An aesthetic is a distinct style, look, or artistic expression that reflects a particular mood, philosophy, or cultural identity. It encompasses clothing, grooming, accessories, and creates a cohesive and recognizable visual or thematic identity/personal style signature. Fragrance plays a crucial role in aesthetic choices because it serves as an invisible extension of personal style, reinforcing the mood, identity, and overall impression one wishes to convey. Just as clothing, accessories, and grooming define an aesthetic, the right scent complements and enhances the chosen look, leaving a lasting impression.
While fragrances themselves are innately non-gendered, the way we interpret fragrances often is because we are influenced by our cultures, subcultural identities, memories, personal values, artistic preferences, and various gender expressive fashions of the moment. For instance, a sharp dressed 17th century man would be wearing a strong floral perfume, colored tights, and high heels.
Below are ten classic 19th and 20th century masculine-leaning aesthetic styles, each embodying a distinct way of dressing, grooming, and presenting oneself to the world, along with accompanying scents that cater to the unique preferences and styles within a masculine framework, offering a rich tapestry of olfactory expressions to explore and enjoy. From the wildwood wanderer to the refined gentleman, each aesthetic carries its own unique appeal.
1. Refined Gentleman
In an age where decorum and poise reigned supreme, the Refined Gentleman carries himself with an air of effortless sophistication, much like the distinguished gentlemen of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His wardrobe consists of finely tailored three-piece suits, polished Oxford shoes, and a well-maintained pocket watch—a relic of a time when craftsmanship and etiquette were paramount. His hair is neatly parted and slicked with pomade, and his manner of speech is as deliberate and polished as his attire.
Such a gentleman would never be without his signature fragrance, one that whispers of old-world charm and quiet authority. Scents of lavender, vetiver, oakmoss, and bergamot evoke the barbershops and leather-bound libraries of his esteemed social circles. His cologne is not merely an accessory but a mark of his station, a fragrant echo of an era when a man’s presence was measured as much by his words as his refinement.
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- Absinthe and Laudanum in the Afternoon
- Amor Intellectualis
- Novella
- Winterling
- 1891
2. Wildwood Wanderer
The Wildwood Wanderer is a man whose soul finds peace in nature's beauty. He does not fear the harshness of the outdoors, but rather seeks a deep, thoughtful connection to the earth - even (or perhaps especially) in her wildest and most untamed states. His style is unfussy and comfortable - well-worn sweaters, classic denim, wool scarves, and dependable boots that can take him through wooded trails or strolls across muddy fields. His wardrobe speaks of simplicity and ease, embracing a kind of rustic elegance that blends naturally with his surroundings.
He wears understated, nature-inspired and earthy scents that reflect his deep bond with the wild - earthy, woody notes of cedarwood, fresh dirt, pine, and woodsmoke evoke crackling campfires, lush evergreen forests, and the fresh aroma of moss underfoot. Alternatively, he may find elements of nature's calm in verdant greens, fresh hay, and rain fragrances that evoke an early morning hike through dew-covered grass or rain sheeting across an open field.
3. The Dark Academe
The Dark Academe is a man of refined taste and formidable intellect, someone whose style reflects his appreciation for the darker aspects of art, literature, and philosophy. His wardrobe blends timeless sophistication with gothic elements and a hint of eccentricity—well-tailored blazers, soft cashmere, dark tweeds, and polished leather shoes are all part of his ensemble. The Dark Academe is as likely to be found in a museum or library as in a bohemian literary salon or café enjoying dark red wine, fine cigars, and spirited debates about 19th century authors.
His fragrances speak to this cultivated lifestyle, with warm notes of amber, tobacco, and sandalwood layered over refined dark florals or spices. His are scents that quietly reflect his intellectual pursuits and sophisticated tastes, lingering like the pages of an old book well-loved over time.
4. Elegant Bohemian
The Elegant Bohemian moves through life with a sense of wonder and creative freedom, unbound by convention and always seeking new inspiration. His wardrobe is an effortless blend of natural fabrics, loose-fitting linen shirts, well-worn leather boots, and patterned scarves, often adorned with trinkets collected from his many travels. He embraces an eclectic, layered style that feels as organic as his artistic pursuits, whether painting, music, or poetry.
His fragrance is an extension of his free-spirited nature — earthy, resinous, and slightly mysterious, with notes of sandalwood, patchouli, incense, and myrrh. It carries the allure of distant lands, candle-lit studios, and open fields under a warm sun. It is a fragrance that speaks of wanderlust, passion, and the beauty of the unknown.
5. Cyberpunk Futurist
The Cyberpunk Futurist is a man forged by the neon glow of a world on the brink, a lone figure navigating the shadows of a high-tech, low-life society. He moves with purpose through rain-slicked streets where towering megacities loom above, their flickering holograms reflecting off his sleek, tactical attire. His wardrobe is a blend of cybernetic utility and rebellious edge—structured coats with asymmetrical cuts, dark tech fabrics, reflective accents, and combat boots built for resilience in an uncertain world. Every piece he wears is functional, a nod to survival in a time when the lines between man and machine blur.
His fragrance is as enigmatic as the cityscape he inhabits—metallic, smoky, and futuristic, laced with notes of cold aldehydes, steel, cement, electric wires, avant-garde industrial elements, and modern synthetics. It carries the scent of rain hitting steel, the crackle of static electricity, cold concrete, and polished chrome. His presence is a statement of defiance in an age where individuality is currency, and mystery is his greatest weapon.
