Lacoste Style in Play Review: Fresh Woody Elegance
A crisp, green apple opening that evolves into a woody, musky embrace—perfect for the modern man.
By Vivir·
In this review
Lacoste Style in Play, launched in 2004, is a fragrance that captures the essence of dynamic masculinity. Composed by the renowned Annick Menardo, this woody floral musk for men is a testament to her ability to weave together contrasting elements into a harmonious whole. From the first spritz, you are greeted with a burst of crisp green apple and thuja, a combination that is both invigorating and subtly resinous. As the scent unfolds, a heart of pine tree, jasmine, and cedar emerges, adding depth and a touch of floral sweetness. Finally, a base of white musk, vetiver, and patchouli grounds the composition, leaving a soft, musky trail that lingers on the skin.
Style in Play is often described as a more complex version of Lacoste Red, and it shares a similar crisp-apple signature with Boss Bottled, another Menardo creation. This fragrance is a versatile companion for the modern man, equally at home in the office, at the gym, or during a casual daytime outing. Its fresh, fruity, and woody character makes it particularly suited for spring and summer, though it can be worn year-round. While its performance is moderate—longevity of 4-6 hours and soft to moderate sillage—vintage batches reportedly offer better projection and tenacity. Despite being discontinued, Style in Play remains a beloved choice for those who appreciate a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-wear scent that never fails to uplift.
Longevity
3.0
Projection
3.0
Sillage
2.0
$40-$90
SpringSummerFallWinter
Accords
WoodyAromaticFruityGreenFreshMuskyWhite Floral
Notes Pyramid
Top
Green AppleThuja
Heart
Pine TreeJasmineCedar
Base
White MuskVetiverPatchouli
Scent Journey
1
Opening0-30 min
The first 0-30 minutes bursts with crisp green apple and thuja, a sweet-and-sour freshness that is both invigorating and slightly resinous.
2
Heart1-2 hrs
The heart reveals a woody-aromatic blend of pine tree, jasmine, and cedar, adding depth and a touch of floral sweetness.
3
Drydown4+ hrs
After 4+ hours, the base of white musk, vetiver, and patchouli emerges, leaving a soft, musky, and slightly earthy trail.
Layer with a light citrus cologne to enhance freshness
Pair with a vetiver-based aftershave for added depth
Final Verdict
Lacoste Style in Play is a delightful fresh woody fragrance that excels in warm weather and casual settings. While its performance is moderate, its crisp apple and pine notes create a memorable and pleasant experience. A worthy addition to any collection, especially for fans of Annick Menardo's work.