[Eriri Cosplay] Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend — Classic School Uniform at CICF

Bringing Eriri from Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend to life at this CICF Comic-Con was an absolute treat, as the outdoor sunlight proved ideal for capturing this classic school uniform look. To faithfully channel the character's demeanor, considerable effort went into the styling. I selected a warm golden-blonde twintail wig tied off on both sides with dainty black ribbons. The makeup focused heavily on the eyes: brilliant blue cosmetic lenses paired with extensive reddish-pink diffused shading beneath the lower lash line perfectly captured that signature expression of indignant, prideful defiance mixed with a touch of vulnerability.

For the wardrobe, I chose her most iconic combination: a white button-down shirt with slit cuffs layered beneath a heather grey knit sweater vest, crowned by a white sailor collar with black stripe accents and a dark crimson tie. The skirt is a navy blue pleated skirt bordered with white trim, flaring out naturally with fluid movement. The lower half was styled with over-the-knee black Stockings and a pair of lustrous, vintage brown leather penny loafers, establishing sharp, structured contrast throughout the outfit.

The centerpiece prop of this shoot was the grid-lined spiral notebook, boldly handwritten with "負け犬" (Underdog) using a marker pen. To nail the character's tsundere archetype, I experimented with multiple ways of holding the notebook: raising it with both hands to veil the lower half of my face while glaring intently into the lens, or clutching it tightly across my chest against the uniform—both effectively projecting an unyielding, stubbornly reluctant attitude.

Throughout the session, we captured both standing and kneeling poses. While standing, I posed with one hand on my hip and the other lightly lifting a twintail, crossing my legs to accentuate the sleek lines of the black Stockings as the loafers firmly anchored the pavement. Later, dropping to one knee on the ground, placing the scribbled notebook down, and pointing directly toward the camera instantly brought her commanding presence to the forefront. Perfecting these captures required continuous back-and-forth with the photographer—from the angle of incoming sunlight to the natural drape of the pleated skirt, everything was calibrated with micro-adjustments. The convention hall was packed with crowds, making it quite a feat to claim a clean, level open space amidst the bustle. It demanded slipping into character almost instantly, as any momentary lapse in eye intensity would break the illusion.

This school uniform boasts fantastic synergy with the character, bridging everyday campus realism with street convention photography. Immersing myself into her mindset felt effortless on set. I also crossed paths with many fellow anime fans at the event who instantly recognized the character, sparking wonderful conversations about costume coordination and prop crafting. It was a thoroughly fulfilling photoshoot that captured every ounce of the character's nuanced, prideful contradictions.