There’s something about wearing our favorite colognes when the weather cools that allows them to resonate. Colder temperatures slow evaporation, letting prominent scent notes cut through the crisp air, and Fall fragrances tend to be warmer, richer, and more resinous. The “woodsy” category is vast and incredibly versatile based on where its placement in a scent pyramid, and Fall is when this family often takes center stage. These rich notes form the backbone of cold-weather colognes, making this the season to embrace deeper, more intricate fragrances.
Even though I’m partial to woodsy and incense colognes, the accompanying notes make all the difference in whether a fragrance resonates with your palette. Gourmands, inspired by foods like chocolate, almonds, coffee, and vanilla, are known for their rich, edible complexity. Boozy accords are also trending, with perfumers blending warm, malty notes like whiskey and cognac with more traditional foundations. Oud, once considered niche in the States (though incredibly popular in the Middle East), has become a staple for many perfumers, bringing its earthy and sensual aroma to fall fragrances. Some perfumers are even incorporating herbaceous notes like lavender or eucalyptus, melding them into green, verdant compositions layered over woody bases. Spicy notes mingle with florals, while citrus dances with patchouli. Fall is the season for embracing complexity in our fragrances, allowing these creations to linger a bit longer on our favorite cashmere sweaters.
The fragrances below are perennial fall favorites; a curated list of standout cool-weather scents that will complement your autumn vibe. So, spritz a cologne, put on a record and embrace the “ber” months—aka the best months.
Arquiste Almond Suede
Almond Suede, by renowned house Arquiste, is a decadent gourmand inspired by Medieval Andalusia and traditional almond sweets. It opens with pink peppercorn, bergamot, honeycomb, and almond oil. As it develops, saffron, orange oil, and Spanish cistus unfold, leading to a rich base of candied sugar, vanilla, French pine tar, and suede. Almond, honey, and suede take center stage, creating a sweet, warm aroma, a cold-weather scent as indulgent as your favorite dessert. Gourmands aren’t for everyone, but if the idea of sipping amaretto at your favorite café as the leaves fall speaks to you, this fragrance will, too.
When and where to wear it: This sophisticated gourmand fits right in your favorite indie bookshop with a cup of coffee. However, As the sun sets, this scent works equally well for fireside dinners or gatherings. Sweet, warm, and inviting, it’s the olfactory equivalent of wrapping yourself in a cashmere scarf.
Frederic Malle Hope
Frédéric Malle fragrances have become an institution and for Hope, oud is the note. Its rich, woodsy, unmistakable aroma has captivated for ages, and it’s starting to catch on in the U.S. For this fragrance, Frédéric Malle teamed up with his go-to collaborator, master perfumer Dominique Ropion, to craft a luxurious oud interpretation. As with all Frédéric Malle scents, this one exudes opulence, but oud doesn’t dominate here. Instead, it’s beautifully balanced with pink peppercorn, cypress, and juniper, complemented by hints of incense and vetiver. The result? A complex, smoky, leathery, and slightly sweet blend that’s unmistakably oud—crafted in Malle’s signature style.
When and where to wear it: This is a highly sophisticated oud formulated for evenings that require a touch of panache, whether at a black-tie gala or a cocktail hour in a plush lounge. However, this oud isn’t just for connoisseurs—it’s an approachable take for those who might be wary of wearing the distinct note.
Tom Ford Black Lacquer
With a Tom Ford scent, there is always the potential for a future classic—and Black Lacquer is no exception. This fragrance features a vinyl record accord – (you had me at that), and yes, you can sense that vibe upon the first spritz. Notes of rum, ink, and black pepper transition into soft floral notes of peonies, giving the scent a seductive and mysterious feel. It won’t be for everyone (what cologne is?), but for fans of warm spices, deep woods, and sensual florals, this fragrance hits all the right notes for fall. Plus, it comes housed in a luxurious, smoky version of the iconic retro-modern Tom Ford bottle. Put a record on, pour yourself a highball, and enjoy a spritz of this spicy lux scent.
When and where to wear it: Black Lacquer rocks in fall and winter. It’s a sexy aroma for date nights, where low-key lighting and music set the mood. Or host a vinyl listening party scent with this warm, intriguing aura that is best worn with a devil-may-care attitude.
Kilian Old Fashioned
No one embodies boozy colognes quite like Parisian house Kilian. Born into the Hennessy cognac family, Kilian has carved out a signature with fragrances featuring liquor notes. Old Fashioned is an olfactory homage to Scottish whiskey. But this isn’t just any whiskey fragrance; Kilian’s signature touch transports you to the Scottish Highlands, a fireside in a grand estate. The scent opens with wheat absolute and davana, which gradually settle into a base of cedarwood essence and tolu balm- creating a luxuriously rich, herbal, spicy amber fragrance. With a whiskey-inspired note, hints of sweet orange, and a woodsy barrel aroma, this scent is a must-have for fans of liquor accords and a no-brainer for Kilian devotees.
