Shrill's Costume Designer Gets Real About Plus-Size Fashion on TV

If Aidy Bryant isn’t already on your list of people you want to be when you grow up, please put down your device and spend the next several days catching up on her best Saturday Night Live sketches (she’s been on the show since 2012).

Great! Now that you understand the comedic wonder that is Aidy Bryant, log into Hulu and devour her new six-episode series, Shrill.

We’ll wait…

Isn’t Shrill one of the best shows you’ve seen in years? We agree—wholeheartedly. Not only is it smart, funny, and provocative, but it also features some of the most buzzed-about outfits and accessories on TV since Sex and the City was in its heyday. So, of course, we asked the show’s costume designer, Amanda Needham, to do a Q&A via Instagram Stories with Who What Wear’s shopping-savvy fans. Below you’ll find pearls of wisdom from Amanda, plus a few of the must-have items you can actually buy from Amanda and Aidy’s favorite size-inclusive retailers.

Where did Annie’s dresses come from? I loved all of them.

We made most of her dresses, which was so fun to collaborate with Aidy on. We picked bright colors and structured patterns because why the hell not?

How was dressing Aidy different from dressing straight-size actresses?

It was different because it was an actual desert out there for plus-size clothing. It was also different because Aidy is a literal comedic genius, who, if you ask me, walks on water in her spare time.

I know some of the pieces for Fran were custom, but please help a girl out with any links!

Everyone from our cast and crew bought this jumpsuit from @WeAreWildFang. She wears a rad kimono from @KateTowers. We mixed vintage pieces in with a couple of @Anthropologie jackets. Also, it’s important to have a good hair and makeup department, shout out to @jessicaneedhammakeup and Jennifer Serio!

How can fashion be more inclusive of all body types?

I think that fashion can become more inclusive by seeing all people equally. Understanding that self-love comes in all sizes. It seems so basic.

Any tips for finding what looks best for your body type without getting discouraged?

I think it’s more about feeling good in your skin. Part of what was so magical about the Shrill pool scene was people weren’t wearing clothes “best for their body types.” They were half-naked celebrating all of it. This felt so revolutionary to me. I would encourage you to be bold and go against the grain.

What brand makes the best clothes for curvy girls? Struggle: Too small or too big.

11 Honore, Tuesday Bassen, We Are Wild Fang, Rachel Comey, Tanya Taylor, Rachel Antonoff, Universal Standard, ASOS, Eloquii

While we're waiting for the second season of Shrill to be announced, check out more of Aidy Bryant's colorful, cool style: 

Aidy Bryant's Shrill Outfits May Be Custom, But We Found the Best Lookalikes

SNL's Aidy Bryant Got Married in the Prettiest Short Dress (and Purple Shoes)