Rugged doesn’t have to mean rough. Female participation in the outdoor industry continues to grow — and ladies are bringing their fashion sense along for the ride. That’s why modern gear meets the moment with high-performance pieces that flatter, fit and fuel female adventures.
Welcome to the era of the outdoorista — where technical gear meets trendy styles. Females are rewriting the rules of the trail, proving that you can rip and look chic.
Author Jennifer Weintraub in the Wild Rye Remi Shirt. Photos by Jennifer Weintraub.
What is the Outdoorista?
“Where are you from?” I often get asked.
“LA,” I say.
Eyebrows raise. A moment passes. “How did you end up here?”
It’s a fair question. I’ve always preferred to chase snow instead of swells — my heart felt more at home in the mountains than it did at the beach. I landed in the Vail Valley 17 years ago for one simple reason: I wanted to ski.
Since then, I’ve shed most of my city roots. I would rather camp under the stars than grab cocktails, I’d take hours squeezed into ski boots over a quick stint in stilettos, and would rather wander through the forest than a city.
But what I can’t leave behind? A deep love of personal style. Why can’t you be gritty and a bit glam? Clothing, for me, is a form of expression, an artwork. For someone who spends nearly every day outside hiking, biking, trail running, skiing, or camping, my gear gets more use than anything else in my overflowing closet — it should perform and express my personality.
Let’s be honest: for many of us who live in the mountains, the priciest pieces in our wardrobes are our gear — jackets, pants, base layers and boots. Start doing the math on your ski kit; it’s not cheap. So, if you’re investing in high-quality gear that is worn on repeat, shouldn’t it look great and make you feel good?
That’s where the Outdoorista, an outdoor fashionista, comes in. I believe you can be a bad*ss and look beautiful outside. My goal? Seek out adventure-approved clothing that is both technical and trendy. As a stylist, have an eye for design details, colors and cuts of clothing. But as an athlete, I seek high-performance gear that keeps up with my adventures.
This new series is for anyone who wants to get after it — and look good doing it. Whether you’re shredding singletrack or the slopes, running trails or around town, follow along for my personal picks on functional and fashionable gear. Trust me, your closet (and confidence) will thank you.
From Dirtbag to Design-Forward
Today, women are charging hard — skiing, riding and climbing with grit and grace. From features in freeride films to throwing down at male-dominated events like Red Bull Rampage, women aren’t just present in the outdoors; they’re showing up in full force. And the industry is finally taking note. The modern mountain woman doesn’t want to settle for the dirtbag culture — she wants to embrace extreme sports with style.
Brands recognize that females want function and flair with technical, trail-tested and tastefully tailored gear that transitions into all areas of their lives. In other words, your gear can now keep up with your pace and personality.
Think feminine and nature-inspired prints with stylish silhouettes and inclusive sizing, incorporating broader design trends. The result? Pieces that are equal parts bold and polished. “It’s that balance of soft and strong, wild and refined, that both defines our brand and the women who wear it,” explains Cassie Abel, founder and CEO of Wild Rye, a female-founded company that creates beautifully designed technical apparel.
Because let’s face it: what you wear affects how you show up in the world. Whether riding, hiking or hanging out, you deserve clothes that match your strength and style.
“At Wild Rye, we believe that what you wear on the trail should amplify how you feel — not just functionally, but emotionally. Beautifully designed technical apparel plays a huge role in that. When your gear fits well, performs seamlessly and reflects your personal style, you show up differently. You ride harder, stand taller and move with more confidence. That’s powerful,” Abel says.
Looking rad in the outdoors isn’t egotistical — it’s empowerment.
Closet MVPs: Pieces That Pull Double Duty
Most days don’t allow for multiple outfit changes. That’s why trail-to-town apparel is more than a trend — it’s a survival skill. The simplest way to pull off that effortlessly cool, mountain-chic vibe? A well-designed, casual button-up shirt.
Lately, I’ve been drawn to button-up shirts like a bag of gummy bears on a bike ride: instinctively, and without hesitation. (Yes, I have a gummy bear addiction.) This isn’t a starched office shirt — it’s an alternative to a flannel shirt, aka, the mountain uniform. With loose fits and whimsical designs, it’s an easy outfit no matter how disheveled the rest of you may be (helmet hair, scratched shins and dirt under the fingernails included) — with no effort required. It’s like a party trick.
Wild Rye’s Lil’ Party Shirt’s oversized fit and vibrant nature-inspired design dial up the energy when you’re feeling feisty. The shirts’ playful prints channel some serious good vibes. Usually, I shy away from bright colors, but the lime green-on-green cheetah print reads like camo. Or opt for some funky florals. It’s flashy, but not in your face. And you would never guess it’s a tech shirt.
And the fit? It’s just right. The hemline hits at the top of the hipbone, so it’s slightly cropped, but not belly-baring. I used to ride in tighter tanks, but the looser fit paired with performance fabric lets the wind pass through, so my shirt was still dry at the top of the climb. I’ve received *so* many compliments on the Lil Party Shirt, even post-ride, mud-splattered at Vail Brewing Co.
Wild Rye Lil’ Party Shirt
My (other) current crush? The Remi Shirt. It’s lightweight, long-sleeved, slightly cropped with a swing hem that flutters in the breeze. The pearl snap buttons and floral embroidery on the collar add a subtle western flair that walks the line between trail tech and ranch charm. I wore it on a ladies’ trip to Buena Vista and earned rave reviews from my crew because it wasn’t traditional tech gear. Yet it was breathable while hiking, blocked the sun when it beat down, protective when the wind kicked up during a bike ride and still looked fresh (and wrinkle-free) through town.
The Remi Shirt runs a bit bigger than the Lil’ Party Shirt. Although they’re both size small, the Remi Shirt had a looser fit. Plus, there’s plenty of length in the arms, so you could go down if you’re straddling sizes. Personally, I didn’t mind that the Remi Shirt was bigger because the fabric is flowy and light, so it doesn’t look like you’re drowning. Roll up the sleeves for a bit of structure if you need it.
Wild Rye Remi Shirt
The Keller Crop Tank and the Mackay Crop Tee are two other staples that work double duty. Both come in loose, cropped fits in soft, tech-savvy fabrics that don’t wrinkle or trap odor and look just as good from a sunrise scramble to happy hour. These aren’t just workout tops — they’re everyday staples for women who like their wardrobe as dynamic as their weekend.
Style That Stands for Something
“Looking good while you rip isn’t about vanity — it’s about owning your space out there,” explains Abel. “It’s about showing the world that women belong in every corner of the outdoors, and doing it with joy, pride and a little bit of flair.”
So go ahead. Ride hard. Hike far. Get dirty. Embrace the outdoorista in you by wearing gear that makes you feel unstoppable. Because when you look good, you feel good. And when you feel good, you move mountains.
