Fragrances for nights out and special occasions

A night-out fragrance is one that gets noticed in a crowd, leaving a strong, long-lasting trail of amber, vanilla, oud, leather or warm spice; this list collects the most popular evening picks. Evenings are cooler and rooms are dimmer, which is when dense, sweet and resinous scents feel their best. Rich florals such as rose, jasmine or tuberose also suit the night when they sit on a warm base.

These scents are strong, so go easy: two or three sprays on the sides of the neck and the chest are usually enough. Applying half an hour before you leave lets the sharp opening settle so the fragrance arrives at its best. If you will be seated at a dinner table indoors, one spray fewer is a courtesy to the people around you. Every fragrance here was rated suitable for nights out by the community and the list is sorted by popularity.