10 Things You Could Almost Always Find in a Stylish Woman’s Purse in the 70s

The 1970s was a defining era in fashion, marked by individuality, freedom of expression, and a mix of bohemian, disco, and glam influences. A stylish woman of the ‘70s didn’t just dress the part, her handbag carried the era’s essential tools of style and self-care. Whether heading to a music festival, a dinner party, or the office, the contents of her purse reflected both practicality and personality. From beauty must-haves to cultural staples, what she carried gave insight into her lifestyle and the trends of the time. Here are 10 things you could almost always find in a fashionable woman’s purse in the 1970s.

1. Frosted Lipstick

Frosted lipstick was a must-have in every stylish woman’s purse during the ‘70s. Shimmery pinks, silvers, and icy peaches dominated cosmetic bags, giving lips a pearlescent glow that reflected the disco ball era. Popularized by beauty icons like Farrah Fawcett and Cher, frosted lips completed both daytime boho looks and nighttime glam ensembles. A compact tube of this lipstick, often in metallic cases, was reapplied religiously, especially before social events or photo ops. It wasn’t just makeup; it was a cultural marker of glamour and femininity. No chic handbag of the decade was complete without this shimmering cosmetic staple.

2. Compact Mirror

Compact mirrors were both functional and fashionable, often tucked inside decorative metal or leather cases. Whether touching up lipstick or fixing wind-blown hair, these pocket-sized mirrors were essential tools for a quick refresh. Many were ornate or personalized, sometimes featuring intricate floral designs, initials, or art deco accents. The 1970s woman prioritized looking polished on the go, and this discreet tool ensured she always could. In a decade that embraced both glam and natural beauty, the compact mirror balanced convenience with a touch of elegance, making it a mainstay in every purse from LA to London.

3. Aviator Sunglasses

No stylish ‘70s woman left home without her favorite pair of sunglasses, and aviators were the reigning favorite. With their oversized tinted lenses and thin metal frames, aviators added an effortless cool to any outfit, whether paired with flared jeans or a maxi dress. Often tucked into purses or hanging from shirt collars, they protected eyes from harsh sun and hid late-night adventures. Women followed the lead of celebrities like Jane Fonda and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, making this accessory a symbol of both rebellion and refinement. Functional and fiercely fashionable, aviators were a decade-defining staple.

4. Scented Handkerchief or Sachet

A soft, perfumed handkerchief or small lavender sachet was commonly found in the purses of fashionable women in the ‘70s. It added a personal scent signature and was a charming throwback to traditional femininity. These small fragrance items helped mask the odor of public transportation or smoky bars, while also offering a subtle way to freshen up. Often delicately embroidered or handmade, they were a quiet luxury. The soft scent of patchouli, sandalwood, or rose oils mirrored the era’s preference for natural, earthy fragrances, blending beauty rituals with a hint of spiritual mindfulness.

5. Comb with Decorative Handle

A woman’s hair was her crown in the 1970s, whether it was a feathered mane, natural curls, or a sleek shag. A decorative comb, often with a tortoiseshell finish or fringe detail, was always within reach. These combs were not just tools but accessories in themselves, frequently pulled out for a quick smooth-down or midday touch-up. Popular among women who embraced voluminous hair, a stylish comb ensured flyaways were tamed and parts stayed sharp.

6. Cigarette Case or Lighter

Smoking was not only socially acceptable, it was stylish. Many fashionable women in the ‘70s carried slim cigarette cases or engraved lighters in their purses. These items often matched their evening clutches or were part of a coordinating set with compact mirrors. Even non-smokers sometimes carried lighters as a statement piece or for lighting candles at parties. Brass, enamel, or jeweled designs elevated these objects beyond utility, making them fashion accessories.

7. Address Book or Notepad

Before smartphones and contact lists, stylish women kept their social lives organized with mini address books or notepads. These pocket-sized planners often had leather covers or gold-embossed initials, reflecting a sense of taste and sophistication. They contained phone numbers, party invitations, and perhaps even secret crushes or poetry. A small pen or pencil was usually clipped inside for jotting down spontaneous thoughts, directions, or appointments.

8. Travel-Size Perfume Bottle

Every stylish ‘70s woman had a small perfume atomizer or mini vial tucked in her purse for mid-day or pre-evening spritzes. Popular scents like Charlie by Revlon, Opium by Yves Saint Laurent, or patchouli oils were mainstays. These mini perfumes often came in glass roll-ons or elegant decanters, and their aroma lingered wherever she went. Perfume was part of a woman’s identity, an invisible accessory and applying it was a personal ritual.

9. Statement Jewelry Piece

While most wore their bold accessories, many women kept an extra piece of statement jewelry in their purses, just in case. A chunky cocktail ring, oversized earrings, or a pendant necklace could transform a daytime outfit into evening chic. These “just-in-case” additions allowed flexibility in style, especially for impromptu dinner plans or disco nights. Jewelry in the 1970s was big, bold, and expressive, often crafted from brass, beads, or natural stones.

10. Feminist Literature or Pamphlet

The ‘70s was not just about style, it was also an era of awakening and activism. Many progressive, stylish women carried small feminist booklets, consciousness-raising zines, or pamphlets from local meetings in their bags. Titles like The Feminine Mystique or materials from the National Organization for Women (NOW) were common. These purse-sized pieces reflected the merging of fashion and feminism, showing that modern women were concerned with both personal expression and political change.