
White Shoulders is a women's fragrance launched by the design house of Evyan in 1949. It has a blend of classic florals, including gardenia, lilac, amber, oakmoss, and jasmine. The perfume is known for its soft, floral scent and is often described as romantic and elegant. While the scent has been reformulated over the years, with some noting differences between the original Evyan version and later versions by Elizabeth Arden, it remains a popular fragrance, evoking a sense of nostalgia for many.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand | Evyan |
| Introduced | 1943 or 1945 |
| Fragrance | Aldehydes, fresh bergamot, sweet peach, exotic African orange flower, lilac, jasmine, lily, gardenia, lily of the valley, tuberose, orris, civet, oakmoss, amber, benzoin, musk, rose, powder, and chemical notes |
| Type | Eau de cologne |
| Volume | 2.75 oz, 4.5 oz |
| Price | $8, $10 |
| Availability | Amazon, FragranceNet.com, Perfume.com, VermontCountryStore.com, Marshalls |
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What You'll Learn

The scent of White Shoulders perfume
White Shoulders by Evyan is a floral perfume with a vintage yet fresh scent. It has been described as "soft", "light", "elegant", and "romantic". The perfume is characterised by its notes of white flowers, including jasmine, lily, gardenia, lily of the valley, tuberose, and orris. It also has base notes of civet, oakmoss, amber, benzoin, and musk.
The perfume has a rich history, having been introduced in 1943 and becoming popular in the 1940s and 1950s. It is often associated with wearers' grandmothers and childhood memories, and is considered a "classic" and "legendary" fragrance. Some reviewers have noted that the scent has changed over time, with manufacturers using synthetic chemicals instead of real essential oils, affecting the scent's longevity.
Despite this, White Shoulders continues to be a well-loved fragrance, with wearers describing it as "sexy", "beautiful", and "elegant". It is long-lasting and gets "better with time", according to some reviewers. The perfume is also available as an eau de cologne spray and has been described as a "wonderful gift".
Overall, White Shoulders by Evyan is a floral and powdery fragrance with a unique personality that has stood the test of time. It evokes feelings of romance and elegance, making it a beloved choice for many women.
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The history of the perfume
White Shoulders is an iconic fragrance, arguably the iconic American fragrance. It is a Floral Aldehyde, described as beautiful, sweet, sexy, powdery, radiant, maternal, refined, approachable, fresh, gracious, and warm. The perfume was created by Austrian Baron Walter Langer von Langendorff and his British wife, Evelyn Diane Westall, who was also known as Lady Evyan. The couple met in New York, and after moving to America in the 1930s, they founded the company Evyan in New York. The company name was derived from Evelyn's name, and the couple wanted to challenge the French perfume industry with their new line. The baron, a well-educated chemist, was deeply in love with his wife, which is why he named the perfume White Shoulders, in celebration of her beautiful white shoulders.
Evyan boasted that White Shoulders was a prime example of fine American perfumery. The perfume was strictly produced in the USA, and it was meant to show that Americans could compete with the best of what was being produced in Europe, specifically in France. This was happening during World War II, when feelings of patriotism were high, and Americans wanted to spend their luxury dollars at home. The prices for White Shoulders were initially set rather high, at around $3, while many "fine" perfumes of that day were priced at around $1.
White Shoulders was launched by the design house of Evyan sometime in the 1940s (dates vary from 1943 to 1949). The company was briefly called Hartnell, so some of the original White Shoulders presentations are bottled under a Hartnell label. The company name later changed to Lady Evyan and eventually just Evyan. The perfume has since changed hands from Hartnell/Evyan to Elizabeth Arden, but the packaging has largely remained the same. The original presentation of White Shoulders was packaged in round peach satin and cream lace powder-style boxes. The bottles were square, decorated with vertically cut pinstripes alternating with plain glass stripes and topped with a stout round stopper.
White Shoulders remains very popular today, and it can be found in both vintage and new formulations in thrift shops, antiques markets, modern drugstores, and online. The scent has been described as a classic floral based on aldehydes, white flowers (gardenia, jasmine, tuberose), lilac, and spices, with a lush radiance. It is a sweet, light, and very feminine fragrance that has become a classic choice among fashionable women across the globe.
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The packaging
White Shoulders by Evyan is a perfume for women that was introduced in 1943. The fragrance has been described as "incurably romantic and sweetly innocent", with a rich floral character. It is a blend of aldehydes and fresh bergamot, mixed with sweet peach and exotic notes of African orange flower. It has a unique personality, with unmistakable notes of lilac, jasmine, lily, gardenia, lily of the valley, tuberose, and orris. The perfume is sensual and enticing, like a slight caress on bare shoulders.
