馬子にも衣装 (まごにもいしょう): anybody can look good with the right clothes; clothes make the man; fine feathers make fine birds

anybody can look good with the right clothes; clothes make the man; fine feathers make fine birds

Even a packhorse driver looks fine in good clothes. It is a compliment with a needle in it, so keep it for close friends on the way to a wedding.

A Japanese proverb (ことわざ)