“Long after one has forgotten what a woman wore, the memory of her perfume lingers.”
– Christian Dior
September is in, and Summer is coming to a close. As we near the crisp Fall weather, people are switching out their swimsuits for sweaters and sandals for fuzzy boots. Why not think about switching up your perfume, too?
Fall scents, ideally, should smell like the season itself—Crisp. Woody. Sweet.
But it’s hard to choose a single scent that can fully embody the season of change and dynamism. That’s why we’ve curated a list of the season’s top perfumes, organized by note pairings perfect for Fall.
Let’s take a look at some of Fall 2024’s scents of the season.
Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium
PHOTO: Brand
Launched in 2014, this is a best-seller and staple by YSL. BLACK OPIUM can be described as a ‘good girl gone rogue’. A whiff of sweet florals, and as it sinks in, you’re filled with deeper scents like coffee beans. Seductive. Sexy. Intoxicating. Like the bottle design, its fragrance is alluring and sure to turn heads.
Key notes: Vanilla, Coffee, Sweet Jasmine
Fenty Eau de Parfum
PHOTO: Sephora
We love Fenty’s Eau de Parfum because it’s just as approachable as it is warm and sensual. She opens up light with the blend of magnolia, bulgarian rose and tangerine, but the base notes of musk and patchouli really shine through in the end, giving the perfume depth and longevity.
“This isn’t about a fantasy—I wanted to experience truth. Fenty Eau de Parfum is for remembering what’s real. I made a fragrance for myself and am now sharing it with you.” – Rihanna
Key notes: Magnolia, Musk, Bulgarian Rose
Tom Ford Vanilla Sex
PHOTO: Nordstrom
Tom Ford’s Vanilla Sex is anything but vanilla. We know—it sounds like overload. But by now, you should expect more from Tom Ford.
Of course, the perfume is built around a central vanilla note. But she’s balanced out with the warmer sandalwood and a spicy amber. (We told you it was anything but vanilla).
Key notes: Vanilla Tincture, Vanilla Absolute, Sandalwood
Guerlain Shalimar Eau de Parfum
PHOTO: Amazon
This is a truly timeless wear. Women all over have been wearing Shalimar since 1925.
Unlike what can be traditionally described as an ‘old lady perfume’, Shalimar is different. She’s classic, but refined. This fragrance opens with a fresh burst of bergamot and lemon, sinks into a romantic blend of jasmine and rose, and closes out with a deeper vanilla, tonka bean, and incense.
Your great-grandmother probably had it—and she was definitely killing it.
Key notes: Vanilla, Bergamot, Incense
Le Labo Santal 33
PHOTO: Nordstrom
Santal 33 has been all the rage lately, and if you try it, you’ll understand exactly why.
Launched in 2011 as a unisex fragrance, Santal 33 seeks to appeal to all fragrance fanatics. The deep cedarwood, sandalwood, and cardamom make you think of sitting around a warm fireplace, watching the flames ignite. It has the smell of the crackling firewood—without the harsh smoke part.
Key notes: Australian Sandalwood, Cedarwood, Cardamom
Philosykos Eau de Parfum
PHOTO: Bloomingdale’s
The bottle is so recognizable—it’s not just a perfume. It’s a lifestyle. Think of streetlights and leaf-covered sidewalks at night in the city. That’s Philosykos.
Key notes: Fig leaves, Fig tree sap, Fig tree wood, Black pepper
Narciso Rodriguez For Her
PHOTO: Brand
The entire Narciso Rodriguez For Her line took the world by storm. Sold out in almost every retailer it sells at, it’s the essence of a woman in a bottle. Sensual. Soft. And, at its core, warm and sweet.
Key notes: Musk, Rose, Amber
INITIO Parfums Privés Musk Therapy
PHOTO: Brand
The best way to describe Musk Therapy isn’t with describing the scent itself, but what the perfume embodies. All of your favorite things—your favorite restaurants. Memories. Meals. She’s welcoming and approachable, like the beginning of fall. A cool hug where you can still smell the sweetness on her cashmere sweater.
Key notes: Bergamot, Mandarin, White Magnolia, Cassis, White Sandalwood
Tom Ford Black Orchid
PHOTO: Sephora
Vanilla Sex’s raunchier cousin. Imagine dark chocolate and coffee in the midst of a stormy autumn night, branches thrashing against the windowsill. Yet, there you are, hot cup in hand, thriving in peace amongst the chaos outside.
Key notes: Black orchid, Black truffle, Ylang-ylang
Givenchy Irresistible Rose Velvet
PHOTO: Brand
When you think of Fall, you probably aren’t thinking of flowers and gardens. But if you think a little deeper, you’ll remember deep red roses, romantic first dates, and the crisp Autumn wind. Irresistible Rose Velvet is all the sweet things about Fall. The things we tend to forget—although she’s anything but forgettable.
Key notes: Black currant, Rose, Patchouli
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