The leaves are changing, all things pumpkin spice are on the menu, and spooky season is just around the corner. As we swap our swimwear for sweaters, it’s also time for a scent switch-up. While some perfumesare gorg all year round, there’s nothing wrong with going full-send and investing in a little bottle of smell good that screams “Fall.” Let’s dive into the top picks that’ll have you smelling like cozy nights by the fireplace, a sexy vamp, and pumpkin patches all season long!
What Scents Are Popular for Fall?
Fall is all about embracing cozy vibes with scents that capture the essence of the season. Think warm and spicy notes that transport you to a fragrant stove-top potpourri. This time of year, gourmand fragrances steal the spotlight, evoking the mouthwatering aromas of pumpkin and pecan pie. Vanilla, amber, and cinnamon immediately come to mind when envisioning the perfect fall scent. Don't forget about the delightful addition of citrus and muted florals, featuring sharp yet sweet tangerine peel and delicate roses. And for that extra touch of autumn warmth, keep an eye out for fragrances with hints of incense, such as sandalwood and patchouli.
What Makes an Autumn Perfume?
Autumn perfumes capture the essence of the season, reflecting the cozy ambiance of smoky fireplaces and the transition from breezy days to crisp, cool nights. These fragrances harmonize with the rich color palettes and snug sweaters we love to wear during fall. They often feature deep, woody notes, complemented by hints of leather and intoxicating vetiver. These scents may also incorporate fading florals to add complexity and nostalgia to the fragrance.
How to Choose the Perfect Fall Fragrance for You
Selecting the ideal perfume for the fall season is a deeply personal and intimate journey, often best embarked upon with a visit to your local beauty counter. Before committing to a scent, we suggest experimenting with a few options to discover which ones blend with your natural essence. Remember, it's important not to settle for a fragrance that doesn't align with your personal preferences. Fall embraces a diverse spectrum of scents, catering to both floral enthusiasts and those who prefer a cleaner fragrance profile. It's your opportunity to find the scent that truly resonates with you.
Donning notes of Morrocan orange blossom, french lavender, and a hint of musk, this grown and sexy scent creates a floral fusion ideal for a crisp fall morning. We opted to include the intense version for its lingering staying power.
Any fragrance by the name of Maison Margiela "Replica" is bound to be our go-to scent for reveling in the essence of any season. Once you spritz "By The Fireplace" and close your eyes, you'll be instantly transported to a world of toasted marshmallows and sparkling embers.
Even though cherries reach their peak in the spring, stone fruit reigns supreme as a signature not for any Fall fragrance. Coupled with Palo Santo, this intoxicating woodsy scent will have you living your Fall fantasies out to the fullest.
Reigning supreme as our top pick for clean beauty lovers, Skylar Fall Cashmere captures the warm, cozy, and spicy vibes of autumn.
Released earlier this year, Byredo Rouge Chaotique Night Veil is the latest addition to the collective roster of top fall fragrances. Essences of saffron, patchouli, bergamot, praline and plum make this the go-to grab for an evening wine-tasting or low-light dinner.
Scent aside, we'd snatch Carolina Herrera's Good Girl up just for display.
As nightly temps fall below 60, imagine sitting around a bonfire and roasting marshmallows in its flames. You'll find the sweet and woody scent that Commodity Milk Plus was made to embody in the air.
Nothing says warm and snuggly like a vanilla-fronted scent that wraps you like a warm blanket of cashmere. Layer after layer, Burberry Goddess unveils one comforting note after the other.
In its gilded bottle, Eilish by Billie Eilish contains a long-lasting vanilla fragrance — perfectly subtle for office wear, but dazzling enough to be noticed.
We're firm believers that every girl deserves a little treat. So, it's no surprise that we also think that you should smell like one too. Give Bon Bon a spritz if you're into delicious caramel and hints of mandarin.
Whether you're sipping apple cider on a picnic or taking in the season's new color palette, this airy and wonderfully girly scent will have you settling into your feminine energy.
With the sweltering summer-induced sweats out of the way, we're bringing sexy back this fall. Deliciously spicy, Givenchy L'Interdit Rouge will be the ultimate people-pleaser so you don't have to be.
Decadence derives from every bottle of Killian Paris and Apple Brandy is no different. Crisp apple and boozy brandy come together to create the signature aroma of autumn.
The clean girl aesthetic doesn't stop at barely there makeup and a slick back bun. Transcending seasons, Diptyque's Orphéon seamlessly straddles the lines of pure and sexy with notes of jasmine, cedar, and tonka bean.
Teetering on the edge of masculine, with heavy notes of pine, APRÈS is ideal for those of us riding the bench this cuffing season.
Notes of almond, toffee, vanilla, and sandalwood meld together to create a gourmand girl's dream.
Beloved by many, Philosphy's Fresh Cream Warm Cashmere is perfect for the novice eau de toilette wearer. Once you meet warm vanilla sugar's big sister, you'll be hesitant to go back.
Looking for a fragrance that'll take you from Halloween to New Year's and beyond? Jean Paul Gaultier's La Belle has you covered. A brew of vanilla, sweet pear, and fresh bergamot will leave you spritzing day after day.
Hidden amongst boho-chic knick-knacks and indie beauty wares is Anthropologie's best-kept secret. Outremer Eau de Toilette Vanille is a budget-friendly straight-up vanilla option for those who like to keep things simple, yet fragrant.
Reminiscent of Riesling, Angles Share shimmers in every room that it enters — leaving a trail of "mmmm what's that smell?" in its wake.
Vanilla goes dark in this undeniably smokey concoction by Tom Ford. It's giving vamp vibes for sure.
Another one for the girlies rocking a deep plum lippie this fall is Maison Margiela's "Replica" Jazz Club. Unisex in nature, It's woodsy warmth makes it a great transition scent.
With high concentrations of Madagascar vanilla bourbon and bites of spice, You'll be sniffing your wrist all day long.
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Header image via Byredo, Sephora, Ulta