Photo: @alison_wu
Fragrance
A Very Demure Guide to Fall Perfumes
We’ve rounded up ten fragrances to put you in a very mindful fall mode.
Text Başak Ulubilgen
As fall settles in with its golden hues, it’s the perfect time to embrace the season not just in our wardrobes and homes but also in the fragrances we wear. As we layer soft sweaters and cozy blankets, these fragrances cocoon us in comfort, offering a gentle, seasonal embrace. With their delicate, innovative blends, these fragrances are designed to capture the serenity of crisp autumn days, offering a very mindful allure that invites us to slow down and savor the season.
D. S. & Durga I Don’t Know What, $210
This fragrance enhancer from D.S. & Durga captures that effortless “je ne sais quoi” with its clever blend of “no-note” notes, making it a perfect layerable or standalone scent. It has a unique mix of contemporary woody ingredients, and a hint of bergamot. IDKW can be worn layered over another fragrance or enjoyed beautifully on its own.
Maison Margiela Autumn Vibes, €140
Imagine the warmth of a homemade carrot cake on a crisp fall afternoon—that’s the best way to describe this scent from Maison Margiela. Autumn Vibes transports you instantly into the heart of autumn with its cozy, gourmand blend of carrot seed, cardamom, and pink pepper essences. Cedarwood and moss accord add a fresh, woody base, completing this comforting ode to fall.
Byredo Desert Dawn, $225
A fragrance that feels like the warmth of dawn breaking over the horizon, ideal for cooler fall mornings. Desert Dawn opens with sweet cardamom, followed by wood notes that evoke desert heat. The perfume’s heart features sandalwood and cedarwood, while vetiver and silk musk create a smoky finish, accented by the crisp scent of papyrus. This fragrance balances dryness with a comforting warmth, just like the first light of dawn.
Phlur Soft Spot, $99
Soft Spot draws inspiration from the intimacy of fall. This fragrance weaves soft citrus and watery florals for an emotional and captivating scent. It opens with bergamot peel, mandarin, and freesia and continues with jasmine petals, waterlily, and vanilla orchids. The base notes of amber, sandalwood, and musk create a velvety finish that lingers beautifully.
Henry Rose Char, $120
This one is an enigmatic blend, balanced by the bright notes of orange blossom and the earthiness of vetiver. It opens with the warm richness of South American tonka bean, Ivory Coast ginger, and labdanum resinoid. The heart reveals a blend of Indonesian patchouli and Moroccan orange flower, while Haitian vetiver grounds the fragrance with a woody finish.
Jo Malone London Hinoki & Cedarwood Cologne Intense, $228
Here’s a cologne that perfectly captures the serenity of a Japanese forest. The crisp and aromatic hinoki wood joins the earthy cedarwood, creating a fresh and woody fragrance that will suit anyone.
Le Labo Thè Matcha 26, $235
This isn’t just a scent—it’s a tranquil escape. Thè Matcha 26 blends matcha tea with creamy fig, soft vetiver, and cedarwood, finished with a touch of bitter orange. It captures the elegance of fall in a way that feels like the first hot cup of matcha of the season. Once you experience it, you’ll find yourself coming back for more.
Tamburins Late Autumn, ₩45.800
Created by South Korean brand Tamburins, Late Autumn embodies the season’s subtle charm with its blend of bitter orange, grassy sugarcane, and soft musk. It reflects the warmth of autumn, mingling with the fading green of the landscape and leaving a gentle yet lasting impression.
Diptyque Lunamaris, $330
Created in collaboration with perfumer Fabrice Pellegrin and artist Nigel Peake, Lunamaris combines the subtle richness of sea salt with creamy, iridescent mother of pearl. The blend captures the essence of purity and elegance, with a classy interplay between fresh marine elements and a soft, powdery finish.
Chanel N°5 L'EAU, €142
The icon that is Chanel N°5 switches its classic bottle with a pebble-like glass design for this limited edition. As the fresher version of its signature scent, N°5 L’EAU combines citrus notes with aldehydes, followed by a floral mix of rose, jasmine, and ylang-ylang. Vetiver, cedar, and musk conclude this new member of the N°5 family, created by in-house perfumer Olivier Polge. This fresher take on the iconic scent embodies effortless sophistication, making it the perfect accessory for fall’s serene mood.
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