When and where to wear it: I am not usually a fan of boozy colognes, but they are trending right now- and for good reason- as fantastic ones like this come to market. Picture yourself at a dimly lit whiskey bar or in a wood-paneled study while wearing this warming amber scent. It has a nostalgic quality that’s hard to pinpoint, and mystery always intrigues.
Aesop Virere
Aesop, known for its high-quality, unique scents and handsome bottles, makes a stellar Fall fougère with Virere. This green, verdant scent opens with galbanum (giving it an incense-like quality) and bergamot, drying down into notes of green tea, cedar, and hay. It’s an aromatic herbaceous fragrance with figs, green tea, and the warmth of hay and woodsy undertones. Think of sipping green tea under an orange tree by a haystack in late Summer. If that resonates, this cologne carries that feeling into Fall, bringing a little zest to the upcoming shorter days.
When and where to wear it: Virere is fantastic for daytime wear in crisp autumn temps—I am talking about hangs in the park and outdoor markets. Its balance of greenery and warmth makes it a solid choice for office or casual gatherings alike. Pair it with a chunky knit sweater or a tailored coat to bring a touch of Spring to colder days.
D.S. & Durga Big Sur Eucalyptus
If you’ve stepped into any hip Brooklyn apartment or record store, there’s a good chance you’ve caught a whiff of Big Sur Eucalyptus. This cult-favorite candle evokes the feeling of standing in a foggy California grove with its blend of redwoods, conifers, and eucalyptus. After requests from DS & Durga devotees, the perfumers reinterpreted the scent as a limited-edition fragrance, which sold out instantly. Now, fragrance fanatics can rejoice—Big Sur Eucalyptus is a permanent offering as a cologne. It opens with wet woods and eucalyptus, transitions into cardamom and rosemary heart notes, and settles into a base of cypress and dry leaves. Balmy, green, woody, and spicy, it’s one of the unique indie scents you’ll want to gatekeep, though you’ll inevitably smell it on tastemakers from here on in.
When and where to wear it: Wear this artisanal masterpiece year-round, though it shines in the Fall. Think walks in a botanical garden, Sunday record shopping, or Road trips upstate. Its atmospheric blend of woods and greens will also add a cozy, outdoorsy vibe to your indoor soirees, too.
Santa Maria Novella Quercia
Santa Maria Novella, the revered Florentine house founded in 1221, embodies the heritage and artistry of fragrance-making, focusing on aromatic, pure ingredients. There’s an ethereal, minimalist luxury to their fragrances, where each note is easily identifiable as it unfolds. Quercia pays homage to the majestic oak tree standing guard over the Medicean Villa di Castello. This isn’t your grandmother’s lavender—it’s a regal, herbal, woodsy aroma with sweet vetiver, grounded by the earthiness of patchouli. It’s a sophisticated and wearable scent, perfect for fall soirées. And the translucent green bottle wouldn’t look out of place in an Italian cathedral—or your medicine cabinet.
When and where to wear it: This scent is tailor-made (catch that) for festive soirées and pairs beautifully with the lux cashmere turtlenecks or a sharp evening jacket. It’s a regal, sophisticated scent best worn for the types of holiday gatherings you see on an episode of Mad Men.
YSL Myself
YSL’s MYSELF Le Parfum opens with spicy vanilla bourbon, two popular notes, and black pepper essence. As it dries down, an orange blossom emerges, balancing the warmth with a bright citrus note. Imagine the essence of a peppery-woody candle, enhanced by florals and sweet orange and enveloped in a vanilla cloud. Translate that into a cologne for woodsy, citrusy, spicy, vanilla-sweet, and boozy warmth. This fragrance is complex yet highly wearable; confidently rock it all fall long and garner compliments.
When and where to wear it: MYSLF is an excellent everyday cologne that works well in the conference room and at the holiday office party. Whether paired with a wool overcoat or a leather jacket, this scent can dress up during the day or put on its nightcap when needed. A versatile spritzer.
Boss Bottled Absolu
BOSS exudes fall vibes with Bottled Absolu. Here, leather and incense set the tone as they lead into a heart of patchouli and myrrh absolute, complemented by a base of cedarwood and a hint of fruit. The result is a resinous fragrance with woody, spicy notes and a distinctive sweetness from plum. Though not listed, there’s also a slightly boozy vanilla undertone that adds warmth. This highly concentrated powerhouse is mysterious and moody—ideal for Fall with woods, leather, incense, and a sweet undercurrent.
When and where to wear it: Bottled Absolu is a fantastic go-to workday cologne. Its blend of leather, wood, and sweet undertones is sophisticated, understated, and highly wearable. Let the “what are you wearing?!” compliments come in, from the commute to the cooler.
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