Cool Ways to Cover Up.(jackets)

For the past two years, denim jackets have eclipsed all other spring coats. This season, that blue haze is finally lifting, making way for a blossoming landscape of colorful jackets and blazers. A sampling:

Military Chic: With the guns of war still smoking, it may seem odd that everyone from Gap to Gucci is seeing army-style coats and bomber jackets take off faster than B-52s. Opting for High Street trendy, Diesel turned out a camouflage jacket for men. Hedi Slimane for Dior came out with a belted piece in satin. For women, Dior took the classic olive "jeep jacket" and gave it a slim-fitted cut, corset-style lacing down the body and sleeves--and seven pockets. "Combat wear is quite utilitarian," says Nick O'Donnell, a designer-fashion buyer at Harrods in London. "I think that's what people like."

Spicy Sport: The traditionally boyish sporty look has gone girly. Anna Sui makes the workout sweater cute with cheerleader stripes and a skin- tight fit. John Galliano's collegiate zip-up has galliano's girls inscribed across the back in stylized white lettering. A much-imitated Calvin Klein piece makes the female sports look more elegant, with a hooded windbreaker in shimmering blue satin and silk. Team sporty with "high heels and a miniskirt," says Glamour's fashion editor, Vanessa Gillingham, to ace the look.

'50s 'Housewife' Retro: For the past few summers, looking stylish meant wearing ...