TELEVISION SHOWS HAVE LONG RELIED ON THROWING SOME nudity into the mix whenever they need a boost in ratings, but given the fashion quotient of this season's new programs, viewers will be more interested in what characters are putting on than in what they're taking off. Five programs are trouncing their competition: Titans brings back the kind of glitz that we haven't seen since Dynasty; Girlfriends gives the legal profession an infusion of high-end funk; Grosse Pointe takes the trendiness of Beverly Hills, 90210 over the edge; That's Life proves that you don't have to spend big dollars to look like a million bucks; and Dark Angel shows us that even the apocalypse can't come between a girl and her leather pants.

JENNY COMITY

TITANS (NBC)
THE CAST Decadent, deceptive billionaires.
THE STYLE Grown-up glamour
THE SCOOP "Everyone on the show is very wealthy and their clothing reflects that status," says costume designer Cathryn Wagner.
LOOK FOR Bikinis worn with three-inch heels and gobs of jewelry; Armani, Versace and Pucci clothes; Christian Dior saddlebags and fur scarves; Gucci everything.

DARK ANGEL (FOX)
THE LEAD A human prototype in post-apocalyptic America.
THE STYLE Dark and sleek.
THE SCOOP "Max [played by Jessica Alba] is dressed for action," says costume designer Susan de Laval. "She's always on her motorcycle or fighting the bad guys."
LOOK FOR Max's "creep suit" — a quilted-leather vest-jacket that she wears at night while out collecting information.

GROSSE POINTE (WB)
THE CAST A group of young actors who star on a teen television drama.
THE STYLE Hip, young Hollywood types playing trendy teens.
THE SCOOP Cargo pants, T-shirts and the like for "off-the-set" scenes; short plaid skirts and leg warmers when they're acting on the show within the show; big jewelry and a glam vibe when they're out on the town.
LOOK FOR Costumer Debra McGuire's own designs mixed with Nicole Miller, Tracy Feith and other names.

THAT'S LIFE (CBS)
THE CAST Working-class New Jersey folk.
THE STYLE Shopping-mall chic.
THE SCOOP "The characters are cops, beauticians and toll-takers on the turnpike," says costumer Terry Dresbach. "They're on a budget, but that doesn't mean they can't have style."
LOOK FOR Trendy threads from Bebe, Rampage and Tommy Jeans.