Best Perfumes For Fall: Part I
Written by Angel Hoque
I proudly consider myself a fall enthusiast – not just for the usual reasons, but because I genuinely believe nature is at its most breathtaking when green leaves transform into a symphony of warm, golden hues. I am not a professional photographer, but I believe I have a hidden talent to capture the beauty of this season through my camera lens . There’s no better time to reflect on the fleeting beauty of life – transient, touching, yet deeply satisfying.
Photo credit: Angel Hoque
Autumn is, without question, the most inspiring season for fashion, and an exciting playground for fragrance lovers. With endless possibilities, it’s the perfect time to let your imagination run free and explore scents as layered and dynamic as the season itself.
Let’s talk about some of my staples and a new favorite for the upcoming season.
Angel Hoque
Ivory Route by Xerjoff
Photo credit: Angel Hoque
On the day of fall equinox, I will wear Ivory Route without a miss. A fragrance that’s been consistent as a fall staple for over 5 years. Ivory Route perfectly captures the heart of the season—crisp air, golden leaves, and the comforting embrace of cozy knits. If you love wandering through wooded trails and taking in the breathtaking colors of fall, this fragrance is made for you. With its rich blend of spicy vanilla and chocolaty patchouli, grounded in warm woods and resins, it evokes a sense of adventure and the magic of travel.
It’s a scent that lingers—on your skin, your sweaters, and your scarves—accompanying you long after a day spent exploring, whether in nature or the city. If you're looking to start your journey with Xerjoff this autumn-winter, Ivory Route is a beautiful place to begin.
Crimson Rock by Amouage
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Amouage portrays Crimson Rocks as a scent that "conjures the majesty of the Al Hajar mountains at dusk, enveloping you in a sweet sense of peace"—a fitting description for a fragrance that stirs deep, emotional responses through its sweet and spicy floral profile. With warming notes of cinnamon and pink pepper, softened by honeyed rose and grounded in earthy vetiver and woods, it creates a beautifully layered experience. This fragrance transitions seamlessly into more refined or slightly formal occasions, leaving you feeling radiant and inherently worthy.
Plum in Cognac by Scents of Wood
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There is nothing like Plum in Cognac in the Olfactive territory and a fragrance that will continue to reign as an exceptional olfactory gift to the industry. This is an ideal choice for those drawn to warm, boozy scents. Featuring notes of plum, Peru balsam, rum, cinnamon, vanilla, vetiver, immortelle, and osmanthus, it beautifully balances rich fruitiness with deep, intoxicating liquor tones, all resting on a smooth, woody foundation. It’s a sophisticated take on gourmand—a fragrance with depth and maturity.
Naxos by Xerjoff
Opens with a vibrant burst of energy, where bright citrus notes of bergamot and lemon blend seamlessly with the soft elegance of lavender and jasmine, all brought to life by a bold touch of precious spices. As the scent unfolds, a rich base of tobacco leaf, tonka bean, and vanilla emerges, transforming the light, fruity introduction into something deeper, more sensual, and exotic. It’s a standout example of a unisex fragrance that’s both refined and remarkably versatile. For those who crave a luxurious, creamy, and resinous aromatic experience, Naxos remains a timeless go-to.
Silky Woods Elixir by GoldField & Banks
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Offers a smoky, intensified reinterpretation of the original Australian agarwood featured in Silky Woods Eau de Parfum.
This rare botanical remains one of perfumery’s most enigmatic and treasured ingredients. Here, it’s masterfully enriched with notes of fig, saffron, orris, and a luscious balsamic sweetness, unveiling both the intricate soul of agarwood and the lush greenery surrounding it. The result is a woody gourmand fragrance brimming with opulence and sensual depth.
This version has always stood out to me—it adds greater complexity and dimension to the original, bringing a distinctive freshness and exotic flair to the composition. It's a fragrance I can easily see becoming a long-standing favorite for the autumn-to-winter transition.
Ambre Royal by Ormonde Jayne
Who doesn’t love a good amber in Autumn? But amongst the massive sea of amber fragrances, you must pick one that has a potential to stand out. It’s even better for a scent profile like this that has an understated elegance and who is better than creating an understated elegant fragrance than Ormonde Jayne? Ambre Royal opens with a classic blend of rose and jasmine, brightened by touches of orange blossom and bergamot. But it soon deepens into something richer, as patchouli and cedarwood emerge, all enveloped by a generous, golden amber heart. This expertly composed fragrance strikes a flawless balance between opulence and allure.
Opal by Boadicea The Victorious
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I adore a vintage-inspired floral with a touch of modern intrigue—especially when I’m dressed to impress. Fall is the pinnacle of style, and when the occasion calls for elegance, you need a fragrance that brings that regal flair. Opal delivers just that—a mesmerizing fusion where classic florals intertwine with a contemporary, aromatic fire. Notes of cinnamon, saffron, and black pepper flicker through a soft veil of orris, creating an unforgettable aura.
This fragrance is a dream for vintage floral lovers—rich in layers, full of mystery, and utterly enchanting. Its luminous, almost iridescent opening gives way to moody rose and violet, evoking the nostalgic charm of lipstick—both powdery and jammy, delicately enhanced by bay leaf. The feminine touch of the lipstick accord pairs beautifully with the earthy warmth of the rose, while green herbal notes cut through the sweetness, adding an elegant balance of brightness and spice.
Mon Santal by Astrophil and Stella
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This will go down as one of my favorite releases of 2025 and a new favorite fall staple in my collection. A savory, buttery sandalwood wrapped in the soft aroma of steamed rice, warm milk, and a gentle touch of caramelized sweetness. Accents of aromatic spice, hazy woods, and enveloping musk come together to create a scent that feels like pure comfort.
Mon Santal captures the bliss of indulging in your favorite comfort food within the sanctuary of your own space—warm, complete, and deeply peaceful. It’s the olfactory equivalent of a cozy blanket on a rainy autumn day—perfect for when you want to unwind, yet still exude effortless elegance
Bohemian Chic by Marrakech Imperial
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No article on this topic would be complete without mentioning an elegant iris-forward perfume that highlights musky undertones. Iris is my favorite note to wear throughout the year, especially in perfumes that highlight nutty, musky facets, which I tend to favor during the colder months when I am taking a long walk into the woods or going somewhere for a quick bite and coffee. Boheme Chic is a powdery oriental scent that transports you into a dreamlike realm. This fragrance glides over the skin like a gentle caress, opening with a smooth, powdery floral blend of iris, heliotrope, and rice powder, beautifully balanced by warm musky notes of amber and creamy vanilla.