Into the Woods

Photo: Koji Yano
Prop styling: Christopher Stone

Much like their source material, woodsy fragrances are deep, layered, mysterious. The trick to choosing the perfect one for you lies in knowing the impression you want to make. If you're looking for classic, opt for the fresh, earthy vetiver of Jo Malone and Frederic Malle's scents.

For something richer and more exotic, try sandalwood, which takes center stage in Dries Van Noten's first namesake fragrance, a warm, seductive concoction perfect for nighttime.

If you really want to intrigue, go for the patchouli of Byredo's 1996, a blend of iris and amber imagined by photographer couple Inez & Vinoodh that's less hippie than it is sexy. Regardless of what you pick, expect your neck to get a lot of attention.

Clockwise from top left: Vetyver by Jo Malone, 3.3 oz., $115; Dries Van Noten by Frederic Malle, 3.3 oz., $265; Hermessence Santal Massoia by Hermes, 3.3 oz., $240; 1996 Inez & Vinoodh by Byredo, 1.7 oz., $175; Vetiver Extraordinaire by Editions de Parfums Frederic Malle, 3.3 oz., $265