We’ve officially entered that odd, in-between season where temperatures hover between the mid 40s to 60s and make navigating jacket selection an obnoxiously difficult task. We should be wearing medium-weight toppers, trenches and leathers. Instead, however, I look around and see droves of women in too-heavy woolens and too-light cottons, apparently having decided to ignore pre-spring jackets entirely. Sorry to be a stickler, but this sort of outerwear behavior is totally unacceptable. Every girl needs a coat for the in-between times, and we’ll help you pick out the right one after the jump.

As is our way, we’ve become, ahem, a little preoccupied with yet another new designer. GAR-DE, a New York-based fashion collective, makes the coolest clothes we’ve seen in a while. From hood tops to fitted jackets with adorable striped lining and leather detailing, there’s almost no piece in the collection that we aren’t into. While the prices aren’t exactly low, the quality is good enough to make spending $550 for one of GAR-DE’s leather jackets, $350 for a non-leather one, or about $100 for a truly interesting top quite reasonable. Check out some of our favorites after the jump.

It’s not even February yet and we’re already thinking about spring, big time. One of our favorite aspects of changing seasons is finding a new jacket to complement our new fashion outlook, but we hate having to wait to wear said acquisition. This Loft Drawstring Anorak has a wear-it-now/wear-it-later vibe, so it won’t hang in our closets for too long. The cotton twill and a heavy sweater will keep the wind from chilling the bones on a cool day. And later on, the material will help us brave those inevitable rainy spring days. [$128, Loft]

In an attempt to foster party pride, the African National Congress of South Africa commissioned a line of jackets, hoping they would take off as a unifying trend. But, judging from the blinding neon offerings and negative preliminary reactions, this collection is going nowhere fast. The line of coats for men and women may have incorporated national colors and the party logo, but the designers also seem to have mixed in every fashion trend in the book, using a military style for one, and a schoolboy blazer for another. Don’t feel bad if you think you’re being culturally close-minded for disliking the designs, because the locals don’t like them either. Says one designer, Thula Sindi, “I wouldn’t be caught dead in them. It all just looks like patchwork ... I don’t think anybody younger than 40 would wear that, out of fear of being ridiculed.”

Packing for a trip means whittling your wardrobe down to a fraction of its size while still ensuring you’re prepared for all sorts of weather conditions and situations. Old Navy’s travel-friendly Jacket-in-a-Packet can be neatly stashed in a built-in pouch, saving precious space in your luggage, and its chic trench coat-style will guarantee you look anything but touristy—provided you don’t pair it with a fanny pack. [$19.50, Old Navy]

There are two approaches to winter fashion—either you’re a utilitarian and go for a heavy-duty parka (well, a cute, one of course), or you’re a wool/swing/pea coat kinda gal. There are benefits and downfalls to both. With a puffy jacket, you don’t have the best piece to transition from day to night, but you’re always warm. Pea coats may show off your legs and flatter your figure more, but let’s face it, they’re no second skin.

So which are you? Or maybe you’re a little bit of both? Or are there other options we’re missing? (Oh shush, you lucky people who live in year-round beach climates and don’t need to worry about looking cute while freezing to death.)

Fall fashion gets a little ho-hum—another cardigan, anyone?—which is why we’re ordering this short-sleeved military jacket by BB Dakota, stat. Unlike other military jackets, it’s not made of long or bulky fabric which covers up your body. Nor does it scream “nautical trend!” which was so last season anyway. We dig any piece in our closet that is demure enough for the office but still funky enough to wear on a night out.  [$70, Revolve Clothing]

Keri Russell was spotted out and about in Brooklyn this weekend, and while we couldn’t help but notice her white canvas slip-ons (our summer obsession), we think her army green field jacket would be perfect on a cool fall day. In fact, Amelia paired one with a printed blue and maroon dress today, which toned down the dress and ensured that the jacket didn’t look too “Army.” Check out six of our favorite utility jackets after the jump.

This brand-spanking new military inspired denim jacket was custom made and photographed for the Guess Fall 2009 ad campaign, which you can see in stores and magazines now. What elevates this piece beyond your standard denim fare is all the amazing metal detail, including chains and antique buttons stamped with 1981, the year Guess was created. The picture of the jacket has been such a hit that Guess is making more to be sold in stores later this year, and will retail for $179 and be sold in stores nationwide. Since Beyonce loves her Balmain military jackets so much, we wonder if she’ll rip this more accessible design off for her Déreon juniors line?

The bad ass-ness of a biker jacket, the comfort of a sweatshirt—sounds awesome to us! This bright blue, fleece sweater jacket from Silence & Noise is perfect for the impending spring weather, and would look great roughing up a structured dress or warming up a denim mini and T-shirt. The only negative? Your rejected cardigans will be sad. [$68, UrbanOutfitters.com]

Blowup dolls will keep you warm—especially when they’re turned into fresh track jackets. Dutch designer (and über hottie) Sander Reijgers has had his way with a whole lot of blowup dolls and then repurposed them into stylish, if unusual, threads. The Mama Anders line is made for both women and men, and the clever craftsman from the Netherlands isn’t shy about using the nether regions of these dolls for decorative small pockets. He also uses the fishnet stockings for pattern and the dolls’ noggins make nifty “eyes in the back of your head” hoodies. These are really the only blowup dolls we’d be cool with our significant other slipping into. [World of Wonder]

Last time we set the boundaries for what a first date outfit should entail. Remember, the look should reflect who you are, shouldn’t give it all away (too tight, low cut, and too short are NO-NO’S), shouldn’t appear as though you tried too hard, and conversely, like you didn’t put any effort into your look at all. The outfit I devised to meet all these guidelines included jeans, a flirty top, a blazer, and boots. However, this might not work for everyone—say, women who LIVE in dresses (as many of my friends do). A dress does not always have to indicate high-maintenance, and finding a dress you love and building upon it with fabulous accessories may result in that ever-so-elusive understated sexy, laid back, fun to hang with-vibe that is guaranteed to keep him transfixed by you. Just check out the look sported by Anne Hathaway!