Autumn is just around the corner, ladies. That means we must retire our beachy scents and move into territory that’s a bit more woodsy and sweet. Autumn is the perfect season to experiment with scents because there are so many scent associations with the season. You can go for a sweet candied fragrance reminiscent of Halloween, a pumpkin-centric scent that reminds you of your grandma's famous pumpkin pie, or stick to the simple autumn roots with a musky fragrance that smells like you cut the pine needles off of a tree yourself. The possibilities are endless, but we decided to cut down the options into a comprehensive list that can act as your guide to finding a staple scent this season.
We know that it can be difficult to figure out which scents give off that fall vibe we know and love, but worry no more: we have just what you need to make sure you’re a walking autumn gust of wind with a hint of smoky vanilla embers. Keep reading to find your signature scent.
Notes: Vanilla Infusion, Vanilla Caviar, Vanilla Absolute
Vanilla is definitely a versatile scent for any season, but having the three top notes be all vanilla-centric is what makes this perfume stand out. Burberry knows what they're doing with this one. I’d say that this scent in particular reminds me of opening a vanilla Tootsie Roll on Halloween night, eager to take off my costume and sit by the fire divvying up which candies I don’t want. The difference between this and my memory, though, is that a hint of lavender is present in the scent. This complicates the scent in a beautiful, tasteful way and ditches that possible pre-pubescent vanilla body spray feel that could occur with certain gourmand fragrances.
Notes: Red berries, Cardamom, Moss
Starting off strong and a bit on the nose, Margiela’s REPLICA line is based on the concept of evoking delicious memories. We all know that smell is one of the strongest senses we have that is associated with memory, and Margiela executes this very well. Autumn Vibes is a crisp, woodsy perfume that is spicy, sweet, and earthy. The berry notes complement the earthy scent of the moss, making it a perfect contender for a delicious autumnal fragrance. You can start small with a $35 sample, or dive into the largest bottle for $165. It never hurts to experiment with something as tried-and-true as the REPLICA line.
Notes: Rose centifolia, Amber, Musk
This scent has the ability to transport you to a cozy Winter retreat in the mountains. Albeit this might be more of a transition scent, but I couldn’t escape how intoxicatingly delicious the fragrance is. Amber Musk is warm yet bright, using Rose Centifolia to cut the softness of Amber and Musk. Aerin describes the scent as being reminiscent of “snow-capped mountains and frost-kissed evergreens” while a fireplace is crackling in the background, inviting cold travelers into its warmth. The scent speaks to the little things in luxury. What more could you want out of a fall fragrance?
Notes: Roasted chestnut, Balsam wood, Patchouli leaf
Autumn is the time for sweater weather, and this perfume from Anthropologie acknowledges and executes the idea well. Their Nostalgia line, which is very similar to Margiela’s REPLICA idea, creates scents based on concepts or memories. Promoting the fragrance as a “memorable fireside chat” in a bottle, Cashmere Sweater ensures that you’ll smell woody and cozy, much like chestnuts roasting on an open fire. But don't get the fragrance confused: this is a suitable scent for autumn and winter. The patchouli leaf addition to the scent allows the fragrance to not be completely overtaken by the chestnut and balsam wood notes, complementing the notes tastefully.
Notes: Juniper berries, Bourbon, Cedarwood
In autumn, we drink bourbon. Well, not all of us, but the scent will do. Bourbon is warm and inviting, much like a crackling bonfire in late autumn as we bid farewell to warm(ish) weather as we know it for the next few months. This Ellis Brooklyn perfume is earthy and fruity simultaneously. Bourbon notes typically have an oak-y vanilla profile, which complements the extra woody scent profile of cedarwood and the fruity essence of juniper berries. If you don’t want to commit to a gourmand, this fragrance is your best bet. Gourmand scents are definitely more popular in the colder months, as they have the ability to sprinkle in some warmth, but Après is a perfect balance of sweet, floral, and woodsy.
Notes: Clove oil, Chestnut accord, Vanilla accord
This is my personal favorite scent on the list. Though it is sickeningly autumn, I wear this scent year-round because of how inviting the scent is. Picture yourself curled up in a soft, cashmere blanket by a warm fire while you sip on some sweet, soothing egg nog. That’s it, that’s the scent. Upon the first spritz, you’ll smell the clove oil and chestnut noted. But as the fragrance settles atop your skin, the sweet vanilla note creeps in, softening what could be considered a bit too earthy for some. I cannot recommend this scent enough.
Notes: Tobacco leaf, Vanilla, Ginger
This is a popular musky gourmand scent that has been labeled a fan favorite by its devoted wearers. Tom Ford reimagines the classic tobacco fragrance with a modern, luxurious twist. The scent is considered warm and spicy and features a complicated, sophisticated blend of spices that is centered around tobacco, vanilla, and ginger. The scent starts with the rich, earthy essence of tobacco, which is beautifully complemented by the sweetness of creamy and soft tonka bean and vanilla. As it develops on the skin, much like Margiela’s By the Fireplace, hints of cocoa come to fruition, intertwining with the rest of the woody notes perfectly. This might be a steep price, but the smallest size retails for $75 if you want to see what all the autumnal hype is about.
Notes: Iso E Super, Mahogany wood, Tonka bean
Milk fragrances have been popping up all over TikTok because they possess a muted scent that's sweet but not too overpowering like a traditional gourmand. It has a marshmallow-y base note with a hint of musk but refuses to sacrifice its intended sweetness. The essence sits close to the skin, offering a calming sweet scent with just the right amount of a sharp, woody smell that will be perfect for the days when you want something that sort of smells like your skin, but a bit sweeter. Reviews online boast that it is a calming scent that does not overpower your senses, so if that sounds like you, we recommend trying it out for yourself. You will not be disappointed!
