Examining Meryl Streep’s Transformations Through Makeup and Costumes

Meryl Streep is widely considered one of the most talented and versatile actors of her generation. She is renowned for her ability to transform into a range of characters through her makeup and costumes. This article examines the various transformations that Meryl Streep has undergone throughout her career in order to fully inhabit the characters she plays. Meryl Streep’s makeup and costuming has enabled her to play a wide variety of roles, from the glamorous fashionista Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada to the elderly Jewish grandmother Sophie in Sophie’s Choice. In The Devil Wears Prada, Streep’s makeup was designed to make her look like a polished and powerful fashion editor, while her costuming was heavily tailored and featured luxurious fabrics, accessories, and a signature hairstyle. In contrast, in Sophie’s Choice, Streep’s makeup and costuming were used to make her look older and more weathered. To achieve this, Streep wore a wig, thick makeup to make her look more wrinkled, and a costume featuring muted colors and loose fabrics. The range of transformations that Streep has achieved through her makeup and costuming is truly remarkable. In one of her most notable roles, as British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady, Streep underwent a major transformation. To look like Thatcher, she wore a wig, had her teeth capped and stained, and used makeup to create an aged appearance. Her costume was tailored to fit her frame and featured iconic elements of Thatcher’s wardrobe, such as her signature pearls and her iconic handbag. Meryl Streep’s transformations through makeup and costuming have been nothing short of remarkable. Whether she’s playing a glamorous fashionista or a British Prime Minister, her ability to inhabit a character is unparalleled. It is this skill that has made her one of the most sought after actors of her generation.