If you’re someone who has always juggled between a bunch of different perfumes, you were attuned to the concept of fragrance wardrobing way before it became a trend. Today, terms like ‘fragrance layering’, ‘fragrance pairing’ and ‘fragrance wardrobing’ are ubiquitous in the beauty space; possessing not one, not two, but a shelf full of classic and chic bottles with many different fragrances is the new normal.
Just as with fashion, our choice in fragrance can say a lot about us. One day you might feel flirty and playful, reaching for a light floral scent, and the next you might lean into a powerful, woodsy aroma that exudes confidence for an important meeting. With fragrance wardrobing, your scent can be just as dynamic.
Did you know that fragrance mogul Mona Kattan wears a new perfume every day, which has led her to build a collection of over 3,500 bottles? Here’s a quick and easy primer on how you can successfully (and creatively) build a fragrance wardrobe.
What does a fragrance wardrobe mean?
As the name suggests, a fragrance wardrobe refers to a collection of different kinds of perfumes that reflect different vibes, moods, flavours and fragrance profiles. By having a "wardrobe" of fragrances, you can express different facets of your personality or adjust your scent to best fit a specific context or ambiance.
Wearing the same scent daily can sometimes lead to olfactory fatigue, where you become accustomed to the fragrance and no longer notice it. By rotating scents, every whiff feels fresh and distinctive.
How to curate a fragrance wardrobe
1. Identify your key fragrance family:
Figure out which fragrance family you love the most. Is it floral, fruity, musky or aquatic? Think of it as your failproof black LBD. A perfume from this category can pass as your base perfume—one that you’ll always wear, even when you’re in the mood to pair and layer your fragrances. This way, you also ensure that your final scent always has a trace of your most-loved flavour.
2. Try everything possible:
Aim for variety. If your staple is a fresh floral scent, perhaps venture into woods, musks, or spicy fragrances for diversity. Before committing to a full bottle, consider getting samples or travel sizes. This allows you to test how a scent interacts with your skin's chemistry throughout the day. It also allows you to wear a couple different scents and figure out what combination you may love the most.
3. Go big on layering and pairing:
Mix two or three fragrances—the final effect becomes much more potent and impactful. Some of the best combinations include saffron and oud, aquatic and citrusy notes, amber and musky notes, woody notes and vanilla—there are so many combinations that can really make a statement.
