9 Best Perfume Scents for Fall, According to Fragrance Experts

We asked perfume experts to share the biggest fragrance trends, here's what they said.

Just like clothing, fragrances fall into a seasonal rotation . Not to say you can't wear a crisp, bright floral deep into the cold months, but there’s just something cozier about a moody oud or decadent, nuanced gourmand. And for those who prefer lighter skin scents, there are plenty of autumn-approved spritzes to choose from. If you’re in the market for a new scent, consider leaning into one of these fall fragrance trends that experts say are going to be in everyone's noses this season.

Related: We Tried Perfume Primer to See If It Makes Perfume Last Longer

1. Warm, Creamy Vanilla

Vanilla is a staple year-round, but there’s something about autumn’s chill and the cozy, creaminess of vanilla that go together like a dream. “Vanilla is giving off major nostalgic vibes. It’s sweet and creamy, but still versatile enough to blend with florals or spices for a more modern twist,” says Jacqui Rubinoff , founder and perfumer at Eye of Love. “It’s that comforting, familiar scent that’s getting a cool, fresh update. It’s timeless, but with today’s blends, it can be layered and personalized for a fresh, unique scent experience.”

2. The Return of Tuberose

Don’t write off florals quite so fast. This autumn, we’re seeing a return of tuberose, but this time it has a softer spin. “The new tuberose that we'll see in the upcoming months and throughout 2025 has a completely different character,” says Yana Zhakhouskaya , owner of niche perfume magazine Cosmetique . “It is lighter, fresher, younger, and less buttercream-laced-with-opium and more macaron-with-vanilla-fairy-dust.” She says that if you’re not a fan of traditional white florals, this one might just sway you.

3. Resinous Amber

Another scent that cycles back around every autumn is amber, beloved for its warmth, richness, and slightly sweet throw. It also layers well with other fall favorites like vanilla, oud, and spices. “Amber has an enveloping quality that feels both luxurious and grounding, making it a go-to scent for the cooler months,” says Rubinoff. “Its rich, inviting nature makes it the perfect choice for those looking for a fragrance that complements the season's cozy, intimate atmosphere without being overly sweet.”

4. Fresh Green Scents

For a long time, anyone looking for a fresh scent had the choice between citrusy colognes and soft “skin scents.” According to Zhakhouskaya, “A new type of freshness will be taking over: the green freshness of cut grass, tangy basil, uplifting verbena, shady rosemary, and cool icy mint.” She speculates that people are opening up to this new twist on fresh scents thanks to embracing earthiness and subtleness. “Using a refreshing green-shaded fragrance is a way to bring a breath of fresh air into everyday life."

5. Modern Woodsy Fragrances

Autumn always brings about new twists on woodsy scents. This year, we’re seeing notes of dried leaves, burning woods, and textural smoky notes. “We tend to see the more traditional sandalwood, musk, soft cedar, and incense, but these adaptations appear more in niche fine fragrance,” says Darryl Do , senior perfumer at Delbia Do. “Consumers are seeking more versatile variations of the traditional musky woods for fragrances with more personality and depth.”

6. Exotic Fruits

After dominating the perfume market for several years, cherry is starting to yield to fresh, light, tropical notes a la mango, passion fruit, kiwi, and pineapple. Even more exotic fruits—like feijoa, dragon fruit , and star fruit—are also making appearances.

“The reason for the shift away from the darker, sexier red cherries, as well as strawberries and currants, towards the lighter, dreamier, and less intense tropical delights is the appetite for playfulness and unburdened joy that Gen Z is after,” Zhakhouskaya says. “These scents make people happy, let the wearer dream of beautiful distant destinations, and strike the perfect balance between sweetness and freshness.”

7. Deep, Dark, and Sensual

If there’s any season that calls for moody sensuality, it has to be autumn with its crisp air and witchy wavelengths. “Every action has a reaction, and the long trend of lighter, transparent fragrances has created a reaction for bigger, bolder scents—but with a balanced sensibility,” says Mark Crames , CEO and chief perfumer at Demeter Fragrances. This trend includes dark rose, oak, patchouli, velvet orchid, and blackcurrant.

8. Pheromone Perfumes

Pheromones are nothing new, but we’re seeing a rise of them alongside the popularity of subtle skin scents. “Pheromone-infused fragrances mix enticing scents with pheromones, which are known to subtly enhance attraction and boost your mood,” says Rubinoff. “These are great for people looking for a scent that does more than just smell good. Pheromone-infused scents make it easy to feel a little more magnetic and social while still smelling amazing.”

9. Sophisticated Gourmands

The PSL is known for being basic, but Do says that traditional autumn scents like pumpkin and cinnamon are getting a sophisticated upgrade. “Many of the traditional, sticky sweet fall gourmands may be too rich for early fall; we are always seeking new and unique interpretations on generally mass market trends,” he says. “We are seeing more plum, brandy, ginger, star anise, and even green florals, in combination with traditional fall gourmands, with fine and niche fragrance adapting more floral elements.”

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