Younger’s Miriam Shor Would Never Wear a Statement Necklace

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As perfectionistic publishing exec Diana Trout on TV Land’s Younger, Miriam Shor steals every scene she’s in — and gets to wear some of the show’s best outfits, too. Her penchant for graphic prints and power belts might remind you of The Devil Wears Prada’s Miranda Priestly (another iconic power-dresser outfitted by Younger costume consultant Patricia Field), but it’s her seemingly endless collection of oversized jewelry that’s become Diana Trout’s sartorial signature.

In real life, though, Shor’s style couldn’t be more different. The theater vet (whom you might remember from Hedwig and the Angry Inch) and mother of two prefers to frequent small boutiques in her East Village neighborhood instead of Madison Avenue’s designer flagships — and you’re more likely to catch her in sneakers than statement jewelry. Read on for Shor’s thoughts on dressing up to play Diana, the problem with high heels, and more.

Photo: TV Land

First things first: We need to talk about Diana’s necklaces, because they’re essentially a character of their own on Younger.

Oh, you mean the little baubles that she wears? [Laughs] I’m like, “Is that a chandelier? Oh, nope — it’s a necklace!”

The giant geode she wore in the first episode of season 4 is one of my faves; it belongs in the Natural History Museum. It’s a Givenchy piece that actually went down the runway! And the one she wore in the very first episode, which I dubbed “The Flavor Flav.” Another site called it “The Golden Donuts.” And then there was one that looked like the medallion from Indiana Jones...

They’re absolutely fantastic, but the polar opposite of my real jewelry taste. I don’t even wear jewelry — not even a wedding ring, because I’d probably lose it, and then there goes the symbol of our unity...

Of course, if I’m going to an event, I enlist the help of very talented people who know how to make me look like I didn’t just get out of a dungeon, and that usually [includes] jewelry. But in my everyday life, I dress like a schlub, because I have kids! I will walk out the door and my husband will literally stop me and say, “Those are not outdoor pants.” But I’m [for] comfort over glamour, always — and you know that is not Diana’s mantra.

The gigantic earrings she’s been wearing in season 4 do not look comfortable, but they sure are glamorous.

There was one pair in particular where I was like, “These are great, but there will be blood. Blood is going to happen, and that feels… not funny.” We’re not making Game of Thrones here!

Photo: TV Land

Is there anything you’ve wanted to keep from Diana’s wardrobe?

They actually found me a great pair of shoes that I immediately bought, because I have the worst feet in the world. They’re these black Stuart Weitzman sandals with such a high platform that there’s very little actual heel; I basically only wear those shoes this season.

I can’t really wear wonderful, beautiful, expensive shoes, much to the chagrin of our wardrobe team. If there’s anyone out there who wants to create a line of shoes with me for women whose feet can’t handle heels, I will do it. Because I want to wear beautiful shoes, but as far as I can tell, Manolo Blahnik wants to kill us all, starting with our feet. There’s enough out there that’s hobbling women in this world; we don’t need our shoes to do it, too!

Well said. So where do you typically shop?

My favorite places to shop are little designer-owned stores. I don’t shop very often, but when I do, it’s at places like Love Only — it used to be called Love Gang — which is a great little place that carries a lot of local designers. They’re unique, and I feel like you’re supporting someone who could use it. But I don’t have a talent for shopping, which is why it’s great that I have someone to do it for me [for the show]!

What’s it like working with Patricia Field and Jacqueline Demeterio?

Jackie and Pat are visionaries; they really are artists. And we get to collaborate so much. They come to me with so many options and ideas, and they allow me to give my two cents too. It’s so much fun — it’s like playing dress-up!

Photo: TV Land

And it’s an especially amazing part of creating her character because wardrobe is so important to Diana. She really defines herself by what she wears, by putting on her armor and going to work. Her closet is her sacred space, her temple.

What’s the most precious thing in your closet?

[Laughs] If you could see my closet, you’d know why I’m laughing. Probably just a nice pair of comfy, casual, light-as-a-feather pants that you can dress up or down — and that are in fact “outdoor pants.” That and a good pair of organic cotton underwear, my friend.

Younger airs on Wednesdays at 10 p.m. on TV Land.