The Very Best Tom Ford Colognes

Arguably one of the greatest and most popular fragrances for all genders, anyone who has splurged on the coveted fragrances know that few brands are as bold, long-lasting, intoxicating, and attention-grabbing. Any time someone stops me to ask what fragrance I'm wearing, there's a good chance it's Tom Ford.

But if you've ever walked into a department store hoping to find the Tom Ford fragrance of your dreams, the sheer number of bottles–most of which look identical–can make it an overwhelming experience. Fortunately, GQ has released what they're calling the "definitive guide" to the very best Tom Ford fragrances, fragrances that are a good place to start for anyone looking to start–or grow–their Tom Ford collection.

The Best Tom Ford Cologne, Period

"If you came here looking for controversy or an upset, then keep scrolling. Oud Wood reigns supreme–it's spicy, woody, ambrous, and yet despite all that heft, it is somehow bright and uplifting. It's a no-brainer "signature"–you can sport it year-round without much contradiction to the season or occasion. It just always smells good." $295, Nordstrom.

The Best Tom Ford Fragrance for Winter

"Tobacco Vanille, already one of our favorite tobacco scents, reads like a wintry recipe: vanilla, tonka beans, dry fruit, and cocoa. It makes for a sweet but soul-warming finish. It has what you might call "gentleman's club" energy–but it's heavier on "gentleman" than "club."" $295, Nordstrom.

The Best Tom Ford Fragrance for Spring

"Beau du Jour is the first of two fougere scents on this list, both of which highlight the shoulder seasons. This scent shines in spring for its lavender-rosemary-oakmoss mélange, and gives you that fresh-from-the-barbershop sensation." $225, Nordstrom.

The Best Tom Ford Fragrance for Summer

"Costa Azzurra sends you straight there, to the northern, deep-blue coasts of Italy. It marries fresh, herbaceous and aromatic notes with crisp citrus and uplifting evergreens, for a summery sensation–and a Mediterranean one at that. It takes second place in my book for the best potential signature scent of this list, after Oud Wood, and is a layup of a gift for any special occasion." $225, Nordstrom.

The Best Tom Ford Fragrance for Fall

"Fougere #2 on this list is another lavender sensation, but a warmer, spicier, and even sweeter execution that Beau du Jour. Fougère D'Argent brilliantly juggles vanilla-tinged coumarin, ginger, and mandarin–think of it as a standby for a cold-weather date night." $295, Nordstrom.

The Best Tom Ford Fragrance for the Man in Charge

"The head honcho needs confidence, and in terms of cologne, he needs to cast a radius as smart and sophisticated as him. (Or, as he believes himself to be.) Ombré Leather plays to its name with a commanding leather base, rounded by vetiver and broadened by patchouli." $255, Nordstrom.

The Best Tom Ford Unisex Fragrance

"Métallique is grossly underrated in the Tom Ford lineup, especially as a scent for men. It blends floral notes with crisp bergamot, spicy pink peppercorn, and a strong, creamy vanilla-sandalwood base. It's one of the brand's more "classic" scents in terms of its wear, with a universally pleasing cast (and a unisex friendly one at that). I think that people expect all Tom Ford fragrances to scream and shout, whereas this one plays by the rules and earns perfect marks for it." $235, Nordstom.

The Best Tom Ford Fragrance for Date Night

"Let's say off the bat that you wouldn't want to slap this on on a summer morning: this is a big scent, with edible spice and citrus backed up with a woody base. But on the right night, when you want to smell delicious? It could be just the thing." $225, Nordstrom.

The Best Tom Ford Fragrance for Happy Hour

"Unlike Noir Extreme, Noir de Noir is great for those evenings when you're looking to do a little more catching up and a lot less seducing–say at your office happy hour. The velvety scent is rich with layers of rose and patchouli, scents that are both exciting and grounding by nature. Spray on before you leave the cubicle to impress your boss after hours." $295, Nordstrom.

The Best Tom Ford Fragrance for a Weekend Getaway

"With summer winding down there's no better way to spend the last few weekends than amongst the waves. Before you set sail, add a couple layers of Neroli Portofino to awaken your senses. Packed with juicy citrus, florals and ambers, it's summertime bottled up to perfection and sure to inspire your next adventure." $295, Nordstrom.

The Best Sweet and Spicy Tom Ford Fragrance

"Perhaps you are a betting man–but you don't need to be with this cologne. Thanks to notes of sweet coconut and spicy cardamom–tied together with dreamy ylang ylang–Soleil Blanc is a sure winner." $295, Nordstrom.

The Best Long-Lasting Tom Ford Fragrance

"Black Orchid Parfum is a power-up of the brand's similarly named EDP. This is one of the stronger wears in the Tom Ford collection, thanks to a high concentration of perfume oils. It leans sophisticated yet springy thanks to its floral and patchouli accords, but is terrific for perennial wear thanks to a rousing rum base. Trust us here: A little goes a long way. It could have the longest shelf life for that reason, too, and might be the best bargain of the bunch for the same reason." $275, Nordstrom.

The Best Gentle Tom Ford Fragrance

"Gender in fragrance is a complicated issue, but this one certainly leans gentle, with powdery floral and musky notes. But in the era of painted nails and menswear skirts, any guy could pull this off–it's the perfect scent for the new masculinity." $250, Nordstrom.