17 Leslie Knope & Dana Scully Pantsuits That Will Rock Your World
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17 Leslie Knope & Dana Scully Pantsuits That Will Rock Your World

These leading ladies are great at their jobs, but a little lacking in the fashion department.

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17 Leslie Knope & Dana Scully Pantsuits That Will Rock Your World
LiterallyDarling.com

Let's talk about pantsuits. You know, the classic blazer and dress pants ensemble that makes even the most beautiful women look like monochromatic potato sacks. In my mind, the indisputable queen of the infamous pantsuit has always been Leslie Knope. However, upon embarking on my latest Netflix binge, I've come to the realization that Councilwoman Knope could be dethroned by a one Special Agent Dana Scully from "The X-Files." The sheer size of her blazers alone is grounds for instant victory, and don't even get me started on her shoulder pads. I won't lie; both Amy Poehler and Gillian Anderson could probably make a trash bag look good. Still, it can't be denied that some of their characters' outfits look like they came from the mothball-ridden closet of someone named Hester or Agatha. Here is a definitive ranking of the best to worst pantsuits debuted by these government powerhouses to help you decide which one wore it better (or worse).

1. Madame President (Knope)

Leslie looks pretty fierce here, I'm not gonna lie. She rocks that tux better than Ben does. If she were ever sworn in as the first female president, she would wear exactly this, but with shoes made out of diamonds and a tie plated in gold.

2. Plaid Princess (Scully)

Most of Scully's plaid blazers (yes, there is more than one) make me want to barf. But for some reason, the delicate taupe lines here paired with a velvety black collar give off an air of sophistication that I can't help but admire.

3. Are you there, Hil'? It's me, Leslie (Knope)

The Parks and Recreation writers definitely stole this from Secretary Clinton's wardrobe. Note the subtle raspberry color; it just screams, "excited to be here."

4. Salt & Pepper (Knope)

I mean, you really can't go wrong with black, white, and grey. This particular pantsuit is also pretty nicely tailored, too; no one would ever look at this and wonder if it was stolen from the men's clearance rack (I'm looking at you, Scully). I'm a fan, even though the blouse kind of looks like a swarm of ants, or a dalmation.

5. The General (Scully)

The triple rows of perfectly level brass buttons here are giving me some serious military vibes. The overcoat also hides what I can only assume are a horrendous pair of shoulder pads, so that's a plus.

6. Flower Power (Knope)

Listen, this could be so much worse. Normally, a pattern this loud would be distracting, but Leslie's larger-than-life personality can't be outdone by anything. Not even the slightly flared cuffs reminiscent of a pair of bell bottom jeans. All in all, this outfit is pretty 60's, but sneakily so.

7. Star Light, Star Bright (Scully)

When it comes to the FBI, Special Agent Scully isn't hesitant to let you know that she's the star of the show. Her powers of investigation are truly out of this world. Anyone who meets her becomes instantly starry-eyed, weak before her cosmic beauty and intellect.

8. Suburban Power Mom (Knope)

This basic charcoal grey jacket and pencil skirt pairing says, "I came straight from work at Coldwell Banker to pick up Charlotte from her ballet lessons and lead the hell out of this PTA meeting. Then I'm going home and baking six dozen chocolate chip cookies before going to bed at exactly 9 PM. Expect me in the office at 7 AM sharp tomorrow morning with a kale smoothie in hand to refuel after my morning 5-mile run."

9. Irish Spring (Scully)

Have you ever wanted to look like a bar of Irish Spring soap? If so, this is the pantsuit for you.

10. The Key to Success (Knope)

This one wouldn't be so bad, if it weren't for the fact that Leslie's blouse looks like something out of Hot Topic. If I wanted a graphic tee with antique keys all over it, I'd time travel back to middle school, pull one out of my closet, and pair it with my acid-washed skinny jeans and my black low-top Converse.

11. Aubergine Fever Dream (Scully)

The fact that Scully looks like an angry eggplant here is pretty cute, actually. If we were on a date, I'd find this outfit endearing and tease her about it. I'd even kiss her in it, if she asked nicely. If I was interviewing her for a position at my company, I'd see her to the door and make sure she didn't smuggle anything out under that monstrous jacket on her way out of the office.

12. Baby Blue (Scully)

This blazer kind of looks like my little brother's baby blanket. The fact that the powder blue color matches her eyes perfectly is more creepy than flattering, though. Did you plan this, Scully? Are you trying to hypnotize the FBI into giving you more funding for The X-Files, which you'll launder to redo your wardrobe (please)?

13. Picnic Lunch (Knope)

I'm getting dizzy just looking at this. Note the mesmerizingly even squares of her checkered shirt, complemented by the collar of even smaller squares. I can only imagine that she hand-sewed this blouse out of an old picnic blanket in an attempt to upcycle her unused linens. I mean, good for you for trying to save money, Leslie, but at what cost?

14. Neo-Classical (Scully)

The jet black, unnecessarily long overcoat. The slicked back hair. The furrowed brows, indicating both confusion and suspicion. I'm reminded of Keanu Reeves in The Matrix, and not in a good way. Clearly, Mulder stole Scully's sunglasses here in an attempt to make her look less like Neo. It didn't work.

15. The Pilgrim (Scully)

Even Scully looks 100% done here. "Why is my collar wider than my head? Why is there only one button on my blazer? Why do I look like someone present at the first Thanksgiving? Can't I just wear a normal dress shirt and call it a day?"

16. Good Vibrations (Knope)

I'm inferring from her purposeful use of machinery and her blouse that looks like a $6 beach umbrella from Ocean State Job Lot that Leslie is channeling "Good Vibrations" by the Beach Boys here. No self-respecting government official would be caught dead wearing broad horizontal stripes of varying widths. Also, her face here is just bloody terrifying, so that's not winning her any points.

17. Tartan Spartan (Scully)

Last and definitely least is this thing of beauty. I really don't know where to start, Scully. Is it the almost perfectly level shoulder pads, gently poofing up at the start of the sleeves? Perhaps it's the parabolic curve of the edges of your jacket, bereft of a collar or lapels? Or maybe it's the tasteful cranberry-red plaid that makes you look like an unwanted Christmas present? Take your pick.

The next time you're feeling insecure about your outfit, take comfort in knowing that you're not limited to oversized pastel or plaid sacks like these poor, unfortunate souls.

18. Honorable Mention: Prom King (April Ludgate)

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