How To Build A Fragrance Wardrobe

How To Build A Fragrance Wardrobe

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Years ago, choosing a signature fragrance seemed like a terribly chic thing to do. Times have changed, and unless you're Coco Chanel, sticking exclusively to one scent translates to being dangerously close to falling into a fragrance rut. Even worse-maybe you're still wearing the perfume your junior high boyfriend gave you because just the thought of testing perfume after perfume is enough to give you a migraine. Bottom line: It's time to go shopping and make wearing fragrance as fun as playing dress up.

Before you start hyperventilating over the thought of permanently breaking up with your one and only, don't despair: choosing a new fragrance doesn't mean throwing out your favorite and going in a totally different direction (just like no one expects you to go from a girl who lives in denim and wool, to sequins and hot pants). The new way to mix it up-and actually end up with scents that won't sit there untouched for years- is by mixing a few new notes into your old favorites to create new aromas for every occasion.

"A perfect fragrance wardrobe is much like a regular wardrobe. You need different fragrances for occasions that are casual, sexy, or professional - just like you need different outfits," explains Laurent Le Guernec, senior perfumer at International Fragrance and Flavors (IFF). "Your base scent should be something you are very conformable with, something familiar-just like clothes, start with the basics and then work your way towards taking more risks or incorporating more daring elements."

Don't have an old standby and not sure where to start? Check out our checklist to quickly figure out your starting point. Once you find the basic note of your fragrance wardrobe, we'll give you the perfect add-ins for relaxed daytime (think brunch with friends or binge-watching your fave show with your bae)- The Flat; the evening scent for a glam event or date night- The Stiletto; and the scent that works for work- The Pump.

Find your Fragrance

· Your favorite season is spring.

· You love coming home to the smell of a floral arrangement.

· You'd never choose to live somewhere rainy (the sunnier the better).

· You shop for clothes that are bright and flowy (think ruffled, airy maxi-dress).

· You wish it was summer all year long.

· You're the true definition of morning person-as in, you may well be halfway through your daily run when the rest of us are reaching for our first cup of coffee.

· You're happiest inhaling the scent of lemons, grapefruit, and fresh-cut fruit.

· You lean toward clean, natural fabrics like cotton and linen because you love how light and crisp they feel on your body.

· Your signature drink is a green apple martini or limoncello

· Forget about the holidays, you're doing the happy dance as soon as fall comes around.

· You want a guy who smells like sandalwood, cedar, and scents that surround you on a hike.

· You'd trade in blingy gemstones for chunky turquoise jewelry any day.

· Your signature drink is Earl Grey tea (and the occasional mojito).

You're an Oriental girl if:

· You love the winter time - no, not for the snow, but the raging fireplace.

· Your ideal bedtime is 2am (with an alarm set for 11am).

· You've been known to put down more than your share of chocolate martinis (or just vodka on the rocks).

· You burn incense or candles that mimic that intense smell.

· You love being surrounded by lush velvet and rich textures (think opulent opium den).

Your FLORAL Fragrance Wardrobe

Orange blossom & white musk: This combo is casual, , and not at all overwhelming. "The musk gives it a soft, skin-like quality, and the orange blossom is a more subtle, subdued floral," explains Horowitz Thran. Try: Maison Margiela Replica Lazy Sunday Morning Eau de Toilette.

Your CITRUS/FRUITY Fragrance Wardrobe

Your WOODSY/GREEN Fragrance Wardrobe

Green sage, fir balsam and fig: The freshness and rugged woodsiness of balsam and sage takes a sweeter, lighter turn with the addition of fig. The result is a sheer, perfect-for-day fragrance.

Your ORIENTAL Fragrance Wardrobe

Flat:

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