Classic Women's Perfumes

Looking for a perfume that is what generations of women agree on as being "classic"? Classics are the perfumes that have graced people's noses for years (at least 10 to be exact) and will continue to be on store shelves for years to come. If you don't already own a truly classic scent, consider making an investment!

The Early Years

Chanel No. 5 

Launched in 1921, this timelessly classic fragrance has been called abstract, a masterpiece, and by some "dated". Somehow though, it has never failed to please the masses as it still sells extremely well. Perhaps it is because when Coco Chanel requested that a "woman's fragrance that smells like a woman" be created, it just struck the note perfectly on key. Top notes include ylang ylang, neroli, and aldehydes. Jasmine and mayrose are at the heart, and the dry down consists of vetiver and sandalwood.

Guerlain Shalimar 

Created in 1925, this perfume has won people over since then with its simple, elegant, and subtle composition. Some have called it the oriental of orientals, clearly due to the patchouli, vanilla, bergamot, lemon, jasmine, incense, and rose notes. Not only is it classy and sophisticated, but it has a touch of romance to it that screams, "Love!" The name in Sanskrit means Temple of Love.

L'Air du Temps 

This is a Nina Ricci creation from 1948. This somewhat heady floral is comprised of jasmine, gardenia, iris, carnation, chrysanthemum, musk, and sandalwood. The dry down is soft and powdery but not overly sweet because there is just enough spice to mellow it out. It is unmistakedly fresh and feminine. The only complaint of young lovers of this classic is how it reminds them of their favorite granny. Maybe with time younger generations will grow into this fragrance.

Joy Jean Patou 

It was 1930 that this fragrance was born from the hands of Jean Patou. The main note that seems to either overwhelm or entrance, depending on your nose, is of jasmine and rose. The base is dry and animalistic, with sandalwood and musk. Not loved by all, but there is no question that this scent is a genuine classic.

Miss Dior 

Christian Dior created this scent in 1947 and it has recently been reinvented as Miss Dior Cherie.  While the newbie has yet to show for sure whether it will last, the original is a popular classic chypre. It's most outstanding quality is its balance, softness, and harmony. It is floral, woody, powdery, and green, coming off as perfectly sophisticated, but pretty and young. Nonetheless, despite being very ladylike, it is by no means girly nor weak. Yet it has a certain sexiness to it that goes quite well.

Fifties and Sixties

Youth Dew Amber Nude Youth Dew Amber Nude 

Youth Dew was first created in 1953 by Estée Lauder, but it has recently been updated by Tom Ford. The original was a blend of spicy, oriental top notes and a strong clove, ylang-ylang, cinnamon, rose, and orchid heart. The base notes consisted of amber, tolu, benzoin, vanilla, and patchouli. However, the updated version is softer, more mild, and certainly more enjoyable by today's noses. The difference is the substitution of the spice for fruit and flowers, making it rich, but well-balanced, powdery, and very lady like and sexy.

Diorissimo, Christian Dior 

Launched in 1956, this floral is so ladylike and so luscious. Beware if intense florals tend to give you a headache since muguet, lily of the valley, and jasmine are ever present in this scent. The EDT is heavier on the greens, with some woody notes to it as well. All in all, it is classy and fresh, great for a young woman. The only downfall is that it doesn't last as long as many newer scents.

Bal à Versailles by Jean Desprez 

A must-have classic produced in 1962, not to be confused with the second launch in 1989 (discontinued). This is a lush floral oriental with poignant notes of jasmine, patchouli, sandalwood, and musk. There is also a splash of rose thrown in there amongst notes of nag champa, spice, and vanilla. Perfectly elegant, a true class act, with a lovely juxtaposition of light powder and dark exoticism.
Seventies

Opium by Yves Saint Laurent 

Exotic, spicy, and oriental. Opium for women was created in 1977 and nearly instantaneously became a classic hit. Something about the dark incense and sandalwood make this mysterious perfume beyond seductive. There is no question that it is one of the most womanly and sexy scents of its time.

Anaïs AnaÏs, Cacharel 

First produced in 1978, Cacharel's white floral quickly became popular amongst young women and has become a classic. It is composed of lily, hyacinth, and carnation with top notes of orange blossom. The incense and spice are what give it a more "classic" feel despite it's lightness and airy floral heart.

White Linen by Estée Lauder 

While it was introduced in 1978, this fresh scent, reminiscent of a summer morning, it clean and light but strong enough to wear all year round. It is more fruity and floral than it's little sister, Pure White Linen, just released in 2006. Notes include aldehydes, peach and citrus, rose jasmine, lilac, muguet, and ylang-ylang, and cedar, honey, amber, civet, and tonka bean.
Eighties

Coco by Chanel 

Soft, powdery, sweet, but not at all saccharine, a little of Coco goes a long way. This rich perfume release in 1984 has luxury and elegance as part of its core. Wear it anytime, anywhere for a touch of class and demure sexiness. The top notes are fruity like a Sunday morning mimosa, but quickly fade into  a warm floral heart of rose, jasmine, and  orange flower. Bits of vanilla and amber linger long enough to make your mouth water. It's a sensuous treat good enough to eat.

Obsession by Calvin Klein 

CK Obsession debuted in 1985 as one of the sexiest ambers on the market. This is a woman's fragrance, for those with gusto, not at all for little girls. Notes that give this perfume its enchanting scent: bergamot, rose, mandarin, orange blossom, and jasmine, coriander, tagete, and armoise, and oakmoss and amber.

Samsara by Guerlain 

This is a woody floral oriental that hit the shelves in 1989. Favorite notes, such as jasmine, warm sandalwood, soft rose, narcissus, tonka bean, and powdery vanilla make this an easy to like perfume. It's overall quite earthy, balanced, and perfect to wear as cooler weather starts to blow in. The spicy scent, reminiscent of incense, makes this a strong fragrance, so use sparingly to get the right effect.

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