Favorite Perfumes for Fall

Patricia draws a portrait of her favorite season with her beloved scents.

Autumn is the gift we New Englanders receive in exchange for putting up with a sometimes severe, but always long, winter. Although I am rapidly reaching the age when “snowbirds” fly south to Florida for the winter, that prospect holds no appeal for me. I appreciate all four seasons, with autumn, the bittersweet reminder of approaching winter and our own mortality, remaining my favorite.

brussels-fall

Pulling out the spicy orientals, the deep rich roses, the smoky incenses, and the warm ambers from my perfume cabinet in September is an annual ritual for me. They are old friends, hidden in protective darkness since April, and it is good to see them again. Into the cabinet go the sparkling citruses, light florals, and tropical concoctions that I have enjoyed all summer.

Still, never one to plunge into bracingly cold water, I ease myself into the fall perfumes, toe by careful toe. September, technically still summer for most of the month, can be quite warm and humid and not conducive to heavy perfume, so I wear what I refer to as my transitional trio.

L’Eau à la Folie by Parfums de Nicolaï smells of intoxicatingly heady fruits left on the vine just a little too long. Azemour les Oranges by Parfum d’Empire is a fruity chypre, with orange, orange peel, and the bitter white pith combined with newly mown and baled hay. Ginestet Botrytis is a honeyed vanilla oriental. You can almost see the bees buzzing around a hive on a sunny late September afternoon. For me, these perfumes represent the harvest at the end of the growing season.

October brings the lower temperatures, changing leaves, and spicy orientals, ambers, and rich roses. One can finally imagine sitting fireside with friends or enjoying a good book after a long walk in the woods or apple picking. The lovely vanillic amber of L’Ambre des Merveilles by Hermès is like eating a warm caramel apple, all sweetness and comfort. Ormande Jayne’s Ormande Woman is all dark woods and hemlock forest. I don’t know anything else that smells quite like it, and it is a staple in my fall rotation.

Although discontinued, Fendi’s Theorema is one of the most beautiful of the orientals. Warm spices, amber, sandalwood, and patchouli make this a favorite for curling up wrapped in a cozy throw for a good read. Theorema is still available at the discounters, but Parfumerie Generale’s Iris Oriental (formerly known as Iris Taizo), although drier and more woody than spicy, serves much the same purpose for me. For an autumn rose, Brulure de Rose, also by Parfumerie Generale is a warm vanilla custard with a caramelized top and covered with spicy rosehip jam.

Next comes November, my favorite month of the year. Thanksgiving, as celebrated in the United States, focuses on family, friends, and food and reminds us to give thanks for what we have instead of longing for what we don’t. In spite of the shortened days, November is truly gorgeous as the deciduous trees complete their deforestation, and the horizon is finally visible through spiky branches. It is a stark landscape, but a particularly moving one. It is black and white photography, as compared to the lush chromatic tones of October. Incense and other pared-down fragrances seem to suit best, as ironically, so do gourmand fragrances and bold chypres.

Coromandel by Chanel is a woodsy amber incense warmed with patchouli. Not an immediate love for me, something in its earthy richness called me back again and again such that I cannot be without it. The two Volutes by Diptyque (EDP and EDT) provide a different kind of incense: pipe tobacco in a delicious base of iris, honey, dried fruits and hay. Try both versions, as they are not alike. I found the EDT to be crisper and brighter and the EDP darker and richer. For a gourmand treat, I turn to Un Bois Vanille by Serge Lutens. Not overly sweet but very rich, this fragrance contains notes of vanilla, coconut, and sandalwood.

Which scents say autumn to you?

For other Top Fall Favorite lists, please visit Grain de MuscNow Smell This, and Perfume Posse.

Photography by Bois de Jasmin

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138 Comments

  • Marsha Smith: I found Botytris on Lucky Scent almost 10 years ago and it always made me think of Thanksgiving. In the ensuing years, I always wondered why it got so little attention. I’m quite happy that it is one of your favorites! September 6, 2013 at 9:09am Reply

    • Michele: I agree with you about Botrytis. I’m surprised it doesn’t get more recognition. It just screams fall to me. It is cool in New York today and I baked an apple pie. As I smelled the breeze coming in the window combined with the smell of pie crust, cinnamon, and apples, I was thinking, “It’s Botrytis time.” I encourage anyone who likes a warm, boozy, spicy scent (it’s supposed to smell like mead) to sample it. September 6, 2013 at 9:41am Reply

      • RenChick: I agree with both of you. Botrytis is such a lovely scent, and one of my all time favorites. I tried it as part of an “All Souls Trilogy” paired scent sampler offered by Surrender to Chance, meant to represent the scents of Deborah Harkness’s main characters in her book trilogy. Botrytis represented the female protagonist. One sniff and I was in love! Such a warm, boozy honeyed scent! September 6, 2013 at 11:20am Reply

        • 2046: thirded – a lovely person sent me a sample of botytris, and it’s on my must-buy list for autumn/winter! i love the warmth and fruitiness of the honey… so comforting. September 6, 2013 at 2:23pm Reply

    • Patricia: Marsha, Nothing smells quite like Botrytis, and every time I put it on I wonder why I don’t wear it more often. But I agree with you Michele, and RenChick, it is definitely an autumn fragrance. September 6, 2013 at 2:01pm Reply

  • Caroline: Fall’s my favorite season too…love the crisp air, leaves crunching underfoot and lack of humidity! Alas, oriental scents don’t agree with me, but chypres work well: AdP’s exquisitely autumnal Profumo, 31 RC and DSH’s Le Smoking will be moved to the front of the cabinet. September 6, 2013 at 9:24am Reply

