What Were The Most Popular Perfumes in the ‘70s?
To many, the 1970s were the golden age of fashion. The department stores, the bell bottoms, and the sharp, dressy suits are reminiscent of a simpler time when people could express themselves freely and without judgment.
Even for those too young to have experienced the seventies, there’s still a certain appeal to their simplicity. Fortunately, fashion is timeless, and returning to this era of fashion is simply a matter of knowing how. So, what were the popular trends of the time, and who were the fashion industry’s greatest voices?
Fashion Trends of the Seventies
70s outfits were made to astonish and stand out, using bright colors and extravagant designs. Tie-dye, floral print shirts, and light, flowing garments were popularized by the hippie movement, bringing with them the movement’s peaceful, carefree ideals. Frills and ruffles soon became another popular trend, making flashy, conspicuous getups mainstream.
Over time, the bright and extravagant trends of these movements began to mingle with sharp, dressy suits and slacks, resulting in one of the era’s most iconic styles: disco fashion. A more refined take on the previous trends, disco fashion was the perfect match for the laid-back culture it was born into, and the perfect representation of the 70s as a whole.
Popular Brands of the Seventies
Of course, the fashion trends of the seventies would never have happened without the creative voices to create them. And while there were countless designers, the fashion revolution was led by a select few. So, who were these designers, and what did they contribute to seventies fashion?
One of the industry’s most influential names to this day, Yves Saint Laurent pioneered new womens’ styles that defied the restrictive standards and expectations women had faced in times past. His efforts are often credited with the acceptance of women wearing pants, suits, and other “male” clothing in the workplace, making progress for both fashion and gender equality.
Ralph Lauren appealed to a younger audience, teenagers with more refined tastes. Blending streetwear with more formal styles, he designed the Polo shirt, a perfect balance between the casual and the refined that has remained a fashion staple to this day.
Contrary to the bright extravagance that was so prevalent in the 70s, Halston approached fashion from a perspective of simple sophistication. This minimalist style left no part of a garment without purpose, coming together to form an outfit that displays a quiet sense of refinement.
Charlie Blue for Women by Revlon
A popular perfume of the 70s, Charlie Blue for Women by Revlon is a woody floral fragrance that’s perfect for daytime wear. Sharp notes of citrus and peach take the lead, with a floral heart of carnation and rose acting as the perfect complement. Finally, a base of musk, vanilla, and cedar completes the fragrance, a shining example of 1970s perfume.
Scent Notes:
Top: Citruses, Peach, and Hyacinth
Mid: Cyclamen, Carnation, Orris Root, Lily-of-the-Valley, and Rose
Base: Sandalwood, Musk, Vanilla, Oakmoss, and Cedar
Anais Anais for Women by Cacharel
As Cacharel’s flagship fragrance, Anais Anais for Women by Cacharel is an intense, sensual, and romantic fragrance that perfectly captures the passion of the 1970s. Notes including hyacinth, black currant, and honeysuckle create a decadent, sweet opening that is soon followed by soft florals and a base of vetiver, patchouli, and musk. It’s the perfect perfume for the bold and confident woman and the perfect addition to any vintage style.
Scent Notes:
Top: Hyacinth, Black Currant, Lemon, Orange Blossom, Galbanum, Bergamot, Lavender, and Honeysuckle
Mid: Rose, Moroccan Jasmine, White Lily, Iris, and Carnation
Base: Vetiver, Patchouli, Cedar, Amber, Sandalwood, Leather, and Musk
Polo Green for Men by Ralph Lauren
Simple and fresh, Polo Green for Men by Ralph Lauren is a refined natural fragrance that gives its wearer a relaxed air. Gentle notes of lavender contrast bold, spicy basil and cumin, mellowed out by gentle florals and a rustic, woody base. Perfect for warm evening getaways, it’s the perfect fragrance for vintage and modern styles alike.
Scent Notes:
Top: Lavender, Artemisia, Juniper, Basil, Cumin, Pine, and Green Notes
Mid: Carnation, Jasmine, Coriander, Marjoram, Rose, Geranium, and Thyme
Base: Cedar, Leather, Oakmoss, Patchouli, Musk, Frankincense, and Amber
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