6. Rebel Rocker
The Rebel Rocker is a perfect blend of attitude and effortless cool, a man who walks the fine line between chaos and artistry, a figure of defiant elegance wrapped in leather and raw energy. His presence commands attention, whether he’s center stage under blinding lights or a shadowed enigma in the back of a smoke-filled bar. His wardrobe is a curation of rebellion—worn leather jackets, ripped denim, fitted black shirts, and silver rings that glint under neon streetlights. He exudes effortless cool, a modern outlaw with the soul of a poet and the edge of a renegade.
His fragrance is as bold as his spirit—smoky and spicy, carrying notes of black leather, patchouli, and tobacco. It lingers like the remnants of a night spent chasing freedom, evoking the crackle of vinyl records, the grit of an old amplifier, and the quiet solitude of a long highway under a blood-red sunset.
- Bibliotheca
- Highwayman
- Nature of the Beast
- Romance of Lust
- Club des Hashischins
7. Debauched Dandy
The Debauched Dandy is a man who exists in the twilight hours, where elegance meets indulgence, and refinement blends with excess. His world is one of velvet-lined lounges, dimly lit streets, and late-night revelry—where sophistication coexists with hedonistic pleasures. His style is the epitome of extravagant decadence, where every detail is carefully chosen to project an aura of old-world charm, while remaining unapologetically bold from tailored evening jackets with intricate embroidery, crisp shirts with extravagant cufflinks, tailored trousers that graze polished shoes, to a carefully placed silk cravat. His look is finished off with subtle but luxurious accessories—pocket watches, handkerchiefs (never monogramed for reasons of plausible deniability), and fine cigars—each reflecting a man who delights in the finer things, yet is never without an edge of flamboyance.
His fragrance is as provocative as his presence—rich, smoky, and intoxicating, with notes of dark musk, opium, and a hint of spice. It speaks to nights of excess and pleasure, conjuring images of late hours spent in exclusive clubs, the smell of whiskey and cologne mixing in the air. The scent is both alluring and mysterious, evoking a sense of unapologetic luxury and indulgence.
- Academy of Pleasure
- The Beautiful and the Damned
- Quintessence of Debauchery
- The Libertine
- Poudre
8. Vampire Aristocrat
The Vampire Aristocrat moves through the world with an air of immortal grace, his presence both intoxicating and unnerving. He is the lingering silhouette in the misty glow of gaslight, the unseen figure watching from a candlelit balcony, the whisper of silk and shadow brushing past in the dead of night. His wardrobe is a tribute to old-world refinement—brocade waistcoats, high-collared coats, ruffled cuffs, and rings adorned with blood-red stones. Every detail is meticulously chosen, a reflection of a soul untethered by time, forever existing in the twilight between elegance and enigma.
His fragrance is as darkly seductive as the legends that surround him—rich, opulent, and dangerously alluring, steeped in notes of black oud, crimson roses, gothic incense, and dark musk. It carries the scent of ancient cathedrals, the pages of a forgotten grimoire, and the metallic whisper of a single drop of spilled wine—or something far more sinister and compellingly seductive. His presence is an invitation, a velvet-gloved hand extended into the abyss, beckoning those who dare to step closer.
- Writer's Blood
- Sigil
- Incense of a New Church
- Gothique
- Sacred Flame
9. Ocean Adventurer
The Ocean Adventurer is a man whose heart pulses with the rhythm of the tides. He is drawn to the vast, open seas, where the horizon stretches endlessly before him, and the wind carries the scent of saltwater and freedom. His style blends weathered practicality with an effortless coastal elegance, perfect for a day spent sailing or a spontaneous beachside adventure. His fragrance embodies the spirit of the sea—fresh, crisp and aquatic, with notes of sea breeze, driftwood, citrus, and clean ozone. It evokes the scent of ocean breezes, the warm sun on the deck of a ship, and the salty air of distant shores. His scent is clean and revitalizing, capturing the sense of boundless exploration and the thrill of the open water.
- Big Sur
- Voyage en Mer
- Voice of the Sea
- Ambre Gris
- Uncharted
10. Urban Artisan
The Urban Artisan is a man who fuses creativity with urban living, carving out a niche in the diverse melting pot where individuality thrives. He is not defined by trends but by a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, authenticity, and the art of thriving amidst the creative bustle of the city. His wardrobe reflects a thoughtful, curated approach to style—vintage denim, oversized shirts, stylish hats, and handmade leather accessories. He gravitates toward sustainable brands and local designers, embracing a mix of earthy tones, rich textures, and laid-back, utilitarian styles. When he dresses up, his look is elevated yet accessible, exuding an air of quiet sophistication with subtle eccentricities.
His fragrance is as unique and layered as his style — suitable for day to night, approachable and down to earth with an interesting artistic edge often incorporating cedarwood, bergamot, dark fruits, single-origin coffee, sandalwood, avant-garde notes, and soft suede. The scent impression is thoughtful, subtle, and effortlessly cool, never trying too hard but always standing out with quiet originality.
- Caffeum
- Enigma
- Center of the Universe
- Legal Tender
- Dustsceawung
- Breath and Shadow
Art:
- Portrait of Ivan Bilibin by Boris Kustodiev, 1901
- Deer in the Forest by Eugen Krüger, c. 1868
- Self Portrait with Death Playing the Fiddle by Arnold Böcklin,1872
- The Moorish Smoker by Gyula Tornai, c. 1907
- Nocturne by Joseph Stella, 1918
- The Theater Lead by Georges Antoine Rochegrosse, c. 1930
- Le Verrou (The Bolt) by Jean-Honoré Fragonard, 1777
- Sortie by Karel de Nerée tot Babberich, 1904
- Sailing off Gloucester by Winslow Homer, 1880
- Detail from City Building by Thomas Hart Benton, 1931