How To Build The Ultimate Perfume Library
A true ‘It-Girl’ never just wears perfume, she creates a collection of fragrances that speaks to every facet of her personality.
She wears her scents as an extension of her presence, a silent signature that lingers in a room long after she’s left.
Perfume is not just an accessory, it is a language, a story, and a mood enhancer. Having a collection that offers something for every season, every occasion, and every version of yourself, is a must.
My earliest memory of wearing perfume is when I would sneak into my mum’s room once she had gone to work, carefully popping the lid off of her treasured Ralph Lauren Romance, then misting it all over my school uniform before carefully placing it back in its exact position.
That was obviously before I started adding them to my birthday list, and I had them all.
Paris by Paris Hilton, a phenomenal smell, Poison by Christian Dior, Angel by Thierry Mugler (a classic), I even had JLO - Glow…I know.
I used to be a one-perfume kind of girl, relying on a single scent to define me. But growth is a wonderful thing, and as my personal taste developed, I began stepping into different versions of myself, embracing new phases of confidence, luxury, and ambition, I realised that my fragrance needed to evolve with me.
Just as I wouldn’t wear the same outfit on a night out to a business meeting why should I limit myself to just one scent? I found out the best approach is to curate a wardrobe of fragrances, each belonging to a distinct family, designed to reflect and enhance the different moods that require different versions of myself.
Let’s have a look at the four essential fragrance families that will transform your collection from basic to breathtaking.
Gourmand – The Scent of Indulgence
Right at the top of the list is my signature group, the one I wear all year round no matter the time, date, weather or whatever.
Gourmand fragrances are the equivalent of wrapping yourself into the softest cashmere, sipping a rich vanilla latte in a Parisian café, or savouring a warm, caramel-drizzled dessert. These scents are warm, cosy, and unapologetically indulgent.
But be careful, the beauty of a well-crafted gourmand is that it smells like a gorgeous boulangerie, not Greggs.
The best ones balance sweetness with depth, often incorporating warm spices, or velvety musks to create a fragrance that smells expensive rather than edible.
Why you need it:
A gourmand perfume is your secret weapon for effortless seduction. There’s something irresistibly intimate about the way it clings to the skin, drawing people in.
Although I wear it all year round, it’s the perfect scent for autumn and winter. Think candlelit dinners, a crackling fireplace, oversized knitwear, and the quiet luxury of home.
Some gourmands have a sensual, addictive quality, making them ideal for date nights when you want to be unforgettable.
When to wear it:
Crisp autumn walks in a designer coat, boots clicking against the pavement.
A girls’ night out when you want to be the best-smelling woman in the room.
At home, wrapped in a silk robe, journaling about the next-level version of yourself.
When you want someone to forgive you
Try:
Kayali - Vanilla28 (This is also perfect for layering).
Woody – The Boss
Next is actually my favourite group before I discovered the best of Gourmand. For a long time, the scent of Oud had stolen my heart making the timeless woody fragrance the epitome of quiet luxury.
Think of the woody group as an impeccably designed penthouse, the deep elegance of an old-money heiress, the understated confidence of a woman who doesn’t need to announce her wealth—she simply is.
Unlike the sweetness of a gourmand, woody perfumes are grounded and steep in sophistication. They often feature notes of sandalwood, cedar, oud, or vetiver, sometimes softened with leather or warm amber for depth. This is a scent that commands attention but never begs for it.
Why you need it:
A woody perfume is for the woman who is effortlessly powerful, the kind of woman who makes decisions with grace and poise.
It adds a level of sophistication to any occasion, making it perfect for business meetings, elegant events, or evenings where you want to radiate quiet authority.
These scents have depth and longevity, lingering on your skin (and coats) for hours.
When to wear it:
A high-stakes business dinner where you want to be taken seriously
A solo shopping spree, effortlessly browsing luxury boutiques
A winter weekend retreat, curled up with a book and a glass of red wine
When you want people to know you’re in charge without having to say it
Try: Bibliotheque eau de Parfum by Byredo
Fruity – The Effortless It-Girl Energy
Although the next two groups aren’t particularly my favourite, they have their rightful place within the fragrance family.
Fruity fragrances are often misunderstood. Some people associate them with teenage body mists, but a fruity perfume done right is anything but juvenile.
These scents are bright, sparkling, and effortlessly chic—like a spritz of joy on your skin.
Think of the sensation of biting into a perfectly ripe pear, the sip of a freshly poured bellini, or the crisp juiciness of blackcurrant. Fruity scents have a beautiful playfulness but can also be made luxurious when paired with musk, wood, or florals.
Why you need it:
It’s the scent of effortless joy, making it perfect for daytime, vacations, or brunch with your best friends.
Fruity perfumes feel youthful without being immature, ideal for embodying that fresh, carefree confidence.
The right fruity fragrance can be surprisingly sexy when paired with warm, musky undertones.
When to wear it:
A sun-drenched European vacation, sipping cocktails by the sea
A spring afternoon picnic, dressed in something feminine and flirty
Any day you want to feel lighthearted, carefree, and effortlessly radiant
When you want to say “I might look like a doll but don’t wind me up” (RHOB fans will get it).
Try: Parfums de Marly in Meliora
Floral – The Feminine Signature
And lastly, but by no means least...
No fragrance wardrobe is complete without a floral. But let’s be clear, this isn’t about the powdery, old-fashioned florals of the past.
Contemporary florals are rich, textured, and endlessly seducing. They blend classic notes like jasmine, tuberose, and rose with unexpected elements like spices, woods, or creamy vanilla.
Floral perfumes are the definition of timeless femininity. They can be delicate or bold, airy or intoxicating, but they always feel romantic.
Why you need it:
A floral scent is versatile, it can be fresh and breezy for the daytime or deep and opulent for evening.
The right floral perfume enhances your femininity, making it perfect for moments when you want to feel effortlessly beautiful.
Some florals have a hypnotic, skin-like quality that makes them feel deeply personal.
When to wear it:
A wedding (yours or someone else’s), paired with an elegant dress.
A quiet evening in, reflecting on your dreams and desires.
When you show up late to a garden party but you don’t want to apologise (remember to bring the host a great gift, at least)
Finally…
Building the ultimate perfume wardrobe is an investment in your identity.
Knows that fragrance is more than just a scent, it’s a statement. Whether you lean toward indulgent gourmands, sophisticated woody blends, playful fruity notes, or timeless florals, the goal is to have a fragrance for every facet of your life.
If you choose to step outside of your fragrance family, choose one that really reflects your personality and you feel suits you. I love my gourmands but Meliora and Oriana by Parfums de Marly will have me covered in fruity florals all summer as they still feel close to who I am.
And if you’re truly ready to elevate every detail of your routine, you’ll love The Living in Luxury Handbook, where I share the exact rituals, habits, and mindset shifts to step into your most luxurious life, one detail at a time.
What scent family speaks to you the most?
