Button conundrum for Marion Donaldson dress

[Impey]

Help!

I’ve just purchased a lovely (70s I think, but possibly later ) velvet Marion Donaldson dress, but unfortunately every single button has been removed (I suspect for dry cleaning as it still has its dry cleaning tag from 1984 in it!)

I’m going to replace them, but I wondered if anyone had any ideas about the most appropriate options style wise? I was thinking the ‘bobble’ type (no idea what the proper name is based on the retro style) but as plain as possible as they are not the originals and I don’t want to make them a feature!!!

does anyone have any ideas and / or knowledge of what the original buttons could have looked like?

many thanks

jane

 

[The Vintage Merchant]

my first thought is that a covered button would be best, but there would be the issue of getting a matching color of velvet.

since it has contrast lace at the sleeve hems and collar, a shank pearl button would look nice, too.

 

[Impey]

Thanks so much - to my shame now going to have to look up shank pearl buttons!

 

[Vintagiality]

I agree with Mary that self fabric covered buttons were likely used. Alternatively, they may be have been something like this which is an image from a 70s Marion Donaldson dress listing

 

[Impey]

Thanks - I’ve seen that image so will try and get something similar