How to Use Your Personal Style to Choose the Right Fragrance

Because your scent should complement and enhance your individuality

By Katherine Louie, Men’s Health

Finding the perfect scent can be tricky. The grooming market is saturated with options, and finding the right bottle is more challenging than it looks. Rather than taking a stroll through your department store of choice, consider using your personal style as a roadmap for finding the right fragrance.
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Using cues from your wardrobe, you can find a scent that better complements and enhances your personality. If you’re the kind of guy who likes to work hard and play hard—who enjoys kicking back at a bar to celebrate a professional win just as much as a friendly soccer match on the weekend with friends—reach for the new Kenneth Cole for Him.



Inspired by the brand’s carefully crafted urban sense of style this scent is the flagship of a new personalized set that allows the user to express individuality and create a signature scent for any—and every—occasion. The base fragrance, Kenneth Cole for Him ($85, macys.com), has a unique combination of woody base notes and more energizing top notes (think white citrus and marine saltiness). It’s light, and designed to be worn alone or layered with another scent (like their booster fragrances: Energy, Intensity, or Serenity—$100, macys.com) to create something truly extraordinary.



[post_ads]Pair this scent with a cool blazer, like this Unstructured Ludlow Blazer from J.Crew that is crafted of refined navy wool. It’s versatile enough to go from a business meeting at the office to a weekend away in the Adirondacks. Layer Rag & Bone’s Fit 3 Beach Shirt underneath, then add a pair of 7 For All Mankind jeans or these best-selling Garment-Dyed Stretch Chino’s. Stash your stuff in Montblanc’s Meisterstuck Soft-Grain Leather Backpack, which is the perfect accessory for the modern man. Don’t forget to throw on Kenneth Cole’s Colvin Leather Wool Sneaker to complete the look.



Not every man ascribes to this urban uniform. Whether your style skews more sporty and athletic, if you’d describe yourself as formal and mysterious, or you’re most comfortable in a pair of relaxed yet perfectly tailor jeans, there is a fragrance to match your unique sense of self.

Style: Activewear Meets Sportswear

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If you reach for a pair of sneakers most mornings and you live life out of your gym bag (you know, the one that doubles as stylish office messenger bag), you’ll want to layer Kenneth Cole for Him with Energy. It’s a fresh and energizing fragrance that will awaken your senses and provide you with an instant mood boost. The top layer is a soft mix of neroli, orange flower, and magnolia. At the base is sandalwood and musk. It’s the perfect scent to wear to work, as it won’t overwhelm the people sitting next to you (always a huge bonus).



Pair this scent with a sleek bomber jacket, like this Wallace & Barnes one from J.Crew. Add a pair of classic-fit pants, like Lululemon’s Commission Pant Classic Swift Cotton (inspired by the style of Chino pants, but way more comfortable) and their 5 Year Basic Tee for a look that’s comfortable and cool. Complete the look with Nike’s Flyleather Tennis Classic or Reebok’s Astro Walk 60.

Style: Suit and Tie

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You don’t have to be a Barney Stinson clone to recognize the power of a smartly tailored suit. If you don’t feel dressed unless you’re wearing three pieces, reach for the seductive notes found by layering Kenneth Cole for Him with Intensity. This fragrance pairing exudes attitude and authority, while maintaining a sense a mystery. The top layer is a spicy mix of cardamom and pink pepper that’s complemented by notes of coffee, tobacco leaf, and nutmeg.



This scent complements a tailored suit, like Bonobos’ Jetsetter Stretch Wool Suit, which features a hint of stretch for added comfort. Calvin Klein’s Steel Slim Fit Herringbone Dress Shirt or Ralph Lauren’s Slim Fit Cotton Dress Shirt are perfect for layering underneath. Accessorize the look with Kenneth Cole oxfords and reversible dress belt, both in sumptuous brown leather.

Style: Relaxed Weekendwear

[post_ads]If your standard uniform is a pair of fitted jeans and a cozy cashmere sweater (or an easy cotton tee in warmer months), consider the soothing combination of Kenneth Cole for Him layered with Serenity. This fragrance pairing is calm, comforting, and enveloping. Let’s put it this way, if a hug had a signature scent it would be Serenity. Notes of white pepper and whiskey are accented by vanilla, sandalwood, and peach nectar.



Wear this on the weekend while you kick back in an Everlane sweater (with cashmere so buttery you won’t want to take it off) and relaxed denim from Paige. We also love Marine Layer’s Signature Crewneck in Vintage Indigo and Goodlife’s Basic Crew Neck Tee for weekend wear. Feeling extra laid back? We recommend Public Rec’s All Day Every Day Pant, which boasts a soft blend of nylon and spandex.

See more at: Men’s Health