WHAT TO WEAR FOR YOUR COUPLES PHOTOSHOOT IN JAPAN (AND WHAT TO AVOID)
Feel Like Yourselves, But Elevated
When it comes to photoshoots, what you wear has a huge impact — not just on how you look, but how confident and connected you feel in front of the camera. You do not need to be “fashionable.” You just need to be comfortable, coordinated and intentional.
In this post, I will walk you through the essentials — plus a few overlooked details (like hands, pockets and watches) that make all the difference in your final photos.
1. Choose Outfits That Feel Like You — Just a Bit More Put Together
Go for timeless over trendy. Clean lines, soft movement and flattering silhouettes photograph beautifully. Think “special date night” rather than “everyday casual.”
Great outfit ideas include long dresses or skirts with movement, neutral-toned blouses paired with trousers, and simple elevated pieces like linen shirts or structured jackets. In cooler months, soft layering works beautifully — think coats, cardigans or scarves that add texture without feeling bulky. Stay away from loud logos, busy patterns or neon colours — they tend to distract from the connection between you.
2. Stick to Soft, Natural Tones
Earthy tones, pastels, warm neutrals and muted colours all look beautiful against Tokyo’s gardens, shrines, and city textures. They also blend effortlessly with the environment — letting the emotion and story take centre stage.
3. Mind the Little Details — They Show Up
These are the often-overlooked things that really matter in close-up shots:
Hands & Nails
Your hands will be in a lot of the photos — especially if you are doing a proposal photoshoot — so it is worth giving them a little attention. Trimmed nails will look great on both of you, and a neutral or classic manicure photographs beautifully. For men, moisturising and tidying up any hangnails can make a big difference too, since rough skin tends to show in close-up ring shots.
Watches
A timeless watch can look elegant in photos, but bulky smartwatches tend to clash with a classic look.
Pockets
This one is simple: empty your pockets into your bag (or into mine - I always carry one for that purpose!) before the shoot. Phones, wallets and keys create strange bumps that are hard to edit and make even the best outfit look messy.
Bags
Try not to arrive with big bags or backpacks, as they can be tricky to carry or hide during the shoot, and putting them down and picking them up throughout the shoot can interrupt the natural flow. Most locations have lockers near the entrances, and you will often find them at nearby metro stations too — perfect for storing anything you do not need to carry around.
4. Wear Shoes You Can Walk In (and Match the Mood)
If we are shooting in a park, along cobblestone streets or near shrines, comfortable shoes are key. You do not need heels unless you love them — simple flats, sandals or leather shoes that suit your outfit will work beautifully.
5. Seasonal Tips
In spring and summer, light fabrics like linen, cotton or silk work really well — they move nicely and keep you comfortable. It is best to avoid anything too tight or heavy, especially since we will likely be walking a fair bit during the shoot.
In autumn and winter, layering is your friend. Coats, scarves, knits and boots not only keep you warm, but also add texture and depth to the photos. The right layers can make everything feel more styled without looking overdone.
6. How Do I Get My Partner to Dress Up Without Making Them Suspicious?
If you are planning a surprise proposal and want your partner to dress up without giving too much away, rather than thinking of it as “tricking” (which might feel misleading), a better approach is to give her a reason to dress up that feels natural. Try suggesting that you take a few nice photos together to share with frineds and family while you are at the park — especially if it is cherry blossom or autumn season. You could also mention that you have lunch or a coffee booked at a nearby spot afterward, which gives a natural reason to dress up a little. Framing it as a special day or something slightly out of the ordinary is a gentle way to make it feel thoughtful without raising suspicion.
Need More Proposal Photography Inspiration in Japan? Browse past client galleries here:
