If you ever needed proof that style goes far beyond the clothes we wear, you’d only have to look to the world of fragrances. Though invisible, the scents we choose to wear (or not wear!) reveal a lot about ourselves, making or breaking even the best IRL outfits. Finding the perfect one can sound intimidating – not least because it’s deeply subjective and even more personal than underwear – but having a guide to the basics is the first step. And let’s face it, any fragrance is better than no fragrance.

Thankfully, to help guide you on your respective fragrance journey is David Roelen of boutique fragrance house Roelen Perfume, a guy confident enough to put his phone number on the very bottles he sells. Whether you’re eager to upgrade your everyday perfume or unlock a new special scent in time for Valentine’s Day, join us in learning just what makes a fragrance “perfect” for date night, daytime and even the workplace.

Date night fragrances

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What are the essential notes, feelings and moods that come to mind when thinking of date night fragrances?

Haha, we’re diving straight in. Date nights are moments of undivided attention and intimacy. I always reach for warm, sensual scents with powdery, woody or smoky facets. A subtle floral note can do wonders if it’s handled with restraint.

What should you consider when choosing a scent for dates?

Your scent is a message, be clear about your intentions before choosing it. Subtlety says: ‘Allow me to discover you’. If you go bold, remember that bold scents require bold actions.

What kind of outfit are you wearing for a date and how does it pair alongside the scent you’re wearing?

I rotate between three outfits at a time. My style lives somewhere between smart casual and ‘intellectual pimp’, and my scent is simply an extension of that.

Maybe the most important question: Can the right fragrance make your crush fall in love with you?

One thing is certain: the wrong fragrance can definitely make them fall out of love.

Have you ever gifted a special person in your life a fragrance they weren’t already using? If so, how did it go and what are some tips to help us to go about it?

I’d say I rarely do unless it’s gifting one of my own creations to a friend. So far, no complaints haha. Gifting a fragrance is delicate; when done wrong the other person can easily feel misunderstood. But when done right, it’s simply the best gift.

At the start of a relationship might be a good moment for it when everything is still new. A sample is always helpful so they can try what you have in mind. Worst case you go back together and try finding the one.

What kind of fragrance should a person wear to get to your heart?

One that fits their personality and makes them feel comfortable. Comfort creates confidence and confidence is sexy.

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Daily fragrances

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What are the essential notes, feelings and moods that come to mind when thinking of daytime fragrances?

I can’t give you a universal answer. Season and occasion matter: a day off isn’t the same as a long office day. A warm morning isn’t the same as a cold, rainy one, so choose accordingly.

Do you believe in having one signature scent to wear for every day?

I’m happy for people who do have one, but can you imagine feeling the same way every day?! The closest I get to a signature is ‘smelling good at all times’.

Saying that, do you think that finding a signature scent should be the ultimate goal when fragrance shopping?

There should be no goal. Finding a scent is an experience of unlearning, curiosity and rewiring. If you’re lucky, you find something that represents how you feel at a certain moment in time.

Like a signature scent, do you have any signature item of clothing?

I love a collar and revers. Therefore, it’s usually an open shirt – sometimes with pockets or a denim jacket, blazer or a trench coat. Loose, long and a mix of light and dark layers.

How long should a quality fragrance last and do you have any tips for making the smell last longer?

Are you into light colognes? Like, the really diffusive ones? Because for me this is not perfume. Just like with smoke, I want my clothes to carry the scent for hours, if not days. When I pick up a scarf or jumper after a few weeks and it still smells like one of my perfumes, I’ll surely have a smile on my face.

And regarding making a scent last, this might be funny coming from me as a bald guy, but hair… big surface, low friction, a bit of oil, almost no sweat. Nothing really compares.

How about layering different perfumes like clothes? Is that something you’d recommend doing?

Play. Life is too short for one perfume.

What are some of the most common myths when it comes to fragrances?

A personal take: your nose doesn’t “block” after smelling three scents in a store. That’s marketing. You can smell 24/7.

Quality fragrances don’t always come cheaply, and they’re not always easy to come by. What advice would you give someone shopping for one online?

Discovery sets are a great low-risk way to explore. Or start with a retailer whose selection you trust.

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Workplace fragrances

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What are the essential notes and feelings that come to mind when thinking of fragrances to wear at work?

Comforting compositions that are confident, not seductive. Unless your job requires seduction, like a bar or working the door of a club.

What scents and styles would you recommend to someone who has a big presentation to give?

Wear whatever makes you feel your absolute best. Even your mum’s scent if it helps. Stop worrying about others, the world is yours.

Are you a dress down or dress up for work kind of guy? How do you choose a scent to go with your work look?

You’re asking the wrong guy, haha. I’ve become fully immersed in my brand and might wear the most expensive raw material in the world while at home in my PJs. The lines between my work and personal life have merged – I am perfume.

Wearing a fragrance feels somehow considered and intentional, similar to putting on a tie or really showing up for the moment. Do you feel the same way? Does what you wear and what scent you have on affect your mood and productivity at work?

Some ingredients do have proven effects like rosemary, for example. Scent is like food, the body knows what it needs. So I’ll ask myself: ‘How do I feel today?’ and choose from there.