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A Look at Margaret Thatcher's Most Defining Style Moments

A connoisseur of power dressing, the late prime minister's feminine yet clean-cut fashion continues to influence young leaders today.

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Express

Margaret Thatcher, the first woman to serve as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, may not top most lists of the world's most iconic style mavens, like Princess Diana often does. But to leave her off that list would be to overlook how she defined her era with not just her formidable political career but also her power dressing.

Indeed, Thatcher's clean-cut wardrobe earned as much attention as the policies she set forth while she held the prime minister office, from 1979 to 1990. In the face of greater public scrutiny than her male predecessors met, Thatcher's tailored skirt suits exuded a much-needed air of determination and authority, establishing a sense of power in every room she entered (one could easily be reminded of the fashion choices of the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg too). At the same time, the prime minister did not shy away from displaying her love of feminine and glamorous details in her dress. She often softened her looks with a cherished string of pearls or a pussycat bow blouse peeking from underneath her jacket.

Thatcher's signature look established an art of power dressing that continues to influence the wardrobe choices of many female leaders today. With Gillian Anderson’s Golden Globe-winning portrayal of the political figure in the fourth season of The Crown, we’re looking back at Margaret Thatcher’s sense of style and her ability to showcase power in femininity. Here, a look back at six of the prime minister’s most defining fashion moments.

Her Power Suits

prime minister margaret thatcher arrives at downing st
Tim Graham//Getty Images

Both dynamic and feminine, the tailored skirt suit was Margaret Thatcher's style calling card. She wore a stunning cobalt blue number when she greeted admirers at 10 Downing Street after being named the country's first female Prime Minister in 1979.

Her Practical Handbags

margaret thatcher
John Downing//Getty Images

It was a rarity to see Thatcher without a handbag during her time at 10 Downing Street. The soft leather bags stood as a symbol of her conservative style and were prized possessions in her closet.
Her favorite Asprey bag sold at a Christie's for £25,000 in June 2011.

Her Love of Blue

thatcher and bhutto
Georges De Keerle//Getty Images

From deep navy to powder blue, Thatcher's closet was predominately made up of blue hues. The prime minister would often wear the shade when meeting with other foreign officials like Pakistani Prime Ministe Benazir Bhutto in 1989.

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Her Fearless Approach

anwar hussein collection
Anwar Hussein//Getty Images

While the Iron Lady often favored wearing blue tones, she wasn't afraid to take a few fashions risks. Here, she dazzles in a lime green dress while attending a ball with Queen Elizabeth in 1979.

Her Ladylike Pussycat Bows

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McCarthy

Thatcher amassed an impressive collection of pussycat bow blouses in a wide range of colors and prints. The political icon opted for a classic polka dot number at the unveiling of her bronze bust by artist Beatrice Murray in November 1975.

Her Beloved Pearls

london, great britain   january 22 british prime minister margaret thatcher interviewed by french weekly news magazine lexpress on january 22, 1988 in london, england photo by jean guichardgamma rapho via getty images
Jean GUICHARD

After being gifted a pearl necklace from her husband, Denis, the powerful leader was almost never seen without it, even when her shirt collar nearly covered them. Here, Thatcher poses for the French weekly news magazine L'Express on January 22, 1988.

Headshot of Sarah DiMarco
Sarah DiMarco
Associate Editor

Sarah DiMarco (she/her) is the associate editor at VERANDA, covering all things design, architecture, art, gardens, jewelry, travel, wine and spirits. She also manages social media for the brand.

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