4 Golden Shopping Rules From Our Contacts at ASOS

With over 3500 pieces in ASOS's new-in section alone, it can be a little overwhelming to try to find the best pieces before they sell out. We've all experienced a deep dive on the site, pressing the "load more" button more than 30 times in one session. One way ASOS has helped us to narrow down our options is by assembling a team of insiders who share #OOTD pictures along with handy product codes. It's their job to find the best pieces first, and they take their responsibilities seriously. We talked to some of ASOS's new recruits—Kat, Syana, Scarlett and Ari—to find out their tips for finding the best pieces first and the looks they're into at the moment. Scroll below for the golden shopping rules from our contacts at ASOS.

ASOS Kat

On Kat: ASOS Selected Femme Double Breasted Long Blazer (£85) and Double Breasted Cigarette Trouser (£50) 

What's your trick for finding the best new pieces on ASOS?

I check the new-in pages religiously—it's become a daily ritual for me now. If you click "sort" when you're on the new-in page and click "what's new," that ensures you're seeing the most recent pieces. I always save everything as I see it, and then I go through my saved list and check the videos of the product to see how it wears on the body and also check the fabric content. I also check menswear, too, as I'm massively into oversized tailoring; some of my best outwear pieces have been from the menswear section. Finally, I have a group of brands I consistently check, among them ASOS White, Weekday, Monki and Selected Femme.

Which trends are you most excited about for autumn?

I never thought I'd say this, but I'm excited about animal print. Being a minimalistic girl, when animal print was all over the catwalk last fashion week, I couldn't see how I could make it work with my style, but I'm really enjoying experimenting with a minimal outfit and one standout animal-print piece, whether that be a skirt, a bag or shoes. I have my eye on a leopard print midi skirt—I'm really excited to wear this with a chunky jumper and trainers. I'm also really into leather for autumn/winter 2018. My leather jacket has always been a staple in my wardrobe ever since I was a teenager, but I'm really enjoying the variations of leather pieces this season. I love the idea of a leather shirt as an alternative to a cardigan or as a layering piece to wear under blazers and trench coats for added warmth.

What's on your shopping list for A/W 18?

Boots! I'm a sucker for good boots, and I'm excited to add some more to my wardrobe. I'm also a self-confessed coat addict, so I'm definitely going to be keeping an eye out on site for a couple of winter coats and I really want to invest in a pair of real leather trousers. I had a faux pair last year that I never took off, but they're looking a bit tired now, so I'm prepared to invest, as I know I'll get the wear out of them.

What's your fail-safe outfit that always makes you feel confident?

I'm a bit of an organisation freak, so I always try and plan my outfits ahead. However, if I have a last-minute event or haven't had a chance to plan anything, I always go for an oversized blazer. Even if I'm wearing the most boring outfit underneath, an oversized blazer and some gold jewellery make me feel instantly put together and more "me." I also have a black Monki wide-leg jumpsuit that has saved me from many a wardrobe breakdown. It also looks amazing with trainers, boots or heels, and makes me feel really body confident.

ASOS Syana

On Syana: ASOS High-Neck Cutout Midi Dress in Zebra Print With Long Sleeves (£38)

What's your trick for finding the best new pieces on ASOS?

I prepare some coffee, lie on my bed with my laptop and I check all the new stuff. First, I check the clothes, shoes and accessories page by page. I like doing that. I'm very patient for that kind of thing. By doing this, I can get the best pieces before they've sold out. It takes time, but I like it.

Which trends are you most excited about for autumn?

Definitely animal prints!

What's on your shopping list?

Faux-fur jackets, pleated skirts, flared jeans, oversized jumpers and belt bags.

On Syana: ASOS Design Clear Mac (£75)

Related: We Try Before You Buy: We Think These Are the 7 Best Things From ASOS Right Now

What's your fail-safe outfit that always makes you feel confident?

A high-rise pleased skirt, an oversized jumper and sneakers—especially when I know I'm going to eat a lot!

How has being an ASOS Insider influenced your style?

Being an ASOS Insider hasn't changed my style—I just try not being too lazy by wearing the same stuff (so I can show more items my followers can find on site).

Sold-out ASOS slingbacks.

ASOS Scarlett

Which trends are you most excited about for A/W 18?

I'm most excited about layering, reflective outerwear, and I definitely want to experiment more with hats like beanies and flat caps.

What is on your shopping list for autumn?

First and foremost, a varsity jacket. Stüssy has a fleece one out at the moment (which I love). A Gore-Tex jacket is a high priority too, perhaps by North Face or Arc'teryx. Finally, a pair of vintage jeans that will last me a lifetime.

What's your fail-safe outfit that always makes you feel confident?

Definitely some baggy cargos with a standout pair of trainers that are made more flirty, with the addition of a crop top and my go-to silver jewellery.

How has being an ASOS Insider influenced your style?

Being an ASOS Insider has undoubtedly allowed me to experiment more with my style and has made me love key pieces in my wardrobe I'd never have contemplated wearing before. My style before being an Insider was definitely more androgynous, as I was shopping mainly streetwear brands that don't cater to women. Since becoming an ASOS Insider, I've been inspired to combine these streetwear and vintage brands with more flirty pieces that ASOS has. One of my favourite streetwear brands it stocks is Stüssy. Having the choice to shop womenswear and menswear on site is perfect for my evolving style and has allowed me to experiment more than ever before.

ASOS Ari

Now-sold out leopard-print jeans. 

What's your trick for finding the best new pieces on ASOS?

My number one trick is to always bounce between the womenswear and menswear sections as much as possible. I love to play with my androgyny, so I strive to incorporate pieces from both sections, even if it's something simple like statement earrings. Plus, the fashion edit pages are really good.

Which trends are you most excited about for autumn?

I love both the new animal-print stuff and the cyberpunk-ish pieces that are coming to the ASOS site. We're all going to look like extras in Blade Runner, and I'm all about it.

On Ari: ASOS Design Oversized Renaissance Placement Print Shirt (£30)

What's on your shopping list for A/W 18?

I need my hands on the snakeskin suit! I've had actual dreams about me in it.

What's your fail-safe outfit that always makes you feel confident?

If I had to throw something on and be out the door within five minutes, the first thing I'll look for is something denim. Shirt, jacket, accessory, trousers… doesn't matter. Denim always makes me feel fly without trying.

Shop ASOS Insider–Approved Pieces

Related: 21 Amazing ASOS Coats We Guarantee Will Sell Out Now That It's Freezing

Next up, see the secrets behind ASOS's coolest employees' wardrobes.