Here are expert tips on matching your perfume to your outfit.
Fragrance is a crucial aspect of your style. Navigating the vast array of perfumes available can be overwhelming when looking for your signature scent or deciding what fragrance to wear. You have classic options from brands like Chanel and Dior and lesser-known treasures from Dossier and Diptyque.
When you’re trying to find a fragrance that matches your style, where should you start? Aside from practical factors like whether it’s suitable for the office or how long it lasts on your skin, the best perfumes resonate with you and evoke a range of emotions. Knowing what fragrance to wear can genuinely enhance your style.
Choosing the right perfume involves science. Here’s what experts suggest looking for to find the perfect scent that reflects your style.
Where do I start?
Shopping for fragrances has become more challenging recently. With the rise of online shopping, finding your signature scent feels more like a task than a treat. But deciding what fragrance to wear doesn’t have to be stressful.
Shopping for fragrance is more accessible than shopping for make-up because you can’t make a mistake. “Finding the right scent is like a game you can’t lose—every fragrance you try helps you understand what works for you and what doesn’t,” says Anya Pavlenko, a fragrance specialist at Oriflame.
The Fragrance Shop’s Rachel Goalby advises starting with fragrance science. “When looking for your signature scent or deciding what fragrance to wear, begin by understanding how fragrances are layered.”
“Top notes are what you smell first, usually lighter and fresher; heart notes follow, creating the main body of the fragrance, often floral or spicy; and base notes are the deep, lasting scents, like woods, amber, or musk.”
You are aligning your fragrance with your style.
Cottage-core
Fragrances that evoke warmth and natural surroundings are essential if you cherish the soft, pastoral charm of the ‘cottagecore’ aesthetic.
“Look for scents that evoke coziness and warmth,” says Floral Street’s founder, Michelle Feeney. Regarding notes, “The combination of natural vanilla with jasmine gives a comforting yet confident vibe, like a warm hug.”
Classic scents like Lancôme’s La Vie Est Belle are excellent examples. Claudio Denz from Maison Noir suggests that a herbal essence in a fragrance embodying the free-spirited and natural vibe of cottage-core is essential for pairing.
If you prefer a less sweet and more earthy scent, seek notes such as amber, cedar, and tonka bean.
Corporate siren
If you want to channel a more Devil Wears Prada ‘corporate siren’ approach, you’re probably looking to exude sophistication and elegance. This is crucial when deciding what fragrance to wear for a professional setting.
“When it comes to ‘office-appropriate’ scents, the opinions vary widely, and there are no definitive rules,” says Pavlenko. “However, consider this: if your colleagues can tell you’ve arrived at the office just by the strong fragrance lingering in the elevator, it might be time to rethink your choices!”
“Opt for refreshing fragrances with uplifting floral and fruity combinations to maintain high energy throughout the entire workday,” advises Pavlenko.
If you’re seeking something substantial, “Boss Alive by Hugo Boss is a great choice,” says Goalby. “With its bold blend of plum, apple, and vanilla, this fragrance captures attention without overwhelming the senses, much like a confident professional.”
If your style leans towards the leopard print and red lipstick look favored by Kate Moss and Cara Delevingne, an unapologetic fragrance should complement it.
“Rabanne Million Gold always brings necessary drama with its intoxicating blend of rose, white flower bouquet and mineral musk – perfect for someone unafraid to make a statement,” says Goalby.
“Yet, Jean-Paul Gaultier Scandal is another great fit, with its rich combination of honey, blood orange, and patchouli,” Goalby adds, “a scent that’s as daring and unpredictable as your fashion choices.”
If you want something less dramatic, “Try a fragrance that has some surprising notes that are more playful,” advises Feeney. Something warm and floral, with notes of amber, works best for a sultry but relaxed look.
Breezy boho
For the free-spirited, a light, earthy, and effortless scent perfectly complements the boho aesthetic.
Yet when looking effortless, “The first rule? Don’t try too hard to look cool,” says Pavlenko. “Combination of skin-like musks with addictive, creamy sandalwood and the occasional touch of fruits will help you to keep it casual with an effortless bohemian touch.”
The pioneering boho brand Chloé has great fragrances that perfectly embody the look. “Chloé Nomade is a beautiful match. With its notes of oak moss, Mirabelle plum, and freesia, it evokes a sense of wanderlust and freedom,” says Goalby.
“If you’re seeking something more floral, Gucci Flora Gorgeous Gardenia captures the essence of a carefree bohemian day with its blend of pear blossom, red berries, and gardenia – grounded and graceful.
The key to finding your signature scent
“When choosing a signature scent, think about how you want to feel. Consider what fragrance to wear and how you want others to perceive you,” says Goalby.
“Ultimately, your signature scent should feel like a second skin – one that expresses your personality and makes you feel good about yourself, whether that’s cosy, bold, or effortlessly chic!”
