ASOS High Summer, SS14

A sneak peek of ASOS High Summer at Edinburgh’s Hotel Missoni

While I may have embraced pastels and pleats in my latest outfit post, as we come to the end of yet another dreich day in Edinburgh, I’m feeling distinctly un-springlike. Looking at these pictures I took back in March at the ASOS High Summer press day however has got me dreaming of sunshine, warmer weather and a wardrobe filled with rainbow pastels, crochet lace and diaphanous dresses. I’ve been excited to share these pictures since I saw the collections when ASOS brought them on tour to Scotland last month, but I thought I wouldn’t torture you (or myself) and wait until a wee bit nearer the time these pieces would land to tempt you. As some of them have begun to drop (and will continue to do so throughout May and June), I decided I couldn’t possibly wait any longer.

ASOS’ Summer offerings are easily among my favourite on the high street at the moment, and I’ve been obsessively checking the ‘new in’ section of the site since I saw the collections. I was struck by how overtly feminine many of the pieces were, which was obviously right up my sartorial street. The aesthetic was distinctly girly, but feminine cuts, colours and details were combined for a range of different effects – ladylike, sporty, boho, grungey, vintage-inspired – that could still appeal to a variety of styles and tastes. This diversity and something for everyone appeal has always been one of my favourite things about the brand.

Modern fabrics – like the neoprene fit-and-flare skirt above – and bold details, such as the graphic, neon embroidery adorning sporty tailored separates, kept things the right side of sugary sweet. Predictably perhaps, the sugared almond colour palette had me at hello and it was the lace, crochet, mohair and mint that I was immediately drawn to, and promptly added to my mental wishlist (sadly for my bank balance, but happily for my spring/summer wardrobe).

I was particularly impressed by the attention to detail and beautiful finish of the ASOS Premier collection. This selection is just perfect for Summer’s inevitable glut of special occasions (or any occasion, really). Bright prints were tempered by floaty fabrics, while bold neon piping complemented organza separates. Again there was a girly but contemporary, sporty feel with bomber jackets and drop waist dresses rendered in feminine fabrics and prints. These designs are hard-working too; the two-piece is perfect as a quirky wedding ensemble, later worn separately with jeans or a plain tee for extra mileage.

My favourite piece has got to be the embellished nude shift below. A modern take on flapper-inspired ensembles maybe – the clean lines, simple, figure-flattering cut and trompe-l’oeil effect of the beaded sheer chiffon overlay give a contemporary spin on vintage-inspired style. Daisy Buchanan eat your heart out. It’s just landed online here and I’m extremely tempted to add it to my shopping basket (taking advantage of the 25% student discount code via UNIDAYS). Perfect for an up-coming ball I’m going to, it would look lovely paired with nude heels, vintage clutch and retro-inspired ‘do – don’t you think?

The delicate, detailed handiwork of these pieces is seriously impressive (not to mention comparatively affordable). The high quality finish looks set to continue as ASOS launched its groundbreaking Stitching Academy last year in Haringey, North London, in a bid to support declining sewing skills in the UK. It produces 7000 garments per week for the fashion company (among others) and is equipping young people with these vital skills, which I think is fantastic – I wish more companies had this attitude. I also had my eye on the beaded jacket below from the festival-inspired offerings the team had brought to Edinburgh, filled with quirky prints – from tropical florals to elephants to watermelons – as well as bold colours, and a smattering of fringing and embellishment.

The High Summer accessories would be the perfect place to start if you want to update your seasonal wardrobe classics. Sartorial staples like plain tees and denim would be pepped up by the eye-catching bejewelled necklace below, while a neon fringed bag would bring new life to Summer smocks. Strappy, graphic print sandals, holographic clutch bags and fluffy accessories are sure to be a hit on and off the festival circuit; that mint furry number might get an odd look or two in Edinburgh, but that hasn’t stopped me before .

ASOS came up trumps with the menswear too; I hadn’t realised that they went in for much tailoring but was seriously impressed by the fit and finish of the garments and the detail here as well. They had casual spring/summer tailoring to a tee, such as the gorgeous lightweight gingham suit below. I loved the floral Oxfords as well – do they make them in a size five, I wonder?

ASOS is of course known for its impressive beauty selection too (whenever I place an order I always check it out, ‘just in case’). From high end brands like Anna Sui and Moschino (with the most beautiful make-up bags) to high street favourites like Models Own, bold colour was the order of the day. Safe to say, my make-up drawer is feeling in desperate need of a new season reboot now too.

The venue for the day was the vibrant and effortlessly chic Hotel Missoni, and was the perfect backdrop for the fun, bright and breezy selection of the ASOS Summer offerings. I couldn’t resist a snap or two on the way out – just look at the beautiful illustrations. I’d thoroughly recommend a visit, just to ogle the décor.

I don’t know about you but I’m feeling pretty inspired for all things Summer now (if it ever arrives in Edinburgh, that is). Thanks for having me, ASOS!

What will you be wearing this Summer? What’s on your ASOS wishlist?