Buttercups Midi Colors: A Vintage Hair Accessory Palette Guide
When a vintage hair accessory arrives in the post, wrapped in tissue and smelling faintly of cedar, the first thing you notice is the colour. The Buttercups Midi range, with its cheerful name and compact proportions, has a particular way of making colour the heart of the story. These mid-sized clips and barrettes—smaller than a statement piece, larger than a discreet pin—were made to be seen, and their colours were chosen to be remembered.
But what exactly are the Buttercups Midi colours? The answer is more layered than a simple list of shades. The range spans several decades, and each era brought its own palette, its own manufacturing techniques, and its own way of wearing colour. Understanding this history not only helps you identify and date a piece, but it also opens up a world of styling possibilities that feel fresh in a modern wardrobe.
The Birth of Buttercups Midi: A Post-War Palette
The Buttercups brand emerged in the early 1950s, a time when British women were eager to embrace colour after years of utilitarian fashion. The Midi line was introduced as a versatile middle ground—not too small to be lost in a bouffant, not too large to overpower a neat bob. The earliest colours were soft and optimistic: powder pink, baby blue, mint green, and a buttery yellow that gave the range its name.
These pastels were achieved using cellulose acetate, a material that was both affordable and easy to mould. The clips were cut from sheets of coloured acetate, then heated and bent into shape. The result was a smooth, glossy finish with a slight translucency that caught the light beautifully. The colour ran all the way through the material, so even if the surface was scratched, the hue remained consistent—a hallmark of quality that collectors look for today.
The Role of Post-War Manufacturing
In the 1950s, British factories were rebuilding after the war, and the demand for affordable accessories was high. Buttercups Midi clips were stamped out in large quantities, but the colour mixing was done with care. Each batch was dyed in small vats, which meant that subtle variations existed between production runs. A 'mint green' clip from 1954 might be slightly more turquoise than one from 1957. For collectors, these tonal differences are part of the charm—no two pieces are exactly alike.
The 1960s and 1970s: Boldness and Earth Tones
As fashion moved into the swinging sixties, so did the Buttercups Midi palette. Pastels gave way to brighter, more saturated colours: coral, turquoise, and a vivid pink that was almost fuchsia. These were the colours of the youthquake, and they suited the geometric hairstyles of the era—the sharp bobs and sleek chignons that needed a pop of colour to complete the look.
By the 1970s, the palette shifted again, this time towards earthy, natural tones. Mustard yellow, burnt orange, olive green, and a rich chocolate brown became popular. These colours were often paired with tortoiseshell effects, where a base colour was overlaid with a darker speckle to mimic the look of natural shell. The Buttercups Midi range embraced this trend, producing clips that could be worn with the flowing maxi dresses and bohemian styles of the decade.
The Art of the Two-Tone Clip
One of the most distinctive features of the 1970s Buttercups Midi clips is the two-tone effect. A clip might have a base of burnt orange, with a contrasting top layer in cream or brown. This was achieved by laminating two thin sheets of acetate together before cutting and shaping. The result is a durable, visually interesting accessory that catches the eye from across a room. When you find a two-tone Buttercups Midi, you are holding a piece of design history that speaks to the ingenuity of the era.
The 1980s: Neon and the Return of Glamour
The 1980s brought a riot of colour to the Buttercups Midi range. Neon pink, electric blue, and acid yellow joined the palette, reflecting the bold, confident spirit of the decade. These colours were often used in combination with black or white, creating a graphic, high-contrast look that was perfect for the big hair and statement fashion of the time.
Interestingly, the 1980s also saw a revival of pastel shades, but with a twist. Instead of the soft, muted pastels of the 1950s, these were brighter and more saturated—think of the pastel suits worn by characters in Miami Vice, but scaled down for a hair clip. These colours are particularly sought after by modern collectors, as they are rare and instantly recognisable as 1980s pieces.
