Adventure Style with Kira West

Chicago-based Kira West is a content creator, writer, entrepreneur, and runner. “Proud to also say I’m a community cultivator, sharing my passion with others while driving for diversity within the travel and wellness industries,” she adds to her roster of self descriptors. “I’m so grateful I’m able to activate my talents in different ways, it’s a blessing although yes life does get busy.”

Here, Kira shares her approach to travel and adventure with a keen eye on how her fashion choices play into her busy lifestyle. Read on for style inspiration, travel tips, and more.

How do "travel" and "adventure" play into who you are at your core?

They’re both a huge part of who I am. It’s been said that “not all who wander are lost” and that is me in a nutshell. New experiences and adventures excite me. I love being out of my comfort zone and traveling has really helped me expand. You learn so much as you explore new destinations and of course, there are always life lessons along the way. I travel frequently as a form of self-care in addition to loving new destinations as a part of expanding my mind.

Has your definition of adventure changed since COVID-19?

I used to think of adventure in line with travel and I now realize that both are not defined solely by distance. You can travel within your home state, within your neighborhood and within your home country. Travel is about seeking those new experiences and that can happen locally just as much as it can happen abroad. The pandemic challenged me to find adventure in new ways and really lean into nature. It was beautiful to see the world with a focus less on major cities but more on the outdoors and adventure in a more open sense of the word. I think adventure when you bring it down to its core is about doing something new, to learn something new and you really can do that anywhere (even at home). We tested making new foods, connecting with cultures in new ways and I’m so grateful for the challenge.

I’ve gained a lot of perspective and travel now with so much more empathy for others. We all learned that “life happens” and people can be fighting battles that we’re not able to see. I have a greater appreciation for the freedom that comes along with having a passport from a major country like the U.S because for a while amid things, we got a taste of what it was like to be restricted which is the norm in some places. I’m grateful that for the most part we’ve got the privilege to travel freely and truly won’t take that for granted again.

Are you adventurous when it comes to your personal style?

I’m learning how to have a lot more fun with my personal style. As I get older, I’ve learned the value of having amazing pieces that will last and allow for multiple wears but of course it’s always fun to have pops of pattern or color. I used to wear a lot of black because it’s comfortable and easy to style but I realized I was missing out and I’ve embraced having some more fun. I love pieces that can be worn multiple ways and true staple pieces but love to have fun with it.

How would you describe your personal style?

I’d say I’m a lover of neutral who will surprise you with intentional pops of color and patterns. When traveling I try to be practical but to have fun with putting together outfits at the same time. I tend to be a bit more minimal but still fun!

The Selma Blouse made me feel like I was on vacation, it’s light and free but a closet staple that’s perfect for spring and summer.

I honestly wouldn’t typically go for an off-white jacket like the Widy Jacket but as someone who wears black a lot this is going to really pop and I loved the cropped design. Perfect with jeans or even as I’m coming from a Pilates class, great for travel since it’s not too light or heavy.

The Tais Dress makes me feel connected to the earth in a beautiful way and I loved the color and cut. It’s the perfect dress to make you feel effortlessly put together.

What are the key components of a perfect travel outfit for adventure?

Layers are KEY! The beautiful part of an adventure is that it’s new and exciting so you never really know what may happen. I love wearing something simple to start off with and having a jacket or sweater is perfect. I’m often cold so you’ll rarely find me on an adventure without a few layers. A jean jacket or cropped neutral jacket is perfect here.