A Modern Man Must Know the Difference Between Night and Day Cologne

Knowing how to dress for the occasion is essential—and wearing the right cologne is no exception, especially in spring, when longer days and warmer nights revive social calendars. For this reason you need two colognes: one for day, one for night. Thankfully, designers give cues to guide you. Fragrances in bright or flashy bottles often work best when the sun is up, while words such as nuit and intense denote an after-hours scent. Here’s what (and when) to spritz this spring.

DAY

MAISON FRANCIS KURKDJIAN LUMIÈRE NOIRE ($175)
The sweet intermingling of patchouli and rose in Maison Francis Kurkdjian Lumière Noire is ideal for champagne brunches.

LACOSTE LIVE ($69)
The zest of lime and green leaves in Lacoste Live befits the man who crushes CrossFit before his morning cup of coffee. 

 FOSSIL 1954 FOR MEN ($60)
Fossil 1954 for Men is a vintage-inspired aroma of cardamom and sage, understated enough for the office. 

NAUTICA AQUA RUSH GOLD ($65)
Subtle and citrusy, Nautica Aqua Rush Gold is perfect for dining alfresco, on land or at sea.

NIGHT

ISSEY MIYAKE NUIT D’ISSEY ($87)
A magnetic mix of bergamot, wood and black pepper, Issey Miyake Nuit D’Issey can be worn anywhere a leather jacket can.

CAROLINA HERRERA 212 VIP MEN ($80)
Carolina Herrera 212 VIP Men is a cocktail of vodka, mint and ginger. Spray before a night on the town.

JIMMY CHOO MAN ($82)
For date night at a Michelin hot spot, use Jimmy Choo Man, an elegant union of lavender, pink pepper and melon.

GIVENCHY GENTLEMEN ONLY INTENSE ($88)
The black-tie-ready Givenchy Gentlemen Only Intense has notes of cedar, leather and tonka bean.