Date Night, Decoded: The Scent Rules Before the Outfit Does

Before the dress is chosen or the reservation confirmed, the scent gets decided — and this season's date-night rotation is trading anything too loud for something worth leaning in for. Dewy florals are having their moment for early-evening plans, while a sultry leather note is the pick once the sun goes down and the occasion calls for it. The idea is restraint with a payoff: a fragrance a date notices without being told to.

With reporting from Elle.