Powerhouses, big hair and bigger sillage

The best 1980s fragrances

The 1980s were loud, and proud of it — opulent oakmoss chypres, spicy aromatic fougères and sweet, room-filling orientals built for maximum projection. These are the "powerhouse" scents: bold, unapologetic and impossible to ignore, the vintage bombs collectors still hunt for that trail down a whole hallway.

What defined it — Room-filling powerhouses — opulent chypres, spicy fougères and sweet orientals with legendary sillage.

Wears best — Cold-weather nights, statement wear and collectors chasing bold, long-lost vintage character.

3 1980s fragrances