Parks And Rec: Leslie Knope’s 5 Best Outfits (& Her 5 Worst)

Fans of Parks and Recreation’s Leslie Knope had the honor of watching her grow for seven seasons. Her relationship with Ben was fulfilling for fans but what was more impressive was her ability to climb the political ladder. There isn’t anything she wouldn’t do for her hometown of Pawnee, Indiana, and the United States’ parks system.

Throughout Leslie’s career, we’ve seen her jump through hoops to reach her goals while looking impeccable. Her style changed for the better since the first season, and she became a modernized woman with a sleek look. From fitted pants suits to cocktail dresses, Leslie knew how to dress. But not every look was a winner.

10 Worst: Looking Like A Teenager In “Filibuster”

In the sixth season, Leslie was planning a rollerblading birthday party for Ben when she found out Councilman Jamm was trying to get a bill passed without her being there. Without wasting time, Leslie literally rolled up to the meeting in her rollerblading get-up to filibuster the meeting.

Chris loved Leslie’s dedication to the movement and found it the most exciting part of his week. Ben, on the other hand, would have rather been at his party.

9 Best: This Red Boss Lady Suit

Leslie went from the Deputy Director of the Pawnee City Department of Parks and Recreation to a city councilor to the Deputy Director of Operations at the United States Department of Interior. The further she advanced in her career, the better she dressed. Her office even improved and held some of her highest achievements.

One look that outshines most is this stunning red pantsuit. The color makes Leslie pop and stand out amongst those around her. She looks like a true star.

8 Worst: Don’t We All Hate Mondays?

In the sixth season, Leslie was voted out of office in a devastating blow. She left being a councilwoman and went back to the parks department. After she was recalled, Ben runs into the office to warn everyone that Leslie is fragile and won’t be in the best mood.

She hilariously strolls into work in sweat pants, Ugg boots, and an “I hate Mondays” Garfield t-shirt. Leslie always looks so polished and put together at work but on this particular day, she was too sad to try.

7 Best: Leslie Left The Series With A Bang

In the series finale, Leslie wore a stunning “lady suit” as she got together with all of her former parks and recreation employees in their old stomping grounds. With everyone moving on in their careers and even moving away from Pawnee, Leslie left quite the impression looking this good.

There are plenty of things that make fans miss Parks and Recreation, but Leslie Knope’s outgoing and uplifting spirit is at the top of the list.

6 Worst: Leslie’s Masculine Hairstyle In “The Banquet”

In the first season, Leslie slowly becomes closer with Ann Perkins, and the two form a friendship. It’s thanks to her friendship with Ann that Leslie had the courage to go to the banquet. To prepare for the big night out in front of Pawnee’s most important people, she went to a local barber and unknowingly got a hairstyle traditionally associated with men.

Her hairstyle only seemed more obvious when she wore a masculine suit to match. With Ann on her arm the entire night, Leslie gave off a different impression than anticipated on the big night.

5 Best: Looking Bangin’ In Season Seven

In the episode “2017,” the show transitions to three years in the future. With Ben as the new City Manager and Leslie as the Midwest Regional Parks Director, life is good for the couple. However, it appears that her relationship with Ron isn’t where it was three years ago. Leslie and Ron had a falling out after Leslie seemingly left Ron behind and took most of his employees with her.

Leslie was too busy to see how she was treating others but she sure did look impeccable. With a new hairstyle, she looked perfectly professional and savvy in this navy blazer and a striped button-down.

4 Worst: Dressing Too Old-School

Leslie Knope went through quite the transformation from the first season of Parks and Recreation to season seven. Not only did she become smarter and more on top of her game in later seasons but her style started to reflect her personality.

In the first season, Leslie dressed dated, which aged her. She wore tweed suits that were a touch frumpy and didn’t do anything for her beautiful figure. After season three, her style began to change for the better.

3 Best: Chic And Classy At Prom

In the sixth season, Pawnee and Eagleton merged and shifted their school districts. With some of the school districts suffering financially, Pawnee Central High School had to cancel their senior prom. Leslie, of course, didn’t want to let down the city of Pawnee and wanted to throw them a prom they would always remember.

She wore a gorgeous blue and black dress that made her the prettiest chaperone around. Even Ron helped Leslie throw the prom, which seemed hilariously out of character for him.

2 Worst: Leslie Taking It Back A Couple Of Centuries

In the episode “Article Two,” Leslie does her best to get rid of old laws that have no place in modern-day Pawnee. However, she has a hard time doing so when she comes head-to-head with a Pawnee history fanatic. To prove him wrong, Leslie gets rid of her electronics and goes back in time.

This episode was hit-or-miss with viewers but they can’t deny how authentic Leslie’s garb was. Nonetheless, we’ve seen Leslie look better.

1 Best: Her Iconic Wedding Dress

In the fifth season, Leslie and Ben decide to get married on a whim after a big event in Pawnee. With the setting in the perfect place, there was no better time to get married than in front of the city they loved.

Ann had to make some small adjustments to Leslie’s dress, which included some of Leslie’s best moments in her career that were published in the newspaper. Seeing Leslie’s top moments literally be part of her wedding outfit to Ben was magical. She looked gorgeous.

About The Author

Lynn Gibbs
(1652 Articles Published)

Lynn is a nomad who travels the globe on the hunt for her next adventure with her husband. A lover of being outside (and finding the best latte in town), Lynn is typically hiking, walking, or jogging when she’s not focusing on her love of writing. When it comes to shows streaming on Netflix or anything Bravo-related, Lynn’s your gal.

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