I'm a Perfume Fanatic and These Are the Fall Fragrances You Need to Try (2024)

Courtesy of Danielle Sinay

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With base notes of vanilla and amber, Unmute seemingly follows the fall-fragrance formula, but after the first spray, you quickly realize it’s anything but basic. Black plum adds an intriguing layer of fruitiness, while cinnamon, sage, and incense gives it depth and sensuality. You’ll want to snuggle in close to whoever wears this scent. Perfect for sweater weather and cuffing season. —Ariana Yaptangco, senior beauty editor

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Courtesy of Emily Tannenbaum

My favorite fragrance of all time is Way With Woods by Snif, though it’s especially ideal for fall. It’s the perfect earthy scent that’s sexy enough for a night on the town but subtle enough for every day. I’ve literally emptied four bottles of this and refuse to throw them out just in case there’s one last drop. —Emily Tannenbaum, contributing editor

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Courtesy of Sarah Y. Wu

As soon as the weather cools down, I start layering Kayali Vanilla 28 under everything, from colognes to florals to gourmands. It smells like brown sugar and the richest vanilla extract, and never fails to get compliments from strangers. I usually use it as a vanilla booster for other scents, but sometimes wear it on its own (sparingly). I once went out for pizza wearing two sprays of Vanilla 28. Even though I swear I could only smell cheese and dough in the restaurant, three people came up to me to ask what I was wearing. —Sarah Y. Wu, beauty contributor

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Courtesy of Charlotte Twine

I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect vanilla scent for ages, but most perfumes miss the mark due to smelling like, well, food. Back in college, I smothered myself in The Body Shop’s Vanilla Perfume Oil (RIP!), until the day I went on a long road trip and someone in the car asked, “Does anyone smell food? I smell cookies.” (I was mortified.) Flash-forward to my current obsession with PerfumeTok, where Phlur's Vanilla Skin body mist has been all the rage. I put it in my cart immediately after watching the TikTok reviews. With notes of vanilla, pink pepper, cashmere wood, and sandalwood, Vanilla Skin is a swoonworthy (and un-embarrassing) combo of sweet and sensual. It’s now my daily scent. —Charlotte Twine, copy editor

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Courtesy of Danielle Sinay

Woody and spicy with notes of aromatic citrus, Amouage’s Search smells like Lana Del Rey’s song “Blue Jeans.” It’s a little James Dean, a little femme fatale, and effortlessly sexy. Think: the coolest vintage leather jacket you’ve seen, but in smell form. It’s simply perfect, and unfortunately for anyone who knows me, I will be making it my personality for the foreseeable fall season. Oh, and did I mention it’s unisex and considered one of Glamour's best men’s colognes? Win-win. —D.S.

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Courtesy of Sarah Y. Wu

PerfumeTok convinced me to add Parfums de Marly Oriana to my collection, and it’s everything I hoped for. Oriana is not a subtle scent and smells every bit as pink and romantic as the bottle looks. If you turned a Ladurée pastry into a perfume, you’d get something like this combination of red berries, powdered sugar, whipped cream, and marshmallow. Yes, you need to love gourmands to wear this one. Luckily, I’m a gourmand girl through and through. —S.Y.W.

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Courtesy of Christian DeFonte

Original image by Glamour commerce producer Leilani McQuay

I have never received more compliments on a fragrance than I have with this one. I can’t step outside without at least one person asking me what it is. I love Byredo’s scents because, aside from being unique, they have lasting power. This one in particular is like palo santo in a bottle, with a hint of more sweetness. —Andrea Navarro, contributor

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Courtesy of Jessica Radloff

Pumpkin-spice everything be damned. I will always lean toward subtle vanilla, and I don’t apologize for it. That’s why Gucci Flora’s newest fragrance, Gorgeous Orchid, is perfect for fall. With warm florals and key notes of vanilla duo, vanilla orchid, and marine ozonic accord, Gorgeous Orchid will take you seamlessly from summer to fall. It’s not at all overpowering, and will leave you feeling light and fresh. —Jessica Radloff, senior West Coast editor

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Courtesy of Sarah Y. Wu

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File this under Fragrances My Little Sister Has Stolen From Me. (Fortunately, a replacement bottle is currently en route.) For me, and apparently my sister, fall is all about comfort, and Skylar’s Vanilla Sky is basically the feeling of coziness in a bottle. Its rich, warm blend of cappuccino, vanilla, and caramelized cedar makes for the ultimate autumnal aroma. Just be sure to hide it from perfume-loving siblings. —D.S.

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Courtesy of Sarah Y. Wu

Tom Ford fragrances are strong with a capital S—but as a bold fragrance lover, I don't mind at all. Café Rose combines two of my favorite things, roses and dark coffee, to create a rich and nuanced scent. Rounding out the notes are coriander, patchouli, and cardamom, for that cozy fall feel. —A.Y.

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Courtesy of Sarah Y. Wu

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At first this fragrance comes out swinging with intense smokiness similar to vanilla bourbon. As it dries down, it evolves into a gorgeous vanilla that reminds me of cookies fresh out of the oven. It may sound kiddish, but smelling like snickerdoodles is instantly comforting and cozy and definitely screams “fall.” —A.Y.

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Diptyque’s Orphéon smells like nostalgia. Like most of my favorite scents, it’s woody and smoky and all-around cozy. But it also feels exceptionally elevated and chic, and does, indeed, smell like what you imagine 1960s Paris would have. Rich, bright notes of juniper berries and jasmine top the warmth of cider and tonka bean to make this a classic fragrance for year round—though I personally prefer to wear it in the fall. —D.S.

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Courtesy of Charlotte Twine

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If you’re looking for a woodsy fall fragrance, your search stops now. Henry Rose’s Char is warm and comforting yet spicy, sexy, and smoky: a beautiful blend of sensual tonka bean and fresh Côte d’Ivoire ginger with hints of Moroccan orange flower, Indonesian patchouli, and Haitian vetiver. Char evokes feelings of s’mores by the open campfire, sipping tea in your favorite sweater, and crunching crimson leaves…it’s everything you love about the crisp fall season packaged into a magnificently musky aroma. —D.S.

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I’ve never smelled anything like Fleur du Mal before and there’s a reason—the heart note is osmanthus, a rare flower native to eastern Asia. It’s similar to jasmine but with a more musky, woodsy feel that is both appropriate for the cozy vibes of fall and won’t get lost in the shuffle of the season’s usual fragrance suspects. I haven't even gotten to the gorgeous refillable glass bottle, featuring violet and tortoiseshell tones, which will sit beautifully on my vanity. —A.Y.

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