What is a classic? One definition says that a classic is something that has been judged over a period of time to be of the highest quality, a work of art of established value. The classic perfumes of yesteryear that are still being produced, marketed and used by scores of women fall into this category.

Trendy fragrances fall in and out of popularity sometimes after a whiff or just on a whim. Celebrity endorsed perfumes ride the crest of the wave until somebody younger or prettier comes along with a new one. True classic perfumes don’t need to be endorsed by anyone. They stand alone and they stay forever. A classic scent can be worn and enjoyed by any generation of women.

Shalimar by Guerlain is a French perfume that has this true staying power. It was introduced in1925. Shalimar is composed of a mixture of musk, vanilla and night-blooming flowers. At the time Jacques Guerlain was fascinated by things oriental in nature. He named his new fragrance after “The Gardens of Shalimar,” where an Indian Emperor met the love of his life, and went on to build the Taj Mahal for her.

I remember my mother wearing White Shoulders by Evyan. It was first introduced back in 1949. Gardenia, lilac, amber jasmine and oakmoss make up this timeless classic.

Another classic scent is Je Reviens by Worth. Je Reviens was introduced by the Design House of Worth in 1932. It has been inspiring romance ever since. It contains the scent of soft green floral fragrance, orange flower, lemon, musk, rose and violet. Je Reviens Cologne for men was inspired by this women’s timeless classic and wasn’t introduced until 1980.

Many of my peers enjoyed, Heaven Sent by Dana. I doubt any of them realized it was first introduced back in 1936. Heaven Sent’s fragrance is that of oriental spices and aromatic woods.

Joy by Jean Patou was first introduced in 1930. A single ounce of Joy contains 10,600 jasmine flowers and 336 may roses, along with a hint of ylang-ylang and tuberose. Joy was intended to bring joy back to the population of women who had been brought down by the Great Depression. This sophisticated scent is still considered to be the world’s costliest perfume.

Chanel No. 5, by the design house of Chanel, is a blend of ylang-ylang, amber, iris, patchouli, grass jasmine, may rose, sandalwood, neroli, and vanilla which together form a soft and refined floral scent that has been loved by women since its introduction in 1922. Coco Chanel was looking for a fragrance that would define what a woman should smell like. Perfume designer, Ernest Beaux came up with Chanel No, 5 on his fifth try. The name stuck.

While looking for a signature scent for yourself, don’t just jump on the latest trend. Consider something that has proven itself to have lasting appeal. After all, every woman is a timeless classic in her own right.