80s Glam: A Nostalgic Look at Bold Perfumes

Lately, I’ve been swept up in a wave of 80s nostalgia, a time when style was bigger, bolder, and drenched in glamour. Minimalist, subdued, and monochromatic outfits dominate today’s fashion scene, often paired with unisex perfumes that blur the lines of gender. But in the 80s? Everything was unapologetically bold and fierce, from our crimped hair to our glittering outfits. The perfumes of that era were no different.

It all came flooding back when a dear friend sent me some photos from her high school journal. She found them after a mutual friend passed away, and those images triggered so many memories of our time growing up in Los Angeles. I could almost taste the Aqua Net hairspray that clouded the air, the scent mingling with the bold perfumes we wore. We lived and breathed glam, and the perfumes we chose reflected that in every way.

Our 80s Style: Young Girls Embracing Glam

As teenage girls navigating the 80s in LA, glam wasn’t just an aesthetic, it was our lifestyle. We watched Dynasty religiously, fascinated by the fierce rivalry between Krystle Carrington (Linda Evans) and Alexis Carrington (Joan Collins). Back then, I was firmly on Krystle’s side, drawn to her soft femininity. But, reflecting on it now, I realize how much I admire Alexis. Fierce, independent, and always draped in luxury, Alexis embodied the power and confidence we aspired to. If I had to choose again today, I’d go all in for Alexis, glamorous, powerful, and unapologetically herself.

Our style? Everything was over-the-top. We rocked shoulder pads that stretched miles, sparkly eyeshadow, and bold lips that screamed confidence. We carried ourselves with the energy of women who were ready to conquer the world, whether that world was a high school hallway or the glitzy nightclubs of Los Angeles. Of course, no outfit was complete without the perfect fragrance. Perfume back then was more than just a finishing touch, it was our signature, a way to announce ourselves before we even entered a room.

Perfumes of the 80s: Bold, Glamorous, and Unforgettable

The perfumes we wore were as grand as the rest of our look. These weren’t soft whispers of scent; they were declarations. A fragrance was a statement, bold, glamorous, and unforgettable. I remember spritzing on my favorite perfume before heading out for the night, feeling that sense of empowerment as the fragrance enveloped me.

Opium by Yves Saint Laurent: I still remember the first time I smelled Opium on one of my friends. It was mysterious and decadent, with spicy, oriental notes that left an impression long after she had left the room. We all wanted to exude that same intrigue and glamour, it was a scent that made you feel like you were starring in your own high-stakes drama.
Poison by Dior: Poison was another game-changer. Its rich plum and amber notes seemed to embody the excess of the 80s. A friend wore it religiously, and I loved how it lingered long after she’d gone. It wasn’t just a perfume, it was a statement piece, like a dramatic pair of earrings or a glittering dress.
Giorgio Beverly Hills: For me, Giorgio was the scent of sunny afternoons on Rodeo Drive. It had this bright, bold floral explosion that made you feel like you were walking on a red carpet, even if you were just headed to the mall.
Coco by Chanel: Chanel was always the epitome of elegance, and Coco was no exception. It had this sophisticated spiciness that made you feel both glamorous and in control. I remember feeling instantly more confident every time I wore it, it was like slipping into a power suit.

Modern Perfumes for the Nostalgic Glam Girl

Even though trends have changed, some of us still crave that touch of 80s boldness. Today’s minimalist fashion calls for more subtle perfumes, but there are still fragrances out there that channel that same larger-than-life energy we loved back in the day. Here are a few modern options for the nostalgic glam girls among us:

Tom Ford Black Orchid: Rich, luxurious, and mysterious, Black Orchid has all the depth and drama of an 80s fragrance. It’s perfect for making an entrance, just like we used to do with Opium.
Chanel Coco Noir: A modern take on the original Coco, this perfume keeps the glamorous edge with a hint of mystery. It’s a bold choice for women who want to bring a little bit of that Alexis Carrington energy into today’s world.
YSL Libre Intense: For those who want a bolder take on the minimalist fragrances of today, Libre Intense mixes floral and amber notes in a way that still feels strong and feminine, a nod to the power perfumes of the 80s.
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540: Though new, this fragrance feels like it has all the sillage and presence of the iconic 80s scents. It’s luxurious and unforgettable, perfect for anyone who wants to feel glamorous.
Bold Blossom by Zara: With a bouquet of bold florals, Bold Blossom feels like a modern-day throwback to the 80s, when perfumes had presence. It’s fresh and contemporary, but with that head-turning, room-filling energy we all loved.
Mugler Alien: Known for its powerful blend of jasmine and amber, Alien is for the bold women who want to leave an unforgettable impression, just like the perfumes we adored back in the day.
Amouage Interlude Woman: This fragrance doesn’t hold back. It’s opulent and rich, with notes of incense and amber that feel dramatic and intense, perfect for anyone who misses the unapologetic glam of the 80s.

Let’s Rebel: Bringing Glam Back

Today, we seem to be constantly writing new rules of engagement for perfume, what to wear on a plane, what to wear to the gym, how not to offend anyone with our scents. But where’s the fun in that? This week, I say let’s rebel. Let’s bring back that 80s spirit and wear our loudest, boldest perfumes unapologetically. Let’s invite the glam back. Whether it’s a vintage scent or one of today’s bold new options, let your fragrance do the talking. After all, a little glamour never goes out of style.

What About You?

I’d love to hear your memories of the 80s. Did you have a signature scent that made you feel unstoppable? Or have you found a modern fragrance that brings back that glam feeling? Share your stories, and your favorite perfumes, in the comments below!

Follow us on social media for more tips on living an elevated classic lifestyle:

Elevate your everyday with timeless elegance.