As the seasons of “Parks and Recreation” progress and Amy Poehler perfects the “Leslie Knope” character — a quirky, determined and unapologetically enthusiastic public servant — her style develops into a business casual look that is feminine, flattering and empowering.
If you have a job interview, internship or you just want to dress like your favorite TV character, try some of these tips to get the Leslie Knope look.
Blazers and bottoms
Blazers and dress pants are the staples of Leslie Knope’s style. The perfectly fitted pant gives you confidence and a professional air. However, instead of a basic black blazer, try a light gray or navy blue jacket and pant set for variation. If during the spring or summer you feel like bringing some color to the office, take a step further and try a light pink or peach blazer with white dress pants.
This might already sound like an expensive outfit, but it doesn’t have to be — stores such as H&M and Forever 21 sell blazers and pants for prices that even college students can afford.
Floral and feminine tops
Although the blazer is the basis of the Leslie Knope look, the blouse underneath is what completes the look and makes her style so unique. Wearing a floral, patterned or pastel-colored top is a style choice that Leslie Knope does not develop until the later seasons, but when she does, it makes a dramatic difference.
Just because you’re going to work doesn't mean that your outfits have to be boring. A blouse with a nice pattern can tip your generic business outfit over the edge to a feminine and unique one. Coupled with a light gray pant suit — blazer left unbuttoned and shirt tucked into the pants — your outfit will look polished, professional and fashionable.
Shoes
A nude or black heel can satisfy the style simply enough. However, if you don’t feel like being quite so fancy, or your feet desire something more comfortable, ballet flats give off the same look without the pain.
Hair
To get Leslie Knope’s loose waves, start with a middle or slight side part. With a curling wand, take medium to large sections of your hair and begin styling. After you have finished curling, run through the curls with your fingers, loosening them up to look a little more natural. Lightly mist your curls with hairspray to guarantee that the tousled waves will hold throughout the day — rain, shine or South Carolina humidity.
Makeup
Just like her style, Leslie Knope’s makeup also evolves beautifully throughout the years. To achieve the makeup of the later seasons, apply a light amount of foundation to your face, with a little bronzer on your cheeks. No lipstick is necessary, but a nude or light pink color couldn’t hurt. As far as makeup goes, the eyes are the most important. Go for cool eyeshadow tones, starting with a white at the corner of your eyelid and working your way to darker charcoal grays as you brush outward for a daytime smoky-eye look. Avoid too much black during the daytime, as the look is supposed to air closer to natural than dramatic. Finish with applying a few coats of mascara to accentuate your lashes.
State of mind
Although Leslie Knope redefines the business casual style for women, her most defining characteristic is her unwavering optimism and enthusiasm. Her passion for her work and compassion for her friends are what makes her character so lovable. Adopt this style and state of mind and attack life with the Leslie Knope outlook.