What To Wear For A Passport Photo - Byrdie

Feeling an urge to travel? You're not alone: Sometimes there's nothing better than leaving your everyday life behind for a while to explore a new destination. If you're traveling internationally, it's important to check whether it's time to renew your passport—or learn how to apply for one if you haven't already. While getting your paperwork and appointments organized should be your top priority, it's also important to consider what to wear in your passport photo (as well as the makeup to wear). This may seem uncomplicated, but there are a few things to keep in mind—especially since you'll want a photo you can be happy with for the next ten years. You'll want to start by checking out the U.S. Department of State's official set of rules, but we’ve also put together a few additional tips to consider. Keep reading to learn exactly what to wear in a passport photo, so you can move on to the fun part: picking out your vacation outfits.

Passport Photo Outfit Tips

Choose Darker Colors

Generally, the backdrop for passport photos is either white or light gray, so you'll want to choose a darker-colored top to contrast it. A white blouse with a white background will most likely blend in too well and get rejected, so your best bet is to stay away from light colors. Neutral shades like black, dark blue, and brown are all safe options for your top, but you can also get away with wearing a brighter color, as long as it’s not overly distracting.

Avoid Wild Prints

While we love a good leopard print look, your passport photo is not the ideal time to go bold with your style, so opt for solids or classic, muted prints and textures. Most of your shirt will be out of frame, but even a bit of a bold print can be distracting in your photo. This is also important because you'll be using the same passport photo for a while (up to 10 years), so something you think is a chic statement right now might make you cringe later.

Byrdie Tip

Most passports are valid for 10 years, so keep in mind that what you wear for the photo might go out of style long before the decade is up. (In other words, go for something that feels classic.)

Accessorize with Timeless Jewelry

When it comes to accessories, jewelry is okay to wear in your passport photo, but we suggest sticking to classic pieces such as a pair of studs or a simple necklace. Overly elaborate dangling earrings or a chunky necklace may be distracting, plus just like with clothing, picking a trend-forward or statement-making piece might not age well as your style changes.

Skip the Athleisure

While you don’t need to dress in business attire for your passport photo, you'll probably want to avoid going overly casual. The reason? If you're hired for a new job, you may need to submit your passport photo as identification, especially if you’re starting a new position abroad. So while we otherwise always advocate for a good athleisure look, we suggest opting for a simple sweater or basic blouse when getting your passport photo. At the same time, since the photo only focuses on the top half of your body, feel free to go casual on the bottom with a pair of leggings if you'd like.

Consider Your Neckline

If you’re contemplating which shirt to wear in your passport photo, try to stay away from off-the-shoulder or boat-neck tops. Passport photos are usually cropped from the shoulders up, so wearing a shirt that falls below the shoulders may make it look like you're not wearing a shirt in the picture. If you’re not sure your shirt will work, take a close-up practice photo beforehand and crop it into a 1:1 square. This should be a good indicator of how your top will look in the final product.

Passport Photo Style Basics to Shop

Feeling the need to pick up a new piece or two ahead of heading in for your passport photo? Ahead, we've compiled a few key picks that align with our style tips above, to ensure you get a result you can be happy with for years to come.

Re Ona Bobbi Blazer View on Reona.ca Jenni Kayne Flynn Cashmere Sweater View on Jennikayne.com Reformation Dusk Knit Top View on Reformation Banana Republic Factory Silky Classic Shirt View on Banana Republic Factory Gorjana Parker Necklace View on Gorjana.com Lily & Roo Solid Gold Pearl Studs View on Lilyandroo.com FAQ

• What color is not allowed for a passport photo?

  Always refer to official guidelines, but most colors are typically allowed in a passport photo. Usually, though, you'll want to go for a dark or vivid shade to contrast a light-colored background, and going for something that feels timeless is ideal to ensure longevity.

• How can I look good in passport photos?

  To look your best in a passport photo, you'll want to pick a classic outfit that you feel comfortable in, following the above guidelines to get you started. You also might want to prep your hair and makeup with the photo environment in mind.