First date

Perhaps the most nerve-wracking of them all, the first date is filled with a lot of unknowns. One thing’s for sure though, when it comes to outfitting for multiple possible scenarios, playing it classic and understated is a good bet. The key is to look pulled together but still relaxed, effortless rather than trying.

If your meeting involves some kind of outdoor escapades, we recommend a clean-line parka. For a day date or coffee, a flannel shirt layered over a roll neck top works well. For evening drinks, a great light knit or an Oxford shirt. Bottoms-wise, it’s hard to go far wrong with denim. For more casual settings, choose light or distressed denim and minimalist sneakers. For after-dark rendezvous, go for dark denim and boots. Actually, that wasn’t that daunting was it?

Anniversary

Now here’s the one where you want to actually demonstrate you’re making an effort. Start with grooming. Hair, nails, a great scent, and build your outfit from that.

For such an occasion as this, we recommend looking a little fancier than normal. Go for a grey suit jacket, simple tee underneath and suit trousers cut just above the ankle with box-fresh trainers, or a close-fitting, heritage three-piece suit with brown brogues.

Save your whimsical tie for the office do and leave your work outfits at home. This is the time to look serious but not like you’ve just run straight from a pile of paperwork. Opt for suave and classy and just by your outfit, you’ll show your partner what the occasion means to you.

Vibrant eyes

Using bold colour on your eyes can be intimidating, but it’s a stand-out trend for spring and the new season has us reaching for shades of azure blue. Seen on the runway at Erdem and Missoni, Margot Robbie also wore the look at the 2019 BAFTAs proving it’s very wearable when done right. We love the Diorshow On Stage Liner in Pearly Turquoise and the Shiseido Kajal InkArtist in Sumi Sky. Pair with a nude lip to keep it low key, or try an orange lipstick for a more striking combination.

A barely-there base

At the other end of the spectrum, skin was mostly left looking very natural. It could be the Meghan Markle effect that saw freckles being embraced at Preen, while Badgley Mischka and Altuzarra added a dewy-verging-on-shiny glow. Recreate the look by prioritising your skincare routine and using a lighter base like the BareMinerals Complexion Rescue. Add a little concealer only where truly necessary.

Scandi chic

Style notes

If your space is all about visual calm, then we’d bet a sweet, heady scent probably isn’t your thing. Look to the heart notes - these are full-bodied, longer-lasting scents that linger beyond the crisp top notes, but don’t have the depth or longevity of the base - forgoing the floral for wonderfully fresh, herby ingredients. Thyme, basil, bay (and anything you’d stick in a window box) are a great place to start, with a base of moss, leather or spa favourite clary sage to round out a restful scent. And stick to three or so notes – the beauty of these botanical scents can be subtle.

Fragrance notes

Top
Sea salt, sweet mint, sea grass, aloe, tomato leaf, thyme, bergamot, eucalyptus, spearmint, basil

Heart
Green tea, bay leaf, chamomile, rosemary, artemesia, galbanum, cardamom, juniper, geranium

Base
Wood sage, leather, clary sage, moss, guaiac wood, white musk, oak moss, valerian, resin, ho wood

Quirky cool

Style Notes

If you’re all about artisanal detail, quirky prints and searching out design with a difference, don’t settle for simple in the scent department. Orange blossom, peony and tuberose might be staples, but what about orange bitters, pepper and tobacco? Cue the artisanal candle. These are fragrances with a bit of bite - the result of global travel, endless experimentation and a heavy dose of good old imagination. Candles based on creative concoctions make great gifts, too (if you can bear to give them away, that is).

Top
Redcurrant, neroli, bitter orange, coriander, black tea, elemi, peppermint, green mandarin, apple

Heart
Black pepper, fennel, violet, milk, chestnut, cashmere, pink pepper, pine, iris, tea tree, liquorice, honey

Base
Rosewood, caramel, tobacco, praline, nutmeg, labdanum, ambergris, clove, bamboo, tonka bean