Introduction

“I think it’s important for a man to have several fragrances because we experience several different moods in a week and fragrance is a way to feel each and every moment in a very intense way. A man should have a fragrance that’s suitable for each and every one of these moments.” So says Lacoste Design Director Christophe Pillet.

What he’s talking about is building up a fragrance wardrobe just as you would a fashion one: with a collection of fragrances to suit different situations (Lacoste itself has no less than five fragrances in its Eau de Lacoste L. 12. 12 fragrance collection).

Given that not every fragrance works well at night and some are better than others at certain times of the year, it’s an approach that makes perfect sense. After all, like fashion, fragrance is largely contextual: in the same way you wouldn’t rock up to a black tie event wearing jeans and a t-shirt, you’re probably not going to wear a clean, fresh sports fragrance on a hot date when you want to smell sexy.

With this in mind, here’s how to build your very own fragrance wardrobe so it contains, not just your own signature eau de toilette, but a scent for every situation…

Holiday Basics

Hot weather tends to have two effects on fragrances: it limits their lifespan on the skin but also intensifies them, which means heavy, musky, deeply woody scents often come across as overpowering in the heat.

Just as you wouldn’t wear a cable knit sweater on a scorching day, it’s worth having a lighter, fresher, summer fragrance on hand for when the thermometer rises.

“Fresh marine, green, herbal and citrus accords all work well in summer as they represent freshness, energy and in some cases coolness,” says acclaimed perfumer Azzi Glasser.

Wardrobe Essentials

Acqua di Parma Colonia – a wonderfully fresh and uplifting blend of Sicilian citrus fruits and Mediterranean herbs created way back in 1916 is the ultimate summer cologne. Balmain’s superbly citrusy Monsieur Balmain is perfect for warm weather, whilst Tom Ford’s sublime Neroli Portofino is practically bottled sunshine.