With thousands of perfumes currently on the market and countless more constantly launching, how’s a girl to choose? As much as we’re intrigued by the latest in fresh scents and fruity notes, we think there’s no harm in dousing yourself in a classic, timeless fragrance every once and a while. Give old faithful a go; these six scents have been around for decades, and we’re willing to bet they’ll be around for many, many, many, many more.

Chanel No. 5
Year of Launch: 1921

As the ultimate in sophistication, this cult-classic exudes sheer sensuality and pure elegance. With top notes of neroli and ylang-ylang, a heart of jasmine and rose, and base notes of sandalwood and vanilla, it’s easy to see (or smell, rather) why this scent remains the best-selling perfume of all time.
Available at uma.chanel.com for $95.00.

Joy by Jean Patou
Year of Launch: 1929

Did you know that this fragrance requires the petals of roughly 10,000 jasmine flowers and 28 dozen Bulgarian roses to compose one ounce? Such a flattering, exquisite combination; the purity of this lavish olfactory extravagance is certainly worth every penny.
Available at nordstrom.com $400.00.

Fracas by Robert Piguet
Year of Launch: 1948

This white floral masterpiece is best known for its refined simplicity and seductive femininity. It evokes the everlasting stylishness of a Parisian woman–if it’s good enough for her, it’s good enough for us!
Available at sephora.com for $95.00.

Shalimar by Guerlain
Year of Launch: 1925

Try to name a fragrance house that’s more iconic than Guerlain; with over 600 fragrances produced to date, this one surely stands out from the rest. Notes of jasmine, iris, and incense make it an oriental fragrance that is bound to beguile any boy.
Available at sephora.com $120.00.

Opium by Yves Saint Laurent
Year of Launch: 1977

A fruity opening, a floral character, and a zesty structure combine to create this legendary spicy fragrance. Quite frankly, it is sheer scented luxury with a splash of sexiness and a hint of mystery—pure exoticism in a bottle.
Available at sephora.com $106.00.

Arpège by Lanvin
Year of Launch: 1927

Inspired by the musical concept of arpeggio, Arpège by Lanvin, offers the senses an enticing composition of individual floral notes, unfolding to reveal a deeper and more seductive musky heart. Like the woman who wears it, Arpège is utterly captivating and transforming.
Available at fragrancenet.com for $60.

xx, Maureen Choi