Gowns worn by Meryl Streep as Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady...

In 2011's The Iron Lady it wasn't just Meryl Streep's Oscar-winning performance that help convince you she was the first British Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party, it was also the amazing special effects make-up and historically accurate costumes that help transformed the actress into the iconic politician.

Exhibit of original costumes worn by Meryl Streep 

as Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady

Here are some of the wonderful dresses worn by Meryl Streep as 'Margaret Thatcher' during her time as leader of the British Government.

The Iron Lady movie poster

These special occasion outfits used for official functions were designed by Consolata Boyle and photographed on display at the London Film Museum on May 15, 2012.

1980 Lord Mayor's Dinner gown worn by Meryl Streep in The Iron Lady

Meryl Streep wears this blue dress in the movie when Margaret Thatcher is at Downing Street preparing to go to the Lord Mayor's Dinner with 'Geoffrey Howe'. The information provided with the exhibit describes the gown as follows: 'Dark blue satin backed silk dress, Over dress, black silk tulle, embroidered with over pattern in blue silk thread, beading and sequins'.

1982 White House Ballroom gown worn by Meryl Streep in The Iron Lady 

The actress wears this dress when dancing with 'President Ronald Reagan' in the White House Ballroom in Washington, D.C. in 1982. The gown is described as: 'Cerise pink, crepe satin dress. shaped over piece, ombre dyed, pink lavender/blue, silk chiffon. Decorated with Swarovski Crystals'.

1990 Lord Mayor's Dinner dress worn by Meryl Streep in The Iron Lady

This black silk/wool evening suit, which was almost impossible to photograph with the lighting and reflective display case, was worn by Margaret Thatcher at the 1990 Lord Mayor's Dinner in London.

If you like these original costumes worn by Meryl Streep as Margaret Thatcher in her prime, be sure to also check out the outfits worn by Alexandra Roach as a Young Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady.

And if you're a fan of the actress, be sure to check out Meryl Streep's Julia Child costume in Julie and Julia and her ABBA-esque dance finale costume from Mamma Mia: The Movie.

The Iron Lady movie poster