How to Choose a Signature Scent

A signature scent is simply a fragrance you wear often enough that people associate it with you. It doesn't have to be expensive or rare. The steps below help narrow down the options.

Start with what you already like

Think about smells you enjoy day to day, such as citrus, fresh laundry, flowers, coffee or wood smoke. These point to a fragrance family: citrus, musky, floral, gourmand or woody.

Test on skin, not just paper

Spray a tester on your wrist and wear it for a few hours. The first minutes (the top notes) are very different from the scent a few hours later (the base). Test no more than two or three at once.

Think about where you'll wear it

For daily wear in offices or close spaces, a lighter, versatile scent is usually more comfortable than a very strong one.

• Jo Malone London Wood Sage & Sea Salt - Woody Mineral
• Byredo Gypsy Water - Woody Aromatic
• Chanel Chance Eau Tendre Eau de Toilette - Floral Fruity
• Giorgio Armani Acqua di Giò Eau de Toilette - Aquatic Aromatic

Consider a less common choice

If you want something people won't recognise immediately, niche and less mainstream designer scents are worth a look.

• Tom Ford Black Orchid Eau de Parfum - Amber Floral
• Dior Dior Homme Intense - Woody Iris
• Creed Silver Mountain Water - Citrus Aromatic
• Mugler Alien Eau de Parfum - Amber Woody

Buy a small size first

Once you have a favourite, buy a small bottle and wear it for a few weeks before committing to a large one.