Hey, Teens: Cute Is Out, Big Is In

The series: “My So-Called Life” (ABC, Thursdays at 8 p.m.).

The setup: Trials and tribulations of 15-year-old Angela Chase (Claire Danes, pictured right), both at home and at school.

The costume designer: Patrick Norris, who won an Emmy for his work on “thirtysomething.”

The look: Angela is good news for anyone who hates cute. Her wardrobe consists of oversized everything--dresses, jumpers, overalls, plaid flannel shirts. You get the feeling that Angela would feel weird in anything form-fitting or super short. While she’s no PIB (Person in Black), her palette matches her teen Angst-- muddy, olive-y and somber. That’s not to say Angela isn’t of the moment--she just veers away from cliches.

Reality check: The girl wouldn’t have a chance in “Beverly Hills, 90210.” (The locale appears to be anywhere, U.S.A.) If you’re wondering if Angela has a champagne budget, try Snapple instead. One of Angela’s low-cost standouts, appearing on an episode entitled “The Zit,” is her clashing plaid shirt and shorts statement.

Trend watch: Angela probably shops in malls, the occasional thrift shops and maybe the nearest Army supply for her boots. Any teen could reproduce the Angela look at home, and probably will (especially the overalls and plaids).

Good/bad hair days: So Angela’s new dyed hair evokes shades of golden retrievers you’ve known and loved, but the blunt cut is simple and uncontrived. On the other hand, you want to reach for a scissors every time the wild Rayanne (A.J. Langer, pictured left) appears with Michael Jackson-esque strands falling in her face.

Hit: Just when uniforms are making a comeback in California public schools, two distinctly dissimilar boys at school prove how expressive clothing can be. Rickie (Wilson Cruz), the androgynous one, sports eyeliner and loud, off-beat patterned shirts and sweaters. He’s undoubtedly a future candidate for Gianni Versace. Meanwhile, Brian (Devon Gummersall), the brainy square, is Mr. Button-Down Shirt. Imagine, they both coexist in the same school.

Miss: No wonder Mom (Bess Armstrong) gets on Angela’s nerves. Like a string of other TV matriarchs before her, she favors clothes with no character--especially big, droopy sweaters.

Sources: A series spokesperson informs that both stores and labels are “very, very confidential information.”