Now is the time to shop Nau. The Portland-based clothing company has perfected the balance between utilitarian and urban chic. Plus, while Nau sources its fabrics to make sure they are providing you with the most sustainable product possible, they also don’t greenwash you into pie-in-the-sky claims that simply cannot be true, which only adds to the company’s street cred.
Nau Vera Blazer
Versa BlazerOne of my favorite Nau pieces is the Versa Blazer ($198; nau.com). Not only is it water resistant and wrinkle-free, which makes it especially suitable for bike commuting and travel, it’s also elegantly designed, with five simple front buttons, a fitted waist, and two front pockets, one with a smart little zipper for cash and credit cards. A perennial NAU favorite is the Shroud of Purrin ($280), a water-resistant, breathable, hooded softshell with a cozy lining. The hood comes in especially handy for commuters.
Pair either of those two jackets with Horny Toad’s basic tees and shirts, and you’ve got a brand-new commuter wardrobe. For summer, check out the Prelude ($38; hornytoad.com) a soft, jersey-knit tank with a simple scoop neck. For fall, try the Rookie ($52), a long-sleeve, nicely draping shirt with a scoop neck and four tiny buttons made from an organic cotton/tencel/spandex mix.