Although much is written on choosing the appropriate attire for a given occasion, it seems as though there isn’t much guidance on exactly what fragrances are appropriate as well. In fact, choosing the right fragrance can often be even more important than the clothing you wear because of the association certain scents bring to mind. Let’s look a little closer at this.
Subtlety Is Your Best Line of Defense
You may have noticed that many of the leading designers are beginning to create a larger selection of unisex fragrances. This is primarily because of their appeal to the greatest number of people. Unisex fragrances tend to be less heady and are rarely as overpowering as some of the perfumes that have survived over the years. Even colognes created specifically for men can be a bit over the top and this is one of the reasons why a relatively new line of fragrances by Byredo is trending so highly. Founded in 2006 by Ben Gorham who approaches the creation of scent with a soft blend of historical and contemporary fragrances, you can find many of his creations listed on this site. Here you’ll find various perfumes by this fine arts graduate of Stockholm Art School that rely heavily on his Indian heritage but are tempered with today’s subtler approach to fragrance.
Avoiding the Stigma Associated with Certain Scents
One great example of scents that can create a stigma is an overwhelming use of fragrances like patchouli. If you’ve ever been caught in an elevator with anyone who has slathered on an overabundance of this essential oil reminiscent of the 1960s Flower Power days, you probably immediately think, “Hippie wannabe.” It might be suggested here that you never go on a corporate job interview with a pervading scent of patchouli. This is where the beauty of the fragrances mentioned above are designed to use patchouli as a mid-note, artistically blended with other softer fragrances so that you aren’t literally overwhelmed with a scent that is too strong for the average businessman or woman. In other words, when dressing for a business occasion, it is better to go with a subtler, softer blend of fragrances.
General Rule of Thumb for Choosing the Right Fragrance
In the end, choosing the right fragrance for an occasion really depends on where you will be going and who you will be meeting. As a general rule of thumb, for all business or formal occasions, choose subtle scents that give a hint of fragrance. When going clubbing or dancing, stronger, more eclectic fragrances are just fine. Many hospitals and physician’s offices request you refrain from wearing perfume to avoid causing allergies in other patients, and many businesses have begun requesting the same consideration. If you are going on a date, choose a fragrance that hints at what you expect out of the evening, like a perfume with musk as a top note to indicate sexual attraction.
In the end, it is always best to wear a fragrance that speaks of who you are but also will not be so overpowering as to overwhelm anyone you come in close physical contact with. If you are in doubt, go light. When it comes to perfume, too much of a good thing isn’t always a good thing.
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