How To Dress Like a Character From the Nana Anime

Nana has got to be Ai Yazawa’s most popular manga and for good reason. The plot is gripping, the characters feel so real, and the fashion is on a level not usually seen in manga or anime.

Ai Yazawa spent some time studying fashion and clearly draws a lot of inspiration from the various youth fashion movements to have graced the streets of Tokyo. Throughout her work, there is always a lot of attention paid to the clothing the characters wear which has allowed fans the world over to draw inspiration from them and the Nana anime is no exception.

Whether you’re new to Nana or are a longtime fan, let’s take a look at some of the most iconic fashion from the series and how to replicate these styles in real life.

(Cover image sourced from the Nana 2005 live-action film)

This impromptu concert that Nana Osaki decided to put on showcases her signature look. While she does wear a variety of different amazing outfits throughout the anime, a testament to Ai Yazawa’s detail oriented eye, this miniskirt/corset combo is one of her most easily recognizable. Nana’s style overall is modeled after punk fashion which has been popular on the streets of Japan since about the 1970s. The spirit of punk is about rebellion making it a perfect fit for a strong-willed and independent character like herself. 

Some of the elements you see repeated a lot in punk fashion and in the fashion of Nana are chokers, leather jackets, ripped/torn clothing, plaid skirts, and fishnet tights. Nana Osaki is usually wearing a combination of these paired with dramatic platforms or black boots. She typically wears mini skirts/mini dresses like the one shown above and is often seen in black, purple, red, or animal print. Her style is the most edgy and flirtatious among the main female characters of Nana. Never one to miss an opportunity to accessorize, she’s typically wearing silver jewelry with her most famous jewelry item being her armor ring.

Discover a wide range of Nana Osaki's fashion looks with Nightcity Clothing. Whether you're drawn to her iconic concert attire or her everyday punk-grunge mix, our collection offers diverse pieces that capture the essence of Nana's style. From edgy leather jackets and miniskirts to more casual grunge-inspired outfits, we provide the perfect starting point for those looking to infuse their wardrobe with a touch of Nana's bold and independent spirit. Explore our women's grunge collection for pieces that beautifully blend punk and grunge, embodying the versatile and striking fashion of Nana Osaki from the "Nana" anime

Embrace the cool, punk essence of Ren Honjo with our specially selected fashion items at Nightcity Clothing. Reflecting Ren's unique blend of minimalist punk and effortless style, our collection features leather jackets, sleek jeans, and understated yet impactful accessories. Ideal for those who resonate with Ren's laid-back yet iconic look, these pieces allow you to bring a piece of Ren's style from the "Nana" anime into your everyday fashion.

Mai and Hachi (Nana Komatsu) may have been the only two BLAST fans not dressed in punk fashion at this concert but with the looks they delivered who could complain? Nothing displays the contrast between Nana and Hachi quite like their fashion does. The two serve as each other’s narrative foils in the story which is reflected by their seemingly polar opposite aesthetics. While Nana came from a rough background and uses clothing almost as a form of rebellion Hachi came from a happy home and has a much more casual relationship with fashion. She experiments a lot more with style and dabbles in trends all throughout the series.

Hachi typically dresses in styles that are more feminine and girly than some of the other characters often opting for A-line dresses, cardigans, and blouses. Spiked chokers may be a bit too intense for her but she isn’t afraid to accessorize. Usually, she wears simple jewelry but she’s been known to rock a statement necklace or two like in the image above. The dress she wears here is simple and she accessorizes it with a matching jewelry set, purse, and sock/heel combo.

Embrace the evolving and feminine style of Nana Komatsu, also known as Hachi, with our diverse fashion selections at Nightcity Clothing. Hachi's wardrobe, characterized by its playful and experimental nature, mirrors the trendy and delicate essence of K-Fashion (Korean Fashion). In our Seoul collection, you'll find pieces that resonate with Hachi's style – from elegant dresses to chic tops, skirts, and pants. Perfect for fans who admire her versatile fashion sense, our collection allows you to explore and adopt Hachi's ever-changing, Korean fashion-inspired looks, adding a touch of her unique charm to your own style.

Yasu may have the best punk businessman looks of the series but this look from Shin (Shinichi Okazaki) is proof that there's more than one way to look cool in a suit or blazer. Shin has a lot more style than your average 15-year-old and typically dresses in punk fashion similar to what his other bandmates wear. His looks are still distinct though and often more involved than what Ren wears for example. It’s not unusual to see him in a fun hat or sporting more flashy accessories like his iconic orb lighter/necklace.

Some of his most noticeable style elements are his many piercings, his bondage pants, and his distressed (torn) clothes. He can also often be seen wearing typically more conservative fashion items like button-down shirts and ties mixed with his punk aesthetic. Unlike Yasu and Takumi, we don’t usually see him in a suit but this look paired with his usual accessories and his platform shoes is clearly a showstopper. To find your own suit jacket or blazer and live out your rockstar fantasy check out our outerwear or peruse some of our matching sets!

Shinichi Okazaki, known for his unique blend of punk and business-core styles, often sports a look that's both edgy and sophisticated. Embrace this distinctive style with our Businesscore & Seoul collections at Nightcity Clothing. Our range features suits, sleek blazers, and stylish accessories that resonate with Shin's fashion sense. Perfect for those who admire Shin's flair for combining professional attire with punk elements, our collection lets you channel his standout style, adding an unconventional edge to your business wardrobe.

Reira Serizawa’s style expresses a feminine beauty unique from the kind expressed by Nana Osaki and Hachi. Her character is typically described as a princess and it seems that this is what Takumi thought of her from a young age. She can be seen in anything from casual to more elegant style dresses but this is one of her more memorable looks. It’s dramatic, owing to the fact that it was an outfit for a stage performance, but still simple and elegant. She pairs the gown with feathered accessories, matching gloves, and a belt.

There’s so much fashion to draw inspiration from within this series but these are some of our favorite moments. Hopefully this has helped you figure out how to dress like your favorite character from Nana and channel a little of the magic that has made the series so popular!

You may not have any stage performances coming up, but feel free to check out our dresses to capture some of Reira Serizawa's star power for yourself. Our Balletcore & Coquette collection perfectly embodies Reira's aesthetic, offering a range of elegant, sophisticated, and subtly playful pieces. With flowing gowns, delicate accessories, and chic, princess-like attire, this collection mirrors Reira's graceful and enchanting style. Explore these selections at Nightcity Clothing to bring a touch of Reira's iconic elegance and charm into your wardrobe, perfect for those who admire her blend of glamour and coquettish flair.