How to Identify and Date Your Buttercups Midi
If you have a Buttercups Midi clip in your collection, you can often date it by its colour and construction. The earliest pieces, from the 1950s, are usually single-colour pastels with a simple, smooth surface and a metal spring clip that is slightly thinner than later versions. The 1960s pieces are brighter and may have a more pronounced curve to the top, while 1970s pieces often feature the two-tone lamination described above.
1980s pieces are the easiest to spot: they are either neon brights or the brighter pastels, and they often have a slightly thicker, more rounded profile. The metal clips on these later pieces are usually sturdier, designed to hold up to the voluminous hairstyles of the era.
What to Look For When Buying
When you are hunting for a Buttercups Midi, colour is the first thing to assess. Look for a colour that is even and free from fading. Cellulose acetate can fade over time if exposed to direct sunlight, so a clip with a deep, rich colour is a good sign. Check the edges for any chipping or roughness—this can indicate that the clip has been dropped or worn heavily. The metal spring should be firm and not rusted, and the teeth (if the clip has them) should be intact.
Wearing Buttercups Midi Colours Today
The beauty of the Buttercups Midi palette is that it is surprisingly easy to integrate into a modern wardrobe. A pastel pink clip from the 1950s can add a touch of vintage charm to a simple white shirt and jeans, while a neon 1980s piece can bring a playful energy to a monochrome outfit. The key is to let the clip be the focal point—wear it in a low bun, a side part, or to hold back a fringe.
For a more coordinated look, consider matching the clip to another accessory in your outfit, such as a scarf or a handbag. The 1970s earth tones work beautifully with autumnal colours like rust, camel, and forest green, while the 1980s brights are perfect for summer, when you want a pop of colour without committing to a full statement piece.
Caring for Your Buttercups Midi
Cellulose acetate is a durable material, but it does require a little care to keep its colour and shine. Store your clips away from direct sunlight, ideally in a fabric-lined box or a drawer. Avoid exposing them to heat, as this can cause the acetate to warp or become brittle. To clean a clip, gently wipe it with a soft, dry cloth. If it is particularly dusty, you can use a slightly damp cloth, but be sure to dry it thoroughly afterwards.
If you notice a slight cloudiness on the surface, this is often a sign of moisture exposure. You can sometimes restore the shine by rubbing the clip gently with a tiny amount of olive oil on a soft cloth, then buffing it with a clean, dry cloth. Always test this on a small, inconspicuous area first.
The Joy of Collecting Buttercups Midi
Collecting Buttercups Midi clips is a delightful pursuit because the range is so varied. You can build a collection around a single colour family—perhaps all the blues, from powder to electric—or you can seek out one clip from each era. The mid-size makes them easy to store and display, and they are affordable enough that you can build a meaningful collection without breaking the bank.
For those new to vintage hair accessories, the Buttercups Midi is an excellent starting point. It is a piece with a rich history, a distinctive look, and a practical size that works with many hairstyles. And because the colours are so varied, there is always something new to discover. Whether you are drawn to the soft pastels of the 1950s or the bold neons of the 1980s, there is a Buttercups Midi that will feel like it was made just for you.
As you explore the world of vintage hair accessories, you may find yourself drawn to other classic pieces as well. The Anika Tortoiseshell Hair Clip: A Collector’s Guide to a British Vintage Icon is a wonderful companion to the Buttercups Midi, offering a more natural, earthy aesthetic that pairs beautifully with the 1970s tones. And if you are interested in building a broader collection, our guide to building a vintage headband collection provides practical advice on sourcing and caring for these timeless accessories.
In the end, the Buttercups Midi is more than just a hair clip. It is a small canvas on which the changing tastes of British fashion have been painted, decade after decade. By understanding the colours, you not only enhance your own styling choices but also become a more informed and appreciative collector. So next time you spot a Buttercups Midi in a vintage shop, take a moment to admire its hue—and consider the story it has to tell.