Photos: Kevin Cremens

Whether it's full-blown flowery or intensely woody, your scent speaks volumes about who you are. So if you’re looking for a signature fragrance, we suggest a novel approach: Let your favorite literary genre lead the way.

Classic

Are you drawn to bold, iconic characters— Jo March, Shug Avery, Elizabeth Bennet? You might favor a fragrance that features a single strong note, like a pure white floral with a hint of sparkle, says Givaudan perfumer Calice Becker. Try Miu Miu L’Eau Bleue ($118 for 3.4 ounces; Sephora.com), an elegant fusion of lily of the valley and honeysuckle.



Photos: Kevin Cremens

Pop Fiction
If Bridget Jones is your cuppa, then you’ll cozy up to a scent that’s light and playful, says Becker. Look for a fruity, supersweet gourmand fragrance, like Dior Poison Girl ($100 for 3.4 ounces; Dior.com), a luscious sugary mix of soft rose, sparkling neroli, and juicy orange.



Photos: Kevin Cremens

Romance
Do you fancy Scarlett O’Hara’s ambitious pursuit of love? You’ll find a voluptuous floral most alluring. Your perfect match: a radiant bouquet of rose and/or white flowers (gardenia, tuberose, orange blossom, jasmine), like Chloé Love Story Eau Sensuelle ($105 for 1.7 ounces; Sephora.com), one of the prettiest ways to leave a lasting impression.



Photos: Kevin Cremens

Romance
Love is in the air. Well, one of its sweet surrogates: Tory Burch Love Relentlessly ($115 for 3.4 ounces; ToryBurch.com), a vivacious, bright, feminine blend of pink pepper, rose, pink grapefruit, pear, and sandalwood. This is a fragrance that seems fresh and new every day, just like enduring love.



Photos: Kevin Cremens

Mystery
If you’re enthralled by the whodunit genius of Miss Marple, call off the scent search party and follow this lead: Single out a dark fragrance with notes of amber, wood, or patchouli, says Becker. A prime suspect is Armani/Privé Iris Céladon ($270 for 3.4 ounces; GiorgioArmaniBeauty-USA.com).



Photos: Kevin Cremens

Thriller
Does the heart-pounding suspense of a chiller like The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo keep you up until the wee hours? Then you’ll be riveted by a powerful scent with an unexpected contrast of notes, says Becker. For a sublime adrenaline rush: Maison Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Celestia ($205 for 2.4 ounces; neimanmarcus.com) blends crisp, refreshing lime and mint with a surprising twist of warm, sensual musk.



Photos: Kevin Cremens

Adventure
Have you always dreamed of camping under the stars with a worn copy of West with the Night by your side? Try an evocative scent that sparks your wanderlust, like Jo Malone London Myrrh & Tonka Cologne Intense ($180 for 3.4 ounces; JoMalone.com), redolent of warm vanilla and the smoky incense of the Kalahari Desert.

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