This designer and writer shops for winter during the summer—here's her philosophy on offseason shopping.

      If you've been exposed to a particular segment of TikTok, you're likely aware of a whole group eagerly anticipating what is being dubbed "the shoe of fall 2025 for true city girls." The video starts with, "Chic women of New York City, Paris, Tokyo, Barcelona, London, Copenhagen, and wherever there are genuine city walkers—we're talking about over 10,000 steps daily on most days." It's Talia Mayden, a designer and writer currently on a quest for the perfect stylish flats or loafers that can support five or more miles of walking. I've followed Mayden for some time and she recently went viral for wearing a new pair of shoes each day for more than 30 days—covering over 10,000 steps—to unveil her choice for "the ultimate city summer shoe of 2025." The winner turned out to be Camper's Dana Sandals, and now she's onto her next exploration for the upcoming season.

      In a post shared at the end of June, she discusses the concept of "marinating your clothes," which means shopping off-season. "Here's a fashion hack that the most fashionable individuals you know and admire are employing but keeping to themselves because they don’t want you to score the best deals, and I’m calling it 'letting your clothes marinate,'" she explains. "This marinating concept is why, despite it being 95° outside, I’m perusing full-on coats on The RealReal right now." The rationale is twofold: you secure better prices and reduce the impulse to buy on a whim. Other highlights include her recommendations for the perfect wedding guest outfit (which I’m now eager to purchase), testing selections for the "no bra heatwave dress of 2025," and reaching out to her style icon, Orna Guralnik from Couples Therapy, to inquire about her wardrobe from season 4. Beyond apparel, Mayden's meticulously chosen and refreshingly unique suggestions cover design, art, and beauty as well. I spoke with Mayden about her shopping philosophy and her reasoning for buying winter items during summer.

      Can you elaborate on your offseason shopping strategy? I wish I could claim that this "marinating my clothes" philosophy arises from a profound dedication to delayed satisfaction and fashion peace, but I initially started shopping off-season because that’s when I found the best bargains. Acquiring a Lemaire wool coat in December was unrealistic for me, but finding one in June on The RealReal with a 20% discount? That works for me. Through this process, I discovered that I was much less prone to impulse purchases spurred by seasonal marketing. Had I adhered to the fashion calendar, my closet would likely be filled with sardine-print tops for this summer, which I would already be tired of. When I'm aware that I need to wait to wear something, I start searching for pieces I know won't bore me quickly.

      Regarding "marinating your clothes," what are some examples of items you think should be purchased in fall and winter versus spring and summer? For fall/winter: vintage Missoni tank tops, Chloé cotton dresses, Jil Sander sandals, Eres bikinis. For spring/summer: Lemaire outerwear, cashmere sweaters and accessories, vintage Ann Demeulemeester boots.

      What are essentials in your capsule wardrobe? Bassike paper-thin white T-shirts, Kiki de Montparnasse black triangle bras, Rachel Comey Elkin Pants in washed black, vintage Tod's loafers, The Row Sideby shoulder bag.

      You enjoy discovering new brands. What are some of your favorite ways to find them? My best friend, Frannie, and I share inspiration photos with each other all day, every day.

      Who or what inspires your shopping and style? For interiors, I strive to capture the essence of the Giacometti room at the Louisiana Museum of Art in Denmark and Barbara Hepworth's studio in St Ives. Fashion influences include Sarah-Linh Tran, Issey Miyake, and Phoebe Philo. On social media, I love following Yola and Jordyn Leib on TikTok and Michelle Li on Instagram. Most of my inspiration comes from riding the subway and watching films at Angelika.

      What are your favorite online shops for clothing, beauty, and home goods? The RealReal, Facebook Marketplace, Vestiaire, Poshmark, Craigslist, eBay, Depop… You know the usual sites!

      Could you share some of your favorite or frequently used search terms for clothes? I typically look up items by brand and season as I tend to obsess over specific pieces.

      Currently, you're assessing for "the no bra heatwave dress of 2025." How do you determine what to test? I created a rubric considering material, opacity, armhole height, tone, hang, and length. Stay tuned!

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