People around may detect distinct notes of your perfume when you lean in for a hug or enter a room, and they may then start to link you with those smells. Maybe you’ve always preferred milder scents, or maybe you’ve opted for something a little hotter that makes others associate you with that. Being acknowledged in this way is great, especially when others compliment you on your scent or inquire about your outfit. But rather than enhancing your style, you don’t want a perfume that can make you look older.
“How we smell is just as important as how we look when it comes to personal branding,” says Elizabeth Kosich, proprietor of Elizabeth Kosich Styling and certified image stylist, to Best Life. Some could even contend that this is truer given how quickly smells can evoke memories. Additionally, one’s personal scent can remain and leave a positive or negative impression. Anyone can use that pretty powerfully, so it’s critical to choose a fragrance that enhances your sense of self and represents who you are.”
Angela Foster, a petite style coach, adds that just like fashion trends, fragrances come and go, so one of your favorite perfumes can be a little out of date these days.
“Technology has made new synthetic scents and fragrance combinations possible and extremely affordable, inevitably forcing certain perfumes into the old-fashioned category,” she claims.
So, stylists have a few recommendations if you’re seeking for a scent that will identify your style without making you look older than you actually are. Find out which smells they advise avoiding by reading on.
Table of Contents
7 Perfume Scents That Age You
1. Carnation
Carnations, often described as the “cilantro of flowers,” evoke strong opinions—they’re either loved or hated. Currently, this scent is not considered trendy or fashionable, according to stylist Foster. While a modern version of carnations might come back into style, it’s not their time just yet. Fragrances with notes of carnation include Eternity by Calvin Klein and Poison by Dior.
2. Rose
Rose-scented fragrances, especially those with powdery notes, can evoke nostalgic memories but may also be associated with an older generation. Glycerin rose water and fragrances like Yardley London English Rose Eau de Toilet can give off an old-fashioned vibe, according to stylist Kosich.
3. Woody Scents
Fragrances with woody notes, such as Yves St. Laurent’s River Gauche, are often considered more mature and complex. These scents, featuring sandalwood and oak moss base notes, are associated with individuals with more life experience, suggesting a level of maturity and sophistication.
4. Patchouli: Evoking ’60s Vibes
Patchouli-scented fragrances can sometimes evoke the nostalgic aroma of ’60s stick incense. To brighten up this earthy scent, consider opting for fragrances with citrus fruit notes like lime or grapefruit, which offer a fresher and brighter result, according to stylist Foster.
5. Powdery Scents
Powdery fragrances, particularly those with violet and lilac floral notes, can often appear old-fashioned. Fragrances like Chanel No. 5, known for its powdery scent, may evoke a sense of yesteryear, according to stylist Kosich.
6. Musky Scents
Musky fragrances, often paired with earthy and woodsy notes, can sometimes be perceived as “old lady smells.” Fragrances like Jovan, a quintessential musky fragrance popularized in the 1970s, may suggest a scent of the past, according to stylist Kosich.
7. Your Long-Time Signature Scent
If you’ve been sticking to the same signature scent for years, it might be time for a change. Fragrances like Elizabeth Taylor’s White Diamonds and Giorgio Beverly Hills for women, as well as Drakkar Noir for men, are examples of nostalgic signature scents that may be stuck in a time capsule, communicating a specific image that may not align with your current persona.
Tips for Switching Fragrances
When looking for a new fragrance, consider mixing and matching different scents to create your own custom blend. You can also switch up your fragrance seasonally to accommodate changes in temperature and skin chemistry. Ultimately, choose a fragrance that makes you feel good, as it can positively impact your mental health and overall well-being.
