Parks and Recreation Costume
Bring Pawnee's best to life with easy, hilarious government-employee looks.
Parks and Recreation costumes are a massive hit for fans of the beloved NBC comedy who want a recognizable, comfortable, and funny outfit. The most popular choices are the optimistic overachiever Leslie Knope in her classic pantsuit, or the meat-loving libertarian Ron Swanson in his signature red polo. These looks are incredibly easy to assemble using everyday wardrobe staples and a few key props.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~30 min
- Budget
- $20–75
Try it on
See yourself as Parks and Recreation
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What you need for a Parks and Recreation costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Parks and Recreation costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Ron's Red Polo Shirt
A classic red long-sleeve or short-sleeve polo shirt with a collar and three-button placket.
Ron's Brown Slacks
Standard pleated brown or khaki dress pants, worn high on the waist with a dark leather belt.
Leslie's Grey Pantsuit
A professional grey blazer jacket with matching tailored trousers or a pencil skirt.
Leslie's Pawnee Campaign Button
A round blue and white campaign pin that reads 'Knope 2012' or 'Vote Leslie'.
DIY: Print the logo on paper, cut it out, and tape or glue it to a safety pin.
Ron's Mustache and Wig
A thick, bushy brown chevron-style fake mustache and a matching side-parted brown wig.
Leslie's Binder or Waffles
A thick black three-ring binder stuffed with colorful divider tabs, or a fake plate of waffles with whipped cream.
DIY: Carry a real three-ring binder labeled 'Pawnee Parks Department' or a toy plate with a cardboard waffle.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Parks and Recreation costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Choose your character: Go with Leslie's professional pantsuit look or Ron's casual office attire.
- 2
For Ron: Tuck the red polo shirt tightly into the high-waisted brown slacks and secure with a brown leather belt.
- 3
For Leslie: Wear a colorful blouse or button-down shirt underneath a structured grey blazer and matching pants.
- 4
Apply the character-specific hair and facial pieces, such as Ron's signature brown mustache or Leslie's blonde waves.
- 5
Attach the 'Knope' campaign button to the lapel of the blazer or the front of the shirt.
- 6
Grab your props: Hold a thick Pawnee binder or a plate of waffles for Leslie, or a mug of black coffee and a plate of bacon for Ron.
Makeup & hair
For Ron, style your hair in a neat, feathered 1980s side-part and apply a thick brown mustache. For Leslie, style hair into bouncy, shoulder-length blonde waves and keep makeup clean, bright, and professional.
Parks and Recreation for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair Leslie Knope with Ron Swanson, or go as the alter-egos Burt Macklin (FBI agent) and Janet Snakehole (1920s widow).
- group
- Assemble the whole Pawnee Parks department including April Ludgate (deadpan dark clothes), Andy Dwyer (flannel shirt), and Tom Haverford (sharp suit).
- kids
- Dress a toddler as Ron Swanson with a drawn-on mustache and a tiny red polo shirt.
- Plus size
- Both Leslie's pantsuit and Ron's loose-fitting polo and slacks are highly comfortable, adjustable, and flattering for all body types.
- pet
- Dress your dog as Lil' Sebastian the miniature horse with a small saddle and a faux mane.
Tips
- For Ron Swanson, maintain a stern, unbothered facial expression in all photos.
- If going as Leslie, print out fake Pawnee park proposals or town hall flyers to hand out to people.
- Thrift stores are goldmines for finding cheap vintage blazers, pleated slacks, and polo shirts for these looks.
Parks and Recreation costume FAQ
- What is the easiest Parks and Rec costume to make?
- Ron Swanson is the easiest. You only need a red polo shirt, brown pants, a brown belt, and a fake mustache.
- How do you dress up as Burt Macklin?
- Wear a yellow activewear jacket with 'FBI' written on the back in black tape, aviator sunglasses, a white shirt, and a striped tie.
- What props should Leslie Knope carry?
- A thick three-ring binder labeled 'Pawnee Parks & Rec' filled with colorful tabs, or a plate of waffles topped with fake whipped cream.
Did you know? Nick Offerman's character Ron Swanson was partially inspired by a real-life government employee the show's creators met who openly admitted she didn't believe in the mission of her own department.