinging I can understand how you might not want to wear Foundation on its own, but I think it’s such a versatile fabric. I wear the entire line for layering, on its own, and even for sleeping in. This Foundation Tank dress is a MVP. I have 3 of them in black, as well as more in other colors. I’m SO excited that they’ve brought back the v-neck short sleeve Foundation top as well. They’d only had it in the square neck version for several months, and white it’s great (and I have 2 of those!) the v-neck is my favorite neckline. Here’s a photo of the v-neck long sleeve so you get the idea:
