A fragrance collection is deeply personal. It is shaped by scents that recall meaningful memories, perfumes that effortlessly complement what we wear, and modern scent mists that add versatility. A well-curated fragrance wardrobe becomes an essential expression of individuality.
Refreshing your scent lineup is not about endlessly buying new bottles. Instead, it involves understanding layering techniques, choosing the right concentration for your lifestyle — where a cologne may suit you better than an eau de toilette — and making more sustainable choices that stand the test of time.
To help refine this approach, Vogue consulted four expert perfumers to share their guidance on elevating a fragrance wardrobe in 2026.
Three Expert Tips for Building a Fragrance Wardrobe
“The purpose of fragrance is to create a reaction,” says Aurélien Guichard, the perfumer behind Burberry Her. “If a scent doesn’t spark comments or curiosity, it isn’t fulfilling its role.” While direct, his point is simple: a great fragrance should be noticed. It should also reflect your mood and harmonise with how you dress.
Identify Your Fragrance Formula
Guichard explains that a strong fragrance wardrobe is built around three core principles:
- Being noticed
- Smelling distinctive
- Choosing scents that reflect your personality
Treat It Like Your Clothing Collection
Building a scent wardrobe mirrors the way we build our clothing wardrobes. There is no single correct method, but having a framework can simplify the process.
“Some people gravitate toward a uniform style — I mostly wear black,” Guichard explains. “For them, a smaller fragrance rotation makes sense.” Others enjoy a bold, expressive approach and prefer experimenting with unexpected scent combinations.
The key, he stresses, is freedom and enjoyment. Fragrance should add something positive to daily life, not create pressure or uncertainty.
Emma South, fragrance and lifestyle expert at Jo Malone London, suggests beginning with your most versatile scent. Identifying the notes that immediately appeal to you can guide future choices.
Choosing Scents by Season
For fragrance house Ffern, scent wardrobes are closely tied to nature’s cycles. “As seasons shift, so do light, air, and even how our skin responds,” explains Elodie Durande, the brand’s perfumer. Wearing different fragrances throughout the year allows you to align with these natural changes.
How to Begin Collecting Fragrances
Guichard recommends starting with scents that trigger emotions or memories. “That’s how a truly personal fragrance library begins,” he says.
Durande advises beginners to take a seasonal approach by identifying which notes they naturally gravitate toward. If spring resonates with you, citrus-based scents paired with fresh green notes may feel instinctive. For colder months, she notes that woody, spicy fragrances and resins provide warmth and comfort.
For those drawn to sweeter profiles, gourmand fragrances are an accessible starting point. Heather Forcari, global education director at Sol de Janeiro, highlights notes such as vanilla, caramel, and pistachio as playful yet comforting options.
Refreshing and Refining an Existing Collection
For established fragrance wardrobes, South suggests a four-step method: reflect, rotate, edit, and add. Begin by assessing which scents lift your mood or transport you emotionally, then ensure your essentials are covered.
She recommends using your clothing staples as a reference point. “Do you have a signature winter fragrance, like a dependable coat?” she asks. You might also look for a scent equivalent to a summer dress or a crisp white shirt.
When it comes to decluttering, South is more forgiving with fragrance than fashion. “If a scent no longer fits, move it to the back rather than discarding it,” she says. Because scent memories differ from visual ones, keeping older fragrances can create a meaningful archive of personal moments.
Durande encourages intentional selection rather than accumulation. “Choose fragrances that connect you to the present season,” she says, citing Ffern’s Winter 26 scent, inspired by a storm on the Isle of Skye. Notes like oakmoss and violet leaf evoke dark waters and moonlit reflections, creating a scent that feels both authentic and romantic.
Guichard also urges reflection before making changes. “Clothes only look right when worn with confidence — fragrance works the same way,” he explains. Without clarity in personal style, results will always feel incomplete.
Understanding Fragrance Layering
Not every scent benefits from layering, Guichard notes. “Allow the fragrance to blend with your skin first,” he advises. Fragrance doesn’t need to be worn the same way every day, so experimentation should feel natural rather than forced.
South agrees that layering can be simple. “It might be as easy as misting one fragrance over another,” she says, or building layers through scented body washes and moisturising creams.
When combining two colognes, placement and intensity matter. “You might apply a fresh, luminous scent around the décolletage, while reserving deeper notes like jasmine or tuberose for hems and outerwear,” she explains. This creates a subtle yet memorable trail.
