The most underrated element that completes any look is your scent. While your outfit and jewelry may stand out, the one element that will linger on to any passersby is the fragrance you leave behind. 

We’ve come a long way in the world of perfumes, or at least I have from the Bath & Body Works body sprays and Victoria's Secret mists that were the hallmark scents of my adolescent years. Even in the general fragrance industry, we’re seeing new trends in the art of perfumery. Scents like Gourmand, or sweet scents, continue to stand out, with new twists and blends of floral or fruity notes. The blurring lines of gender bring earthier and deeper notes of musk or wood into perfumes that can be worn by everyone. 

The key theme that we’re taking into this new year is modern subtlety, this means soft and sultry scents. If you're looking for a new perfume to leave lingering in the 2025 air, here are some of our favorites. 

Merit Retrospect - With base notes of vanilla and hints of floral notes, this perfume ticks all the boxes of what we’re looking for this year. It’s soft and subtle but still seductive. The perfect scent to start the new year with. 

‍Chateau Krigler 12 - What I love about this fragrance is the elegance and timelessness of it. Chateau Krigler has created fragrances worn by the likes of royals and those like royals. If you’re looking for an Audrey Hepburn inspired scent, this is the perfect one to set an elegant tone for the year. 

HERMÈS Eau des Merveilles - If you still want to keep with the elegant and more timeless fragrances, this one from Hermès includes notes of wood and amber that still have the warmth of sweeter fragrances, but notes of more refreshing ingredients like bitter orange

‍REPLICA By the Fireplace - A great example of unisex fragrances is this one from Replica. It balances a blend of smoky and sweet—perfect if you’re looking for something different this year. 

Eilish - This one quickly became a favorite for Gourmand scents. The notes of vanilla and cocoa give it a much deeper sweetness if you’re looking for a sweet scent for the new year. 

Felt Cute™ -  Similar to the Eilish perfume with sweetness and depth, but with fruity notes like pear. This one adds a level of fun and playfulness with the fresher fragrances. If you wanna feel cute, maybe try some Felt Cute. 

Kayali Yum Pistachio Gelato - This is the ultimate sweet fragrance. If you aren’t necessarily looking for the more rounded sweetness and something more intense and bright, the notes of cotton candy and whipped cream lean into the Gourmand trend that's here to stay and will be for the rest of the year. 

PHLUR Vanilla Skin - This is a much more mature take on the vanilla scent. With spicy notes from pick pepper and comfort from sandalwood and cashmere, this would be a great everyday scent, especially in the colder months when you want some warmth and comfort. 

Glossier You - Another one of our favorite unisex scents is this Glossier perfume. It’s warm and spicy, but it’s subtle enough to work as an everyday scent. 

Black Opium Over Red - New year, new bottle. Black Opium is obviously a beloved scent by so many, but this new bottle will make a sultry and intriguing addition to your fragrance shelf.