    • Patricia: Hi Caroline, Profumo by AdP and 31 RC are huge favorites of mine. I have not tried Le Smoking, however. What notes does it have other than, I assume, incense? September 6, 2013 at 2:04pm Reply

      • Caroline: It does have incense notes, but on my skin, it’s much more of a tobacco and refined animalic scent. Just delicious for cooler weather. September 6, 2013 at 4:35pm Reply

        • Patricia: I will have to try this as it sounds perfect for autumn 🙂 . September 7, 2013 at 9:35am Reply

  • Sabine: Lovely article. Interesting how different we can experience the seasons and the smells that come with them. For me, living in London, autumn is a grey and wet affair and my least favourite season. The only thing that I really enjoy is the coming back to fashion, proper clothes and accessories, coats, scarves, tights, shoes, bags, you name it. And I want the fragrance to go with the wardrobe and 31 Rue Cambon would be perfect but a bit too expensive right now. September 6, 2013 at 9:35am Reply

    • Patricia: Hi Sabine, I bought my 31 RC as a half-filled bottle in an online auction. But I know that the auctions are not a sure thing and that you are taking a chance regarding authenticity (esp. with the Chanels) and previous storage of the bottle that might affect the condition of the perfume. Perhaps you could do a decant? September 6, 2013 at 2:09pm Reply

  • Irene: Wow, we have strinkingly similar choices for autumn: Azemour, Ormonde Woman, Volutes…
    May I recommend the perfume that for me best represents the feeling of stepping in into a chilly green humid forest, which the sun filtering through the branches, Bois 1920 Vento di Fiori.
    And the nutty gourmands that also come into rotation as of September are Jeux de Peau and PG´s Aomassai.. September 6, 2013 at 9:40am Reply

    • Patricia: Hi Irene, I have a small sample of Jeux de Peau but have not tried either the Bois 1920 Vento di Fiori or PG’s Aomassai. I’m a fan of Parfumerie Generale, so Aomassai is a must-try for me. Thank you for your suggestions! September 6, 2013 at 2:12pm Reply

  • zari: I woke up with a mood ready for autumn today, Patricia! So I put on Coco EDP (which is a fairly new scent for me that I’m still courting) . So far, I’m absolutely loving it against the cool air. It made my car commute seem like I was elsewhere. Tocca Colette is also staring at me from my bag so that may be in rotation tomorrow. Yes, I do plan my perfumes sometimes a day or two in advance (like outfits). Thanks for the post. September 6, 2013 at 9:57am Reply

    • Patricia: Hi Zari, My daughter just texted me that my article reminded her of my bottle of Coco, a scent which she associates to me in fall. I just love it. I haven’t tried the Colette yet, but the Sephora near me seems to have tester bottles of all the Tocca scents, so I will sample it next time I’m in the store. (I often plan my perfume ahead of time, too 🙂 ) September 6, 2013 at 2:22pm Reply

      • zari: Yes, Collette is the only Tocca I’ve happened to like. Something about the vanilla – the scent evokes late afternoon sunshine and warmth in a quite house. I hope you enjoy it! September 9, 2013 at 9:19am Reply

  • Lucas: When I think of autumn I think a lot about iris. L’Artisan Iris Pallida, Atelier Cologne Silver Iris, irises from Prada. They’re all kind of nostalgic and autumney to me. Ah, and Carner Barcelona D600 too.
    Rose Anonyme with its scarlet petals is like a red falling leaf.
    Parfum d’Empire Eau de Gloire too – it’s melancholic to me. September 6, 2013 at 10:04am Reply

    • Patricia: Irises do have a melancholic, nostalgic tone to them, don’t they? I wear irises year-round, though, so I didn’t single any out for this article. I have a small sample set of Parfum d’Empire, so I’ll be sure to try Eau de Gloire! September 6, 2013 at 2:27pm Reply

  • ralu: I love Coromandel and it is at the top of my list this fall. My other fall favorites are Musc by Bruno Acampora and eo01 biehl parfumkunstwerke. Coromandel has good sillage while the other 2 stay close to the skin. September 6, 2013 at 10:16am Reply

    • Patricia: I haven’t tried the Musc by Bruno Acampora or the eo01 biehl parfumkunstwerke so will add them to my tester list. Thanks for sharing your favorites, ralu! September 6, 2013 at 2:30pm Reply

      • Ralu: Hi Patricia, eo1 is similar to Organza Indecence with the exception of the sillage. I get compliments when I wear Musc which is important to me. However, I get most compliments when wearing Coromandel and Carnal Flowe. September 6, 2013 at 7:28pm Reply

  • Sandra: L’amber by Hermes is one of my favs! I am also a New Englander, or rather a New Yorker! Another one of my favs for fall will be Dries By F. Malle. Now.. When does apple picking season start! 😉 September 6, 2013 at 10:18am Reply

    • Patricia: I know! Isn’t it amazing the variety of apples available to us now? I don’t remember such an embarrassment of riches growing up. There were cooking apples and eating apples :). September 6, 2013 at 2:33pm Reply

  • Natalia: Hm, depending on where I am in the world, autumn can be my most favorite or my least favorite season. But let’s say it’s North Europe (in which case it’s my favorite part of the year) with the heavy rains and the fragile sun and the visual feast of falling leaves.

    Then Chanel 5 is my ultimate autumn fragrance.