The box that the perfume comes in is also designed to be elegant and vintage-inspired. It is made of sturdy cardboard and is coloured a soft, light peach, matching the colour of the liquid inside the bottle. The box has a simple, rectangular shape with a slightly curved top, echoing the shape of the bottle within. The front of the box features the name of the perfume, "White Shoulders", in a classic serif font, with a small illustration of a woman's shoulders, adorned with a string of pearls. The sides of the box feature additional information about the perfume, including the ingredients, volume, and manufacturer. The back of the box includes a short description of the fragrance, as well as the necessary legal and regulatory information.
The overall packaging of White Shoulders perfume is designed to reflect the elegance and sophistication of the fragrance itself. The vintage-inspired design, with its soft, light colours and classic shapes, evokes a sense of timelessness and romance. The intricate details, such as the interlocking rings on the cap and the illustration of the woman's shoulders, add a touch of luxury and femininity to the overall presentation. The packaging is designed not only to protect the delicate glass bottle and its contents but also to create a sense of anticipation and delight for the consumer, capturing the romantic and sensual essence of the White Shoulders fragrance.
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$28.99 $30.44

The price
White Shoulders by Evyan is a popular perfume for women, with a unique scent that has been described as elegant, floral, and sexy. The price of White Shoulders perfume varies depending on where you purchase it. On Amazon, customers have mentioned buying the 4.5 oz Eau De Cologne Spray for a "fantastic" price, with one customer even stating that the price seemed to have come down since their last purchase. On Reddit, one user mentions buying White Shoulders at Marshall's on clearance for $8, while another user mentions purchasing it for $10.
Overall, customers who have purchased White Shoulders perfume seem to be pleased with the value they receive for the price they pay. The perfume is often described as a classic, elegant fragrance that is well worth the cost. Some customers have even mentioned that the scent is a wonderful reminder of their younger years or their grandmother's signature scent, making it a sentimental buy.
It is worth noting that there may be some variations in the pricing of White Shoulders perfume over time, as manufacturers may change their ingredient lists or production processes, which could impact the cost of production and, subsequently, the retail price. However, White Shoulders by Evyan remains a beloved fragrance for many, with a dedicated following of customers who appreciate its unique scent and classic appeal.
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The availability
White Shoulders by Evyan is a popular perfume for women, with a distinctive scent that has been described as elegant, floral, and feminine. It was introduced in 1943 and has been a signature scent for many women over the years.
Online Retailers
White Shoulders by Evyan is available on several online retailers, including dedicated fragrance websites such as FragranceNet.com and Perfume.com. You can also find it on Amazon.com, where it is offered by various sellers and delivered directly to your address. These websites provide convenient options for purchasing the perfume from the comfort of your home.
Department Stores
White Shoulders perfume is also available in some department stores. While the specific stores may vary by region, some individuals have mentioned finding the perfume at Marshalls. It is worth checking with your local department stores or fragrance counters to inquire about their stock.
Specialty Stores
In addition to online and department stores, you can explore specialty stores that cater to fragrances and beauty products. These stores often carry a diverse range of perfumes, including classic and vintage fragrances. Vermont Country Store, for example, offers the original White Shoulders Eau de Cologne on its website.
Discontinued Concerns
It is important to note that some individuals have expressed concerns about the perfume being discontinued or altered. There are mentions of challenges in finding the original scent, with some claiming that the formula has changed over time. However, others have been able to locate the perfume through various retailers, so it appears that availability may vary over time and across regions.
International Availability
In summary, White Shoulders by Evyan remains available through a variety of channels, including online retailers, department stores, and specialty fragrance shops. However, it is always a good idea to check the latest information on specific retailer websites or in-store to ensure availability in your desired quantity and packaging (spray or otherwise).
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Frequently asked questions
White Shoulders is a soft, floral and powdery fragrance with notes of jasmine, lily, gardenia, lily of the valley, tuberose, and orris. It has a sweet scent with hints of honeysuckle and blossoms.
White Shoulders was originally launched by the design house of Evyan in 1949. Later versions of the perfume were made by Elizabeth Arden.
White Shoulders can be purchased from various online retailers, including Amazon, eBay, and FragranceNet.com. It is also sometimes available from physical stores such as Macy's and Marshalls.











































