The former British prime minister, who passed away Monday at 87, leaves behind a rich legacy—including a flair for purses and bright colors. See her finest ensembles throughout the years. By Misty White Sidell and Claire Stern
In this undated photograph, Margaret Thatcher poses in a multi-strand pearl necklace and royal blue jacket, which she paired with a matching hat. Her flair for accessorizing is on full display here, with a pair of white kidskin driving gloves and an understated navy blue handbag.
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Thatcher poses for a portrait in her London apartment during her term as the United Kingdom’s secretary of state for education and science. Her ’40s-inspired ensemble features a vividly notched lapel—outlined in red piping and tiny white polka dots. A pair of black block heels complete the throwback look.
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Thatcher greets new Prime Minister Harold Wilson at his 10 Downing Street residence wearing a kelly green jacket and carrying a red luggage-inspired purse. During Wilson’s tenure, Thatcher served as the U.K.’s leader of the opposition—working to fight the prime minister’s Labour Party policies.
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The Conservative Party leader looks elegant in a long-sleeved red chiffon gown at her home in London before meeting with voters in Finchley, north London.
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Thatcher dons black at a memorial service honoring Lord Selwyn Lloyd, a former speaker of the House of Commons, at Westminster Abbey.
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Thatcher, then the Conservative Party leader, exits her home wearing a structured blazer and pleated skirt as she heads to an important meeting with Parliament. It would mark the defeat of Prime Minister James Callaghan’s government, cementing her spot as a candidate for prime minister.
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Thatcher made a statement in a long tunic with a plant print while conversing with the queen on a trip to Lusaka, Zambia for the Commonwealth conference.
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The prime minister looks polished in a structured navy coat and a matching necktie as she stops to collect herself at Westminster Abbey in 1982.
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On a 1987 visit to Moscow, Thatcher keeps warm in a fur hat and camel-colored coat with matching fur trim.
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Here Thatcher exercises her flair for color, sipping a cup of tea in her 10 Downing Street drawing room. She pairs a geometrically printed blouse with a royal blue skirt-suit. Thatcher also piled on the jewelry—wearing a bejeweled pin, charm bracelet, giant cocktail ring, and her favorite massive pearl earrings.
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One year after her run as prime minister ended, Thatcher made a trip to New York City and attended a “christening ceremony” for the new ocean liner Regal Princess. She dressed in festive regalia. Renewing her appreciation for polka dots, Thatcher wears a black-and-white spotted coat with proper black gloves and a matching hat. Her standby pearls and modest handbag are present as well.
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Thatcher steps out on the town with husband Denis to the Royal Opera House gala in this discerning eveningwear look. Her brocade ball skirt and matching evening jacket display Thatcher’s fondness for Old World English glamour—both shining and buttoned-up. The look is paired, of course, with one of her standout purses, this one a gold clutch.
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Thatcher once again enlists the help of her favorite royal blue hue for this London outing with husband Denis. Her textured calf-length jacket is elevated with a silk notched collar and a front full of matching buttons. Her luxe exotic skin handbag rounds out the conservative but fun ensemble.
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President Reagan threw a state dinner in Thatcher’s honor during her 1988 state visit to the U.S. capital. Perhaps employing dramatic tactics to try and stand up to noted fashion plate Nancy Reagan’s red gown, Thatcher chose a shimmering magenta jacquard evening look for the occasion. With its giant shoulder pads and white gloves, Thatcher’s look embodies 1980s excess.
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Thatcher threw on a trusty pair of patent Ferragamo Vara pumps and a fuchsia coat to attend a reception for the Castle of Mey at London’s Goring Hotel, All of the former prime minister’s standby jewelry pieces—pearls, charm bracelet, cocktail ring—are still in play.
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Thatcher stops by her old 10 Downing Street stomping grounds to meet with then-Prime Minister Gordon Brown, where he unveiled a specially commissioned portrait of her. Thatcher recycles the same royal blue coat she was spotted wearing in 2000 but switches up the look with a pair of bow-topped flats.
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