    Caleche, Aromatics Elixir, Kelly Caleche, 31 Rue Cambon, Pois de Senteur, L’Eau d’Hiver are, too, quite perfect for the colors and moods of the season. September 6, 2013 at 10:40am Reply

    • Patricia: I’ve never quite managed to love Chanel #5, Natalia. But all the others you mention are personal favorites. I have the teensiest decant of Pois de Senteur. Thank you for reminding me that I should use it before it dries up! September 6, 2013 at 2:40pm Reply

    • Eva S.: I think Chanel no 5 works very well in cold weather.
      I use Chanel no 5 Elixir Sensuel in winter, and when I do cross country skiing ! (I think I am the only person ever to ski the famous swedish cross country race “Vasaloppet” 90 km in Chanel no 5!)
      I never use it in summer. September 8, 2013 at 1:10pm Reply

      • Patricia: I imagine that you are, Eva! I love to go horseback riding in Cristalle 🙂 . September 8, 2013 at 3:11pm Reply

  • Cornelia Blimber: Beautiful descriptions of your perfumes!
    Like Lucas, I like iris in fall. Dior Homme Intense,
    Shalimar l’Initial are on my dresser, and I have a sample of Iris Silver Mist==wish I had a full bottle. Hiris is my summer choice, combined with L’Heure Bleue (which is a favorite in all seasons, vintage and new).
    I also like Van Cleef in this season (the diamond shaped bottle), a little bit melancholic, old fashioned perfume, layered with MPG Eau de Mûre.
    And the rosy, creamy Tocade when it is raining.
    There are so many lovely perfumes, but in the end, I always return to Guerlain, specially the classics: Shalimar, Mitsouko, L’Heure Bleue, Jicky (reformulated but I have a soft spot for Jicky), Nahéma. Such a pity I cannot appreciate the new Vol de Nuit, but am rather happy with Sous le Vent. All guerlains are perfect for fall. September 6, 2013 at 10:48am Reply

    • Patricia: Cornelia, Tocade sounds lovely for the rain. And of course one can never go wrong with the Guerlains, except for La Petite Robe Noire, which I did not like at all 😉 September 6, 2013 at 2:45pm Reply

  • Annikky: I love all seasons and will not pick a favourite, but autumn is great. September and October can be glorious in Estonia, with weeks of multicoloured leaves, mushroom picking and pale sun. November, however, is horrible.

    Things I know I’m going to wear are Cuir de Russie, Portrait of a Lady, Ormonde Jayne Woman/Man, Feminite de Bois, ELdO The Afternoon of a Faun and Neela Vermeire Trayee. I also plan to continue wearing Arquiste Boutonniere No 7, Olfactive Studio Lumiere Blanche and The Different Company Sel de Vetiver. I have this vision of the latter working perfectly on the autumn beaches of Brittany that I plan to visit.

    I’m also looking forward to trying the lilies – both the Serge Lutens and Tom Ford versions and Neela Vermeire Ashoka. September 6, 2013 at 10:56am Reply

    • Gretchen: Oh, that Ashoka – I am eagerly awaiting its arrival, too! Meanwhile, OJ Woman, Teo Cabanel Alahine, Guerlain L’Heure Bleue and Nahema, and Mona di Orio Musc are proudly moving into rotation. September 6, 2013 at 12:10pm Reply

      • Wendy: Gretchen,Oh YES, I have pulled out my beloved Mona di Orio Musc now, as well!
        also the smoky, leathery Le Labo Patchouli September 6, 2013 at 2:35pm Reply

        • Patricia: Le Labo Patchouli was a little too much patchouli for me, but since I’ve learned to love Coromandel, maybe I’m ready for it now! September 6, 2013 at 2:53pm Reply

      • Patricia: What nice fall fragrances, Gretchen! September 6, 2013 at 2:51pm Reply

    • Patricia: Annikky, you are certainly going to smell good this fall, and I think that Sel de Vetiver is genius for the autumn beaches of Brittany. I only wish I could join you there! September 6, 2013 at 2:49pm Reply

      • Annikky: Thanks, Patricia! Btw, inspired by your beach post I went and tried Virgin Island Water – and it’s the first Creed fragrance I’ve actually liked. September 9, 2013 at 3:08am Reply

        • Patricia: I’m glad you liked Virgin Island Water, Annikky. Too bad it’s so expensive. September 9, 2013 at 7:25am Reply

  • rainboweyes: I enjoyed reading your description of the scents accompanying you through the different stages of autumn. I loved this time of the year as I lived in the US – Connecticut and Maryland – unfortunately European autumn is quite the opposite: rainy, windy and grey… Definitely my least favourite of all seasons, closely followed by winter.
    Autumn scents are a different kettle of fish, though. As much as I will miss the summer, I am thrilled to pull out my favourite iris scents, which I preferably wear when then temperatures fall, from the perfume cabinet.
    My first autumn perfume that I wear when the days are still warm and sunny is Bois d’Iris (VC&A). I love the smell of warm, sun drenched driftwood that has been washed by the salty waves all summer long. Another option for sunny autums days is Ann Gerard Cuir de Nacré.
    When the period of cool, rainy weather sets in, I switch to more earthy, rooty scents reflecting the autumnal aura. My favourites are Iris Silver Mist, Artisan Iris Pallida, Heeley Iris de Nuit and 31 Rue Cambon. I’m thinking of treating myself to a bottle of Iris Nazarena this autumn, it is a bit pricey, though. When I need something comforting and cosy, I reach for Pd’E Equistrius or Artisan Mon Numero 8.

    My first autumn September 6, 2013 at 11:28am Reply

    • Annikky: Lovely choices. I’m planning to sample some new irises this autumn, although many iris scents are true all-year-rounders for me. And Iris Silver mist, while always divine, works best for me in very early spring. September 6, 2013 at 11:40am Reply

      • rainboweyes: I wear ISM in early spring too!
        What iris scents are you planning to sample this autumn?
        I’d love to try the new Atelier Cologne iris and Skin on Skin by AP but I think both are not available yet 🙁 September 6, 2013 at 12:14pm Reply

        • Patricia: Atelier Cologne Silver Iris is available now at Luckyscent. I think you would like it very much. September 6, 2013 at 3:21pm Reply

          • rainboweyes: I’ve just ordered a sample from First in Fragrance (I’m based in Germany), it just became available today :). And a sample of Ys Uzac Satin Doll. September 7, 2013 at 6:22am Reply

            • Patricia: Please let me know what you think of it! September 7, 2013 at 9:37am Reply

        • Annikky: Silver Iris is definitely on the list, but most of these are “new” only because I haven’t tried them yet. I am curious about Ramon Monegal’s Impossible Iris, Parfum d’Empire’s Equistrius and the Artisan irises – Mon Numero and Pallida. And in case I win a lottery, there’s always Irisss… I also need to spend some more time with Iris Nazarena.

          Somehow I had forgotten all about Skin on Skin, I definitely need to try that one – everything that combines iris, leather and Duchaufour is a must-sample in my book. Thanks for the reminder!

          Btw, just wanted to mention that Bois d’Iris is a wonderful transition scent. I love it, but it’s just too fleeting on me to buy. I’m planning to give The Different Company’s Bois d’Iris a thorough testing, to see if it could be an alternative. September 6, 2013 at 6:08pm Reply

          • rainboweyes: Impossible Iris is an absolute must-try! It got a lot of wearing in the last couple of weeks. I think it is the most complimented of all my scents. It’s perfect for the summer when the temperatures are not too high.

            Equistrius has a lovely, velvety touch (violet + iris?) and I find the slightly gourmand notes of chocolate and rice very comforting (not sweet, though!).

            I forgot to mention another autumn favourite of mine – Moulin Rouge (HdP). It’s a typical skin scent which I preferably spray on my scarves. September 7, 2013 at 9:20am Reply

            • Annikky: Thank you for the descriptions and recommendations, I’ll get on it 🙂 September 9, 2013 at 3:07am Reply

            • Annikky: Oh, I forgot – Byredo’s 1996 is also featuring iris. September 9, 2013 at 3:44am Reply

        • Becky: Surprisingly, I saw (and took home a sample!) of the Atelier from a Sephora today. I’m excited to try it out. September 7, 2013 at 9:49pm Reply

          • Patricia: I’d be curious to know what you think of it, Becky. September 7, 2013 at 10:51pm Reply

    • Patricia: I’m glad you mentioned Ann Gerard, rainboweyes. I like all three of her scents, with perhaps Ciel d’Opale being my favorite. Cuir de Nacré is more suitable for fall, though. That powdery leather is just yummy. September 6, 2013 at 3:20pm Reply

  • rainboweyes: Sorry, forgot to delete the last line 🙂 September 6, 2013 at 11:30am Reply

  • Meghan: Completely agree re: Theorema! That has been on my wishlist for a while now…

    Really want to smell this Brulure de Rose, now! September 6, 2013 at 11:54am Reply

    • Patricia: Brulure de Rose makes for a nice change from the transparent roses that are so suitable for summer. September 6, 2013 at 3:24pm Reply

  • Mel: Tilda Swinton Like This by ELdO is my top autumn scent along w/ Parfums DelRae Bois de Paradis. The light in SoCal is autumnal but the temp is not so I’m still in summer mode scent-wise. I can hanker though. Thanks for the nudge into Fall! September 6, 2013 at 11:57am Reply

    • Gretchen: Bois de Paradis is a winter scent for me, as is Bois des Iles. I’m really curious about the Tilda Swinton scent – are there other readers who recommend it? September 6, 2013 at 12:12pm Reply

      • Karen: Yes, I absolutely adore Tilda Swinton and ended up springing for a full bottle which I wore all autumn. Lovely maple, immortelle, gourmand without being cloying scent – rather like being in the best bakers’ kitchen in the world with a fire crackling away in the hearth. We’re heading into spring here in the Southern Hemisphere so I’ve tucked it away for another few months but as soon as the weather cools again, Tilda will be back into high rotation! September 6, 2013 at 5:11pm Reply

      • E.Lime: Yes! The Tilda Swinton scent is wonderful. It is sweet, but not oppressively so, and the ginger note is so light and beautiful. Cozy, and unusual. September 7, 2013 at 10:28am Reply

    • Patricia: Hi Mel, I’ll have to try the Tilda Swinton again. I think I have a sample around here somewhere. Isn’t it spicy, pumpkiny, milky, but non-sweet? September 6, 2013 at 3:28pm Reply

      • Karen: Oops sorry put my reply in the wrong place I think – no, I don’t find it too sweet by any means, just warm and comforting! September 6, 2013 at 5:12pm Reply

    • AndreaR: Just picked up Like This at ELDO here in Paris at their Marais store yesterday. Know I’ll enjoy wearing it as the weather turns cooler in the Pacific NW. Such a fun shopping experience. September 7, 2013 at 3:48am Reply

      • Patricia: I dream about perfume shopping in Paris 🙂 . September 7, 2013 at 9:40am Reply

  • Anne: Hello! Autumn is my favorite season too! I love the melancholia of it, I love its colours and of course its smells. the first scent of rotting leaves on the wet earth is delicious! I am abandoning my beloved summer basil to rediscover my adored cinnamon on everthing I eat.
    To me Mitsouko, Guerlain, is the ultimate fall scent. I also enjoy for warmer summer/fall day, the Eau Dynamisante by Clarins. Happy fall!! XXX September 6, 2013 at 12:25pm Reply

    • Patricia: Happy fall to you too, Anne! Haven’t tried the Eau Dynamisante by Clarins. What is it like? September 6, 2013 at 3:30pm Reply

  • Elizabeth: I look forward to autumn the way normal people long for spring. I hate summer, the heat makes me feel depressed. I have my favorite fall perfumes lined up! Ormonde Jayne Woman and Ta’if, Estee Lauder Azuree, Chanel Coromandel, and DS and Durga Siberian Snow. September 6, 2013 at 12:49pm Reply

    • Patricia: Hey, we autumn-lovers are normal, too 😉 You certainly have a nice line-up, though I’m not familiar with Durga Siberian Snow (but love the name!). September 6, 2013 at 3:35pm Reply

  • Illdone: Patricia, considering your first choices I’m sure you would like (love?) the original Mauboussin by Mauboussin edp.

    Front of the closet by the end of the month :
    Ambraliquida, Shalimar extrait, Lonestar Memories, Musc Ravageur and perhaps some incenses like Wazamba, Black Cashmere and Messe de Minuit (hey Christmas isn’t that far away is it? ;)) September 6, 2013 at 1:09pm Reply

    • Patricia: Illdone, I do like the original Mauboussin (at least I think that’s the one I have). Love your choices for fall. I need to incorporate some more incenses into my collection, and you have some very good ones listed here. September 6, 2013 at 3:39pm Reply

  • mough: The very first cold day or first day of snow here in WY I always wear Orange Star. It’s my ritual. In the dead of winter, the first time it hits below zero, I wear, always, Chocolate Greedy. But now, it’s still in the 90s, crazy hot for this time of year, so my nose and body are confused. It’s unusually humid, so I’m going for dry scents, like Tauer’s L’Air du Desert Marocain, my beloved Beloved, and today I am road-testing Black Tourmaline. Can’t wait to wear my new-to-me bottle of Amber Precieux. And Myrrhiad. September 6, 2013 at 1:28pm Reply

    • Patricia: Your choices sound perfect for the WY heat, mough. And congratulations on the Ambre Precieux! That bottle is beyond gorgeous. September 6, 2013 at 3:46pm Reply

  • 2046: i love your choices! ormonde woman is really the perfect autumn fragrance – like a dark, enchanted forest! botrytis and un bois vanille are also delicious. this autumn i also plan to wear hermessence ambre narguile, by kilian back to black, and SL bois de violette. September 6, 2013 at 2:28pm Reply

    • Patricia: Thanks, 2046! I like your choices, too, especially the Ambre Narguile 🙂 . September 6, 2013 at 3:48pm Reply

  • rosarita: I love the changing seasons but fall is my favorite and Patricia, I really enjoyed your descriptions of months and scents. I like spices year round but esp. in cooler months; along with so many scents that have been mentioned, I look forward to wearing Satellite Padparadscha, CdG edt, Bulgari Omnia and others. This year (I feel like a broken record because I keep talking about this) I have fallen in love with Imaginary Author’s Memoirs of a Trespasser and want to wear it all the time. It’s like a vanilla campfire and I’ve hit that point where I crave it. September 6, 2013 at 2:52pm Reply

    • Patricia: Thanks so much, rosarita! I now must try Imaginary Author’s Memoirs of a Trespasser after your description of it as a “vanilla campfire.” September 6, 2013 at 3:52pm Reply

  • Emma: Today’s cooler in New York but I still feel like it’s summer so a little hard for me to think Fall is coming soon, plus I’m leaving to Thailand tomorrow, I guess it’s going to feel like Fall when I come back.

    As you well know, I don’t really adhere to the seasonal perfume thing. That said at the moment, I’m wearing Serge Lutens La vierge de fer, a lily floral more abstract and seductive than Un Lys, extremely pretty, feminine and polished, smells more like a Chanel white floral exclusive than a classic Lutens. Also wearing Shalimar, pre-reformulation extrait 1998 – I got the sealed bottle on ebay and had Guerlain date it for me. It’s beyond beautiful. I read your review, you seemed to find the reformulation good so I don’t know when was the last time you tested it but I tried it last week at Saks. Compared to my 1998 bottle the Parfum of now is harsh and very synthetic artificial in a bad way from top to bottom. It has none of the smoothness, richness and complexity of 1990’s pre-reformulation version. The bergamot is bad quality and probably synthetic and not natural but the worse is the drydown, off-putting plasticky amber musk base. September 6, 2013 at 3:11pm Reply

    • Patricia: Hi Emma, Reformulations of our beloved fragrances can be so disappointing. Best wishes for a wonderful trip to Thailand. September 6, 2013 at 3:57pm Reply

  • Maja: Lovely post! I truly appreciate that there is somebody who likes November.

    There is definitely something with iris and autumn. It is far from being autumn yet where I live (although the color of the sky has changed and our sunsets are more orange than pink) but still I crave iris, Chanel 19 mostly. When it gets colder with morning fogs I will probably stick with Mitsouko, the ultimate autumn scent for me. I now realize that I actually look forward to wearing things that are not: refreshing/beachy/white floral. 🙂 September 6, 2013 at 3:12pm Reply

    • Patricia: Hi Maja, Thank you for your very kind comment. I used to wear Chanel 19 EDT, but now find that I actually prefer the EDP. Which formulation do you wear? September 6, 2013 at 3:59pm Reply

      • maja: I wear both and sometimes together, too. A couple of spritzes of edt and one of edp. It works well. 🙂 September 7, 2013 at 5:12am Reply

        • Patricia: I hadn’t thought of doing that and will try it immediately. Thanks for the tip! September 7, 2013 at 9:41am Reply

  • Jennifer C: I’m going to add onto the Botrytis love. It’s lovely stuff… I think I used up my sample and need to get more. I wish I had thought of it when I was ordering stuff from STC a few days ago. I could’ve thrown in a decant. Other scents I like for fall are Serge Lutens Chergui and Boxeuses, Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille, Hermes Elixir de Merveilles (though I really can wear that year-round), Rossy de Palma, Bulgari Omnia, Lubin Idole, Diptyque Volutes EDP, and Parfumerie Generale Cuir Venenum. I need to get my Afternoon of a Faun sample out too. I think it will be nice for fall.

    I’ll also need to revisit my SSS Ambre Noir and Amouage Memoir Woman samples when the weather gets cooler and bring out the Iris Silver Mist samples too. ISM was ok in the heat, but the other two were too much. I suspect all of them would be better when it cools down. September 6, 2013 at 3:12pm Reply

    • Patricia: Hi Jennifer, Your choices are lovely, and thanks for the reminder to get my Afternoon of a Faun sample out, too! I do that that the Ambre Noir and Memoir Woman will be better in the cooler weather. Something to look forward to :). September 6, 2013 at 4:04pm Reply

    • E.Lime: Yay! Another Rossy de Palma fan! I have been waiting for the heat and humidity here to break so that I can wear it. It’s so dark, sharp, and spicy! September 7, 2013 at 10:30am Reply

  • Eva S.: I love autumn, because it means that my all-time-favourite season winter is not far away! 🙂
    But I also love autumn for the first chill in the air, the thin ice on the lake, the elk hunt and a canter on my horse down the fields.
    My favourite scents for autumn is Hermes Jour d`Hermes, Hermes LÁmbre des Mervielles.
    Most complimented: Emma S Rue de Varenne, September 6, 2013 at 3:28pm Reply

    • Patricia: Love your evocative autumn description, Emma! I don’t know Emma S Rue de Varenne. What is it like? September 6, 2013 at 4:09pm Reply

      • Eva S.: Patricia: thank you 🙂 Where I am from (near the polarcircle), the elk-hunt is bigger than Christmas. Everybody hunts, and I mean everybody!
        Rue de Varenne is a very comforting, sort of cuddle-up scent, quiet but everybody seems to notice and love it. The notes are pear, Lily of the valley, orange blossom, musk, mocha, vanilla and patchouli.
        I have been wearing it to work, a huge success! September 7, 2013 at 1:34pm Reply

        • Patricia: Sorry, Eva! An elk-hunt must be very exciting, and I’m sure that near the polar circle, a warm, cuddle-up scent is much appreciated! September 7, 2013 at 3:03pm Reply

  • Shendel: It would be so lovely to have a typical northern hemisphere fall here in Brazil. Actually we have, but only in the deep south. I live in southwest and roughly we have only a wet summer and a dry winter.

    For colder days I also love my Coromandel and Bois de Iles. I have a Fendi Theorema, it was a blind buy in 2003. People recommended to me at the MakeupAlley forum and I just don’t like it. September 6, 2013 at 4:11pm Reply

    • Malak as-Saghir: I also live in London and therefore never look forward to autumn as it is very wet and windy. The best thing that does, however, make me yearn for autumnal days sometimes is ever so beautiful Chamade! Portrait of a lady is more of a winter scent for me. I love it but very rarely wear it as it seems to be bigger than me 🙂
      I do love it on my other half though – it makes him irresistible. More importantly, he loves it too and may get jealous sharing it with me 😉
      I think I may like Fille de Berlin by SL as my new autumnal rose (in addition to other favourites)
      Though not a lover of colder seasons, I must agree with you all that they allow more versatility and freedom in choosing the scents we wear than hotter seasons. September 6, 2013 at 4:48pm Reply

      • Patricia: I totally agree with you on POL, which gets so much love. It’s gorgeous, but somehow doesn’t seem quite “me.” And La Fille de Berlin is top of my list of full bottles to purchase…a perfect rose for autumn. September 7, 2013 at 9:45am Reply

    • Patricia: I need to try a little harder with Bois des Iles. It gets so much love, but I prefer other Chanels to it. September 6, 2013 at 8:51pm Reply

  • Aisha: I love the choice of Coromandel as a fall scent. I’m also quite fond of Cuir de Russie. I don’t have bottles of those yet — just samples — but one day…

    Right now, I’m settling for Estee Lauder’s Pleasures Delight. (Well, it’s still in the mid-90s here in the upper plains of the U.S., so that one will have to wait a little). Another favorite of mine for fall is Ralph Lauren’s Safari. I still have a half-full bottle of it from when my hubby bought it for me years and years and years and years ago. It still smells wonderful for a circa 1990 bottle. And a little goes a lo-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-ong way. 😉 September 6, 2013 at 4:23pm Reply

    • Patricia: I’m also a Safari fan, Aisha, and I agree that a little goes a long way 😉 September 6, 2013 at 8:48pm Reply

  • Cybele: Thinking of Avignon, Coromandel, Bois de Violette. September 6, 2013 at 8:34pm Reply

    • Patricia: Nice choices 🙂 September 6, 2013 at 8:48pm Reply

  • Poodle: These New England winters are awful. Really awful. Autumn is great but, ugh, what comes next… I’ll be wallowing in Tea for Two, Cardinal, Winter Woods and hoping for as little snow as possible. September 6, 2013 at 8:59pm Reply

    • Patricia: Great ones to wallow in, Poodle. Fingers crossed for a mild New England winter this year 🙂 September 7, 2013 at 9:32am Reply

  • Rita Sanyal: Autumn to me means loccitane’s Ambre, Calvin Klein Obsession and few delish concoctions from Bath & Body Works. September 7, 2013 at 3:33am Reply

    • Patricia: Which BBW fragrances are your favorites, Rita? September 7, 2013 at 9:33am Reply

      • Rita Sanyal: MY AUTUMN FAVORITES ARE:
        FOREVER SUNSHINE,LEAVES, BROWN SUGAR & FIG, CASHMERE GLOW & KENZO’S MASTERPIECE ..KENZO VINTAGE COLOGNE September 9, 2013 at 7:02am Reply

        • Patricia: The Brown Sugar and Fig sounds especially delicious to me this morning. I often reserve my fig fragrances for spring and summer, but there is no reason they shouldn’t be enjoyed year round. Especially when sprinked with a little brown sugar! September 9, 2013 at 7:15am Reply

    • Aisha: I love their Twilight Woods and Cashmere Glow shower gels. Malibu Heat is also a nice one, especially during the summer. September 7, 2013 at 4:06pm Reply

      • Patricia: I’ll have to test them next time I’m in a BBW store. September 7, 2013 at 4:37pm Reply

      • Victoria: I’m not sure if Cotton Blossom is still around, but it’s fantastic. Like a milder, gentler version of Rochas Tocade. September 8, 2013 at 4:11am Reply

        • Patricia: Another one for my list 🙂 . September 9, 2013 at 7:21am Reply

        • Rita Sanyal: yes another simple yet lingering mist very clean& airy a summer must!!!!! September 9, 2013 at 9:30am Reply

  • E.Lime: Many have mentioned the scents in my little fall wardrobe already, but I really love reading all these lists. The names have a beautiful way of following one another, and really do feel like fall. I am excited to bring out my Rossy de Palma, Coco, Coromandel, Stella, and Dzing! September 7, 2013 at 10:32am Reply

    • Patricia: It is so interesting to hear about everyone’s favorites, isn’t it? Although we can wear anything in any season if we want to, it’s a nice excuse to talk about perfume 🙂 . September 7, 2013 at 3:00pm Reply

  • Isis: I am planning to wear lots of SL Douce Amère this fall, some Hiris and no. 19, And my beloved Gucci eau de parfum. Tday I am wearing a new perfume that I think will be perfect in for fall: SL Boxeuses. My husband immediately said it reminded him very much of my beloved (now discontinued) Gucci Eau de parfum. It’s weird because I don think they share many notes but I do see his point. September 7, 2013 at 11:19am Reply

    • Patricia: I like Boxeuses very much and have been contemplating buying a bottle. A great fragrance for fall :). September 7, 2013 at 2:58pm Reply

  • Isis: I have been alternating between my samples of Cuir de Russie and Boxeuses. I’ve gone through a list of leathers in the past months… new Diorling, Daim Blond, Cuir Mauresque (great but maybe for husband not myself), Bottega Veneta … I am normally not a fan of fruity notes but Boxeuses surprised me, I am considering a FB myself. I am doing a bit more testing though, as I feel like I should be appreciating Cuir de Russie more, it being a classic and all….. September 8, 2013 at 2:40am Reply

    • Patricia: Isis, I like the original extrait version of Cuir de Russie, which I’m lucky enough to have. It is warm, rich, dark leather, and in my opinion the modern Exclusif version pales in comparison. September 8, 2013 at 3:19pm Reply

      • Isis: Hi Patricia. I just saw your comment on Cuir de Russie, thank you! I had high hopes for me and CdR, but at first I was a bit dissapointed … I was hoping it would roar on my skin but it sort of whispered softly. After wearing my decant for a few days I do really love its developement, and it is certainly different from anyting I have smelled so far. But I find that I need far too many sprays to get a real kick out of it. I think my search-for-the-perfect-leather is still ongoing… September 12, 2013 at 1:10pm Reply

        • Patricia: But what an enjoyable journey it will be 🙂 . September 12, 2013 at 1:23pm Reply

  • Dao: Lovely post. I also feel in Paris the weather stretching .. I noticed back from market this week that tomatoes were almost tasteless (sigh) but warmer, earthier shades and ingredients come naturally to me..I feel like cooking yellow carrots and chanterelles, beetroots, along with figs and the last yellow peaches.. I also switch fragrances: end with Bulgari Thé vert, spray Coco Mademoiselle all day. Find it perfect: spicier, warmer, more sillage but still acceptable transition before incenses (Goutal)and stronger orientals (Rose Loukhoum Artisan Parfumeur) that I keep for winter. For now I’am also reverting to Melograno of Santa Maria Novella, which makes for a more rooted traditional feeling. As comforting than root vegetables coming back! September 8, 2013 at 6:24am Reply

    • Patricia: Hi Dao, and thank you. I’ve been meaning to try Melograno for some time now. And I agree with you about the comfort of root vegetables…almost makes the loss of summer tomatoes tolerable. September 8, 2013 at 3:24pm Reply

  • Marie: I am not a fan of grey skies, rainy days and decreasing hours of sunlight. Fall and winter give me the creeps, they seem to start earlier and last longer with each year…

    But as much as I wished spring and summer were just as strong, I tend to favour light orientals and warm, smoky perfumes. My fall picks include leathers like Bottega Veneta, Cuir Ottoman and Cuir Blanc by Evody or scents that highlight amber (Prada L’Eau Ambrée, OJ Tolu and the wonderful Tabac Aurea).
    Wearing perfume actually helps a lot to go through the cold season. I might even like them a little bit just for the perfume alone. September 8, 2013 at 8:34am Reply

    • Patricia: Your fall choices are lovely, Marie. I gave my sample of Tabac Aurea to my husband, but I might just take it back again. I love the smoky and tobacco fragrances for fall 🙂 . September 8, 2013 at 3:30pm Reply

    • Annikky: Great selection! And thanks for reminding me that I should dig out my Tabac Aurea travel spray. September 9, 2013 at 3:03am Reply

  • Michaela: I don’t really change perfume with the seadon but I’ve noticed I leave florals aside in September and I tend to focus on more substantial and velvety fragrances. Shalimar Parfum Initial, Agent Provocateur, Midnight Poison and Hypnotic, Kenzo Jungle , Amour Le Parfum, Lempicka Midnight Black Couture, Venezia Edp Laura Biagiotti, Ormonde Woman, Micallef Ylang in Gold, the lovely Lou Lou Cacharel. While I keep using them in summer as well, in fall, I think, they unfold the most their beauty. September 8, 2013 at 8:43am Reply

    • Patricia: I tend to forego the white flower fragrances in fall and winter, but I love the heavier roses and all of the irises in the colder months. Your fragrances sound lovely for any season. September 8, 2013 at 3:37pm Reply

  • nikki: Lovely suggestions everybody, thank you. I like Shalimar extrait, Tuscany, Mauboussin Original, Hermes Ambre, the new Elie Saab honey like perfume, Spellbound, First, Avignon by CdG, Samsara, Creed’s Vanisia, Kurkdijan’s Absolue pour le soir… September 8, 2013 at 1:54pm Reply

    • Patricia: Hi Nikki, And thank you for adding your favorites to the mix :). September 8, 2013 at 3:37pm Reply

      • Cornelia Blimber: Hi Nikki! I am surprised not to find APOM on your list…. September 8, 2013 at 4:17pm Reply

  • bobbie ann: I am happy to join the club of fall people! Summer makes me depressed–almost a kind of reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder! This fall will be like no other, as I am expecting my first baby in October. Perfume-wise, I appear to have fallen for Afternoon of a Faun lately (took some time) and am eagerly awaiting decants of Theorema and L’Ambre des merveilles. September 8, 2013 at 4:28pm Reply

    • Patricia: Dear bobbie ann, What a lovely month to have a baby! I like your fall choices and wish you much happiness with your little-one-to-come 🙂 . September 8, 2013 at 6:10pm Reply

  • Emma M: Lovely writing Patricia, you’ve certainly stirred my enthusiam for the autumn months to come. And thanks for reminding me that I need to try L’Ambre de Merveilles

    For early autumn, my favourites are Stella and YSL Cinema. On a grey, rainy autumn day I like Bottega Veneta and as it creeps towards winter I turn to L’Occitane Ambre and Czech & Speak’s Dark Rose September 9, 2013 at 1:13pm Reply

    • Patricia: Thank you, Emma, for your very kind comments. Cinema is also a favorite of mine, and I have it in both the EDP and the parfum, which is very rich-smelling and stays closer to the skin. Do try L’Ambre de Merveilles. It is warm, cozy, and comforting. I can happily wear it for days on end without tiring of it. September 9, 2013 at 1:41pm Reply

  • clare rees: Oh how I pine for Fendi Theorema. I wish I could get a bottle for less than $200. I wish they would bring it back! I can smell it now – it’s beautiful and you are right, the perfect Autumn scent. September 10, 2013 at 12:24pm Reply

    • Patricia: Oh dear, I didn’t realize that the price had skyrocketed on the Theorema! I bought it several years ago, and while I don’t remember what I paid for it, I’m sure it wasn’t $200.
      Why do they have to discontinue all the good ones? Guerlain’s Iris Ganache is another discontinued beauty that would be perfect for fall, but it’s rarer than hen’s teeth, and when found, prohibitively expensive. September 11, 2013 at 9:20am Reply

  • Alexandra: For me Coromandel was an immediate hit. Love at first smell!

    Fall does instigate a change of scent for me. Put my summery scents aside (L’imperatrice!) and prepare for the chilly months ahead 🙂 September 11, 2013 at 9:55am Reply

    • Patricia: Coromandel took me a little longer, but I adore it now and own a full bottle 🙂 September 11, 2013 at 1:12pm Reply

  • Wendyr: Fall for me means a fragrance that wraps around you like a beautiful soft veil and follows you everywhere during the day and then curls around you at night when you bring your wrist up to your nose. My favorites right now are Mona di Orio Les Nombres d’Or Vanille and Perris Ambre Gris (my new find). September 11, 2013 at 6:58pm Reply

  • Patricia: I like the Mona d’Orio Vanille, but am not familiar with Perris Ambre Gris. What are the notes (other than amber)? September 11, 2013 at 8:15pm Reply

    • Wendyr: My nose tells me rose, vanilla and sandalwood. The website tells me: Top – Davana, Heart – Rose, Geranium and the Base – Sandalwood, Cedar wood, Amber, coumanin, vanilla, labdanum and musk. For my nose it is a warm, sultry perfume. I love floral orientals, but this is a warm wonderful sultry fragrance to my nose. It is worth a try if you enjoy the older multi-layered Guerlains with the vanilla base. September 11, 2013 at 9:38pm Reply

      • Patricia: I love the combination of rose, vanilla, and sandalwood and will have to try this one. One of the best things about fall is the return of the floral orientals to the perfume rotation 🙂 September 12, 2013 at 10:08am Reply

  • Linda: I would love to find Botrytis… I’m in the UK but going to Paris shopping in 2 weeks. Does anyone know where I can buy it there?… September 25, 2013 at 3:02pm Reply

  • Sexy Sadie: My choices is Kenzo jungle Elephant, Black Cashmere, Escada Collection and Chanel Coco EdP and Arabian Ouds Kalemat. November 18, 2013 at 4:53pm Reply

    • Patricia: What nice choices, Sadie! Coco was my signature scent for many years, and I still love its spicy vanilla elegance. November 21, 2013 at 11:22am Reply

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