What to Wear for a Passport Photo: Colors, Outfits & What to Avoid

Getting your passport photo rejected means starting over — new appointment, new fee, more delay. The most common reason for rejection? Clothing. Specifically, wearing white against a white background, wearing glasses, or showing up in something the system flags as a uniform.

This guide covers everything: the US State Department's official clothing rules, the best colors to wear, outfit ideas for women and men, accessories dos and don'ts, and how the same principles apply when you need a professional headshot for LinkedIn or your job search.

The One Color Rule Everyone Gets Wrong

Never wear white for a passport photo. The US State Department requires a plain white or off-white background — which means a white top will blend directly into it. The result is a photo that looks like a disembodied head, which gets flagged or rejected.

This is the single most common mistake. Dark, solid colors are the solution. They create clear contrast against the white background and keep all focus on your face — exactly what a passport photo needs.

Best Colors to Wear for a Passport Photo

The following colors consistently produce clean, high-contrast passport photos:

• Navy blue — the top choice. Universally flattering, reads as professional, and photographs cleanly against any background.
• Black — sharp and high contrast. Can look slightly harsh on fairer skin tones, but works extremely well for most people.
• Burgundy / deep red — warm and flattering across most skin tones. Avoids the cool-tone flatness of navy.
• Charcoal gray — softer than black, still strong contrast. A safe middle ground for anyone unsure about navy vs black.
• Dark green (emerald, hunter, forest) — less common but excellent. Stands out well and photographs cleanly.
• Deep teal or dark purple — works if you have these in your wardrobe. Both create strong contrast without being visually heavy.

Colors to avoid: White, cream, ivory, light gray, light yellow, pastel pink. Anything close to the background tone will cause issues.

What to Wear for a Passport Photo: Women

The State Department's only requirement is "clothing normally worn on a daily basis" — which gives you plenty of flexibility. These outfits work reliably:

Best tops for women

• Navy, black, or burgundy crew-neck or scoop-neck tee
• Dark solid-color V-neck blouse (V-necks add visual length to the neck)
• Simple dark turtleneck — looks polished and professional
• Dark blazer over a simple top — especially useful if you need a photo that reads as professional (European CV, LinkedIn)

Necklines

Avoid strapless, off-shoulder, or very low necklines. In the tight head-and-shoulders crop of a passport photo, strapless tops can make you look bare-shouldered or unclothed. V-necks and scoop necks down to mid-chest are fine.

Hair

Style your hair so it doesn't cover your eyes, eyebrows, or face outline. A neat ponytail, blowout, or hair tucked behind ears all work. Very voluminous hair that extends past the frame edges is fine — just ensure your face is fully visible.

Makeup

Makeup is permitted and has no restrictions. Natural, everyday makeup is fine. Avoid anything very theatrical that significantly alters your appearance — the goal is for your passport photo to look like you on a typical day.

What to Wear for a Passport Photo: Men

Best tops for men

• Dark navy collared shirt or polo — clean and reads as put-together without being overly formal
• Charcoal or black crew-neck — simple and sharp
• Deep green or burgundy button-up — slightly less common, but photographs well
• Dark blazer — adds structure if you want a more professional look

Ties and collars

Ties are permitted but not required. If you wear a tie, choose a solid dark color or a subtle texture — nothing with loud patterns or bright colors that draw the eye away from your face.

Facial hair

Any facial hair style is acceptable. The only requirement is that your full face is visible — cheekbones, chin, and jaw must not be obscured. Very long beards that cover the face outline may cause issues.

What NOT to Wear: The Official Prohibited List

These are disqualifying per the US State Department's official photo guidelines:

Accessories: What's Allowed

Jewelry is generally permitted as long as it doesn't obscure your face or cause glare. Simple stud earrings, a necklace tucked under your collar, and a subtle bracelet (not visible in a head-and-shoulders crop anyway) are all fine. Avoid large statement earrings that could cause light reflection near your face.

Hearing aids and medical devices are permitted. Headbands and hair clips are fine. Religious head coverings are permitted with a signed statement confirming daily religious wear — your face must still be fully visible.

The Same Outfit Works for Your Professional Headshot

Here's something most people don't realize: the ideal passport photo outfit — dark solid color, clean neckline, no distracting patterns — is also the ideal professional headshot outfit. The rules exist for the same reason: you want all attention on your face.

If you're renewing your passport and taking a fresh photo, it's worth capturing a few extra shots at the same time with slightly better framing and lighting for use on LinkedIn, your company bio, or your next job application. A navy blazer over a dark top photographs well in both contexts.

Alternatively, if you need a full set of professional photos for LinkedIn and your career — not just a passport-sized crop — FlowHeadshots generates 40+ polished headshots in multiple styles in about 60 seconds, starting at $29. No appointment, no studio, no waiting.

Quick Checklist Before You Go

• ✅ Dark, solid-color top (navy, black, burgundy, charcoal, dark green)
• ✅ No white, cream, or light-colored clothing
• ✅ No patterns, logos, or busy prints
• ✅ Glasses removed — all prescriptions and sunglasses
• ✅ No hat or headgear (unless documented religious/medical reason)
• ✅ No uniform or camouflage
• ✅ Hair styled away from face — eyes and eyebrows fully visible
• ✅ Natural everyday makeup is fine
• ✅ Neutral or natural expression — light smile is acceptable

Frequently Asked Questions