Lately, I've been wondering about what my style would be if I'd grown up with options that fit. Would I truly love dresses with flowers on them, or do I love them because they were one of the few styles I could fit into? Being plus size, it really is like getting to only choose from the small pack of generic crayons instead of the mega box of Crayolas.
I was recently sent an item from Universal Standard that really made me think about these things – it's something I've never owned before because things like this don't really exist for my size body. Hello, cashmere!
Edited to add photos wearing it with denim!
Disclosure: This sweater was gifted, however, I was not asked to post or compensated in any other way. I have included affiliate links in this post, which means if you purchase something through my link, I may earn a small commission on the purchase. This helps cover my costs of maintaining this space online.
Universal Standard Essential Cashmere Crew in Red, size 2XL
Universal Standard Stephanie Wide Leg Pants, size 2XL
Universal Standard has introduced cashmere sweaters, in an incredible size range of 00-40. They come in crew neck (what I'm wearing) and v-neck, and in multiple colors. The best part? They're priced at less than $100.
This isn't some kind of wool blend with a speck of cashmere — this is 100% cashmere. It is super soft and feels so luxe. I never got the hype behind cashmere… probably because I've never owned 100% cashmere. The closest I got was from Lane Bryant back in the early 2000s, and it was a blend and very short on me. I think I wore it twice before donating it, and haven't seen any other options above a size 3X/24 since. I'm really excited about this option and that it's offered at this price. If you're looking for a luxe gift for a friend, this would be a really nice option since it comes in sizes 00-40.
As with all US items, I really appreciate their attention to fit. I have some items in a US XL (26/28) and some in a 2XL (30/32), depending on how I want the item to fit. For example, I have the pants I'm wearing in these photos in both sizes, and wear each of them depending on if I want a more relaxed fit or not. For shirts, I generally like going to the US 2XL because I have a long torso and always appreciate having extra coverage. This sweater had a great length to it – I was able to wear it untucked without it looking sloppy, but it was also long enough to tuck in. I find it's very true to size with other US 2XL items I own. I could have also done the US XL, and am thinking of buying a v-neck in the smaller size for a closer fit. It really all comes down to what you're comfortable in.
Already feeling like a luxe bad a**, I decided to try it with another item I never thought I'd find in my size, a leather jacket – not surprisingly, also from US. I'm wearing the XL in the jacket, which I previously shared here.
Let me know if you have any questions about the sweater or any other US items – I own so many of them because I appreciate their fabrics